What is a solar inverter?

A solar inverter is a critical aspect of most photovoltaic (PV) power systems, in which energy from direct sunlight is harnessed by solar panels and transformed into usable electricity.

Can a solar inverter power a home?

While solar panels generate energy in the form of DC power, most household appliances and electrical systems operate using AC power. The inverter bridges this gap by converting DC to AC, making it possible to power your home or business with solar energy.

Do solar panels need an inverter?

Without an inverter, the energy generated by your solar panels would remain in DC form, which cannot be used to power your appliances. The inverter allows for efficient energy use, optimising your solar system’s performance and enabling you to run all the electrical systems in your home or office. How Does a Solar Inverter Work?

How does a solar inverter work?

Distribution: As alternating current, the solar power can then be safely used within a home’s electrical system, stored in a battery reserve, or shared with the utility energy grid. In essence, the inverter acts as the heart of a solar energy system, pumping generated electricity wherever it needs to go.

Can I add solar panels later with a microinverter?

While it’s easier to add solar panels to your system later with microinverters, choosing the right string inverter before your installation is critical, as central inverter systems are typically built-to-suit without the capacity for expanded solar generation. Use our online tool to find the right sizes for your solar energy system components.

What type of inverter is used for solar power?

Silicon MOSFETs or IGBTs are commonly used for it. String inverters for non-utility installations generate either single- or three-phase AC power. Depending on the output voltages of the PV strings, different implementations are possible, with system power ratings varying from 3 kW up to 350 kW.