Solar Inverters: Different types, Features, and Benefits

If you’ve ever installed a solar power system or taken an interest in the solar world, you’ve probably wondered how this complex system works. Although solar panels are considered the main component of a solar system, solar inverters play a crucial role, serving as the system’s heart and ensuring high productivity.

 

So why are they so important? Simply put, your home or business cannot use the direct energy from the sun as electricity. Solar inverters convert this energy into usable power.

 

Let’s delve into what solar inverters are, their types and benefits, and how to choose the right inverter for your needs.

 

What is a Solar Inverter and How Does It Work? 

 

Solar inverters are converters that transform the energy obtained from solar panels, making it usable as electricity. This makes inverters the key to the system’s high productivity, as the entire system’s power and the amount of electricity produced depend on them.

 

Here’s the process: solar panels absorb sunlight, and the photovoltaic (PV) cells within them convert it into solar energy. This energy then passes through the inverter. Inside the solar inverter, there is a device called a buck converter, which takes the direct current (DC) energy from your solar panels and converts it into alternating current (AC) energy or electricity. This AC electricity then flows through your home’s electrical wiring, powering your appliances and lights.

 

The quality and capacity of a solar inverter are indeed crucial because a malfunctioning inverter can damage not only the solar power system but also the home systems powered by it. To understand which inverter to choose for your home or business, let’s explore the main types and their cons.

 

What are Different types of Solar Inverters 

 

Solar inverters generally come in three types: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid.

 

Grid-Tied Inverters (ON-GRID) are the most commonly used inverters in Armenia, working in conjunction with the electrical grid. They power devices and also allow excess electricity to be stored in the grid for later use.

In Armenia, the law allows individuals to sell excess energy to the grid at 50% of the retail price.

 

Main Advantages of Grid-Tied Inverters:

• They work with the electrical grid, allowing you to store excess energy.
• You can sell electricity.
• They save money as they are relatively affordable.
• They operate without batteries.
• They have a relatively simple installation and usage system.
• They automatically shut off if the grid goes down, preventing indirect electricity transmission to the grid and protecting the system.

 

Off-Grid Inverters, unlike on-grid inverters, are not connected to the electrical grid. They have batteries that can store the generated electricity. During non-solar hours or days when the produced electricity is insufficient, energy is automatically supplied from the battery to the home’s main grid.

 

These inverters are called off-grid because they convert, store, reserve, and use electricity as needed.

 

Main Advantages of Off-Grid Inverters:

• They can operate in remote areas where the home or business cannot connect to the electrical grid.
• They are more advantageous in areas with frequent grid outages or disruptions.
• They operate independently of the electrical grid.
• They have batteries that can store excess energy.

 

Hybrid Inverters combine the features of both on-grid and off-grid inverters. These inverters have a storage battery and are connected to the electrical grid. They can convert, power devices, and transfer excess energy to both the electrical grid and the battery. In case of grid failure or outages, energy is automatically supplied from the battery.

 

These inverters are mainly used in businesses, residential or commercial buildings, where continuous power and energy supply is critical.

 

Main Advantages of Hybrid Inverters:

• They ensure uninterrupted and continuous power and energy supply, regardless of conditions.
• They provide high productivity.
• They combine the benefits of both grid-tied and off-grid inverters.
• Excess energy can be stored in both the battery and the electrical grid.
• They can power the home or business from the battery-stored energy in case of grid failure or outages.

 

Explore the quality range of solar inverters and more offered by Eco Step here.

 

How to Choose the Right Solar Inverter

We have familiarized ourselves with the main types of solar inverters, and now let’s clarify how to choose the right and suitable inverter for your home, business, or any other building.

There is no single answer to this question, though. Choosing the right inverter means selecting one that works best with the solar system and ensures high productivity. Several important factors need to be considered:

1. Consider your system’s capacity and the number of installed solar panels. The system’s total capacity determines which inverter is appropriate to use.
2. Consider the power of the solar inverter.
3. Study the type, brand, capabilities, advantages, and efficiency of the inverter. Inverter efficiency is measured in percentages and indicates how well the inverter converts DC electricity to AC electricity. High-efficiency inverters use solar energy better. Choose inverters with an efficiency of 95% or higher.
4. Consider the overall location of the system, that is, the conditions under which the system operates.
5. And consider your budget. The best choice can be made in the price-quality ratio.

To recoup your investment and truly minimize your electricity and energy costs, it’s essential to consider who and what inverters are offered. Various inverters of different capacities and productivity can be found on the market, but it’s crucial to take into account the warranties offered by the company, the inverter’s functionality, the service provision method, and after-sales service.

Eco Step offers a quality range of solar inverters from the leading brand Huawei, as well as up to 25 years of warranty.

 

FAQ

Can I keep my solar inverter always on?

Yes, you can. Regardless of whether the solar panels are still absorbing energy or not, the solar inverter converts it into electricity either simultaneously or at different times.

Do solar inverters work at night?

No, solar inverters turn off at night. Once all the energy has been converted and stored, they

automatically shut down to save energy.

Can I connect the inverter to the internet?

Yes, you can. Modern inverters can be connected to your home’s internet network, allowing you to monitor how much energy has been produced, used, or remains available.