With the increased interest in renewable energy sources across the globe, the interest in solar systems has also shot up at amazing rates. The ability of the sun to power an entire home is a huge environmental plus (think of all the electricity saved!) and is a great use of a resource that we have many hours of each and every week.
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But, when it comes to solar systems, do you actually know what they are made up of and how they work? Solar systems consist of solar panels, (or photovoltaic (PV) panels), a solar inverter (super important) and a rack to keep everything in place. They may also contain a battery, depending on the system and an electric meter, and the amount and type of panels for each system will depend on the energy output needed. Considering how important and beneficial solar systems are, we thought we would put together a little information regarding solar inverters, how they work and what to look for in a good solar inverter, given their importance. If you have any questions after you have read this article, call Fallon Solutions on 1300 054 488.
A solar inverter is one of the most crucial parts of a solar power system. A solar inverter converts the energy output from solar panels into a usable electricity form, to be utilised in your home or workplace.
A solar inverter works by taking in the variable direct current, or ‘DC’ output, from your solar panels and transforming it into alternating 120V/240V current, or ‘AC’ output. The appliances in your home run on AC, not DC, which is why the solar inverter must change the DC output that is collected by your solar panels.
To be a little more technical, the sun shines down on your solar panels (or photovoltaic (PV) cells), which are made of semiconductor layers of crystalline silicon or gallium arsenide. These layers are a combo of both positive and negative layers, which are connected by a junction. When the sun shines, the semiconductor layers absorb the light and send the energy to the PV cell. This energy runs around and bumps electrons lose, and they move between the positive and negative layers, producing an electric current known as direct current (DC). Once this energy is produced, it is either stored in a battery for later use or sent directly to an inverter (this depends on the type of system you have).
When the energy gets sent to the inverter, it is in DC format but your home requires AC. The inverter grabs the energy and runs it through a transformer, which then spits out an AC output. The inverter, in essence, ‘tricks’ the transformer into thinking that the DC is actually AC, by forcing it to act in a way like AC – the inverter runs the DC through two or more transistors that turn on and off super fast and feed two varying sides of the transformer.
Now you know what a solar inverter is and how it works, it’s time to look at the different types of inverters. There are 5 different kinds of solar inverters, all with varying benefits :
A battery inverter is the best option if you are needing to retrospectively fit a battery into your solar system, or are wanting to keep your battery separate from your solar panels and run through a different inverter. A battery inverter converts your battery power into 230V AC and feeds it into your switchboard (instead of grid power) wherever possible.
A central inverter is huge and is used for systems requiring hundreds of kilowatts (or even sometimes megawatts) of volume. They aren’t for residential use and resemble a large metal cabinet, with each ‘cabinet’ being able to handle around 500kW of power. They are generally used commercially for large-scale installations, or for utility-scale solar farms.
Hybrid inverters, otherwise known as ‘multi-mode inverters’, are pretty uncommon in Australia and allow you to connect batteries to your solar system. It engages with the connected batteries through ‘DC coupling’ (when both the solar and batteries use one inverter and the DC from the solar panels charges the batteries via a DC charger) and its electronics organise the charging and discharging of the battery.
As their name suggests, microinverters are super small (the size of a book!) and the ratio of solar panels to microinverters is 1:1. The benefit of a microinverter, among others, is that they optimise each solar panel individually, which offers more energy (especially in shady conditions).
Last but not least, there are string inverters. String inverters are the most common inverter option for residential use, and there is usually 1 string inverter per solar installation. They are known as ‘string inverters’ due to the fact that a string of solar panels is connected to them.
When considering the numerous different inverter brands, types and sizes, there are a few things you can keep an eye out for when it comes to good solar inverters. These include:
The Clean Energy Regulator has a list of CEC approved inverters, which is super important to review. Being CEC approved means it is suitable and approved for Australian climates in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards, and is of good quality. It is also worth checking out the company itself, its history and how long it has been in business. Are they experts in this field, or are they really specialists in another area?
This is a question that a lot of people get confused with. For the best clarification we can provide, it is best to get an inverter that is able to handle the max power that a solar power system can produce. For example, if you are after a 3kW solar power system, you will need 3kW panels and a 3kW solar inverter. Now, there are exceptions to this rule, but we won’t get into those here (and they are really quite confusing too!).
Make sure your inverter’s rating in kilowatts is equal to or more than the solar panels’ output
This is a big one to consider when you are looking at where your inverter will be located. If it is weather-proof, this obviously offers you a little more flexibility when it comes to placement but, if it’s not, you may need to consider getting a weather-proof cage for protection (but will cost extra). The general rule is the more protected your solar inverter is, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. Check out the specifications of the solar inverters you are interested in and speak to the solar installation company to find out where they plan to install the inverter.
Take a look at the solar inverter display and see how much information is available to be viewed directly on your inverter, or whether there is a remote monitoring option (for example, from a console in your home). Some of the information that may be contained on the display includes:
There are even remote options for your mobile devices or computers, so it really depends on your budget and your requirements when it comes to the display.
Make sure you read the rating of solar inverters carefully – they are rated in terms of ‘DC input’ and ‘AC output’, so ensure you choose a system that suits your needs
This is a very important point! Most grid-connected inverters usually last around 10-20 years, and (realistically) they should all last 10 years at an absolute minimum. Depending on the inverter, warranties usually last around 5-12 years, with some extension options for an extra cost. Take a look at the inverter you would like and its features, and weigh up the need for a longer warranty than what is offered – always remember, the longer the warranty, the more protection you have.
This is a consideration if you are wanting to expand your solar system in the future. It is best to speak to a solar electrician regarding this, as what you require will really depend on a lot of differing factors (too many to list here!).
If you are going to be connected to the grid (where the energy from your solar panels goes to your home or the main energy grid), ensure you review solar inverters with an efficiency of at least 93% (transformer-based) or 95% (transformerless). These are the expected efficiency levels for most good inverter options.
This is the trickiest question of the lot, and we can’t provide an exact answer. It really depends on your requirements as to how much you are going to need to pay, with prices ranging from $800.00 to $5,000.00 or more. The one thing we can tell you is this – never buy the cheapest option. They do not last, and you will be buying another inverter long before you should be when buying the cheapest choice.
If you have any questions, or would like to arrange for a friendly electrical technician to attend your home or workplace in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Logan, and Ipswich, call Fallon Solutions on 1300 054 488 or book online today.
Resources:
Australian Government – Clean Energy Regulator (CEC Approved Inverters): https://cer.gov.au/node/4571
Queensland Government (Buying solar products): https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/buying-products-and-services/buying-products/buying-solar-products
Australian Government – Department of the Environment and Energy (Solar PV and batteries): https://www.energy.gov.au/households/solar-pv-and-batteries
Australian Government – Your Home (Batteries and Inverters): http://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/batteries-and-inverters
Solar panels collect sunlight. But how does that sunlight turn into electricity?
This is where the essential part of a residential solar system comes into play: a solar inverter. A solar inverter takes the electricity your solar panels make and turns it into electricity the devices in your home can use.
Solar panels are an investment that returns long-term savings, enjoys a generous tax credit from the government and can provide you with reliable clean energy for years. And while solar adoption is on the rise, if you don't know how a solar panel system works, you're likely not alone.
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While the solar inverter market is dominated by just a couple of options, knowing how inverters work will help you make sure your system is optimized and fits your needs. Going into your inverter shopping experience armed with information will ensure you're getting the best deal available.
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Here's what you need to know.
An inverter's main function is changing the electricity from direct current to alternating current. Solar panels generate direct current electricity, which can't be used by the grid. An inverter ensures the power you generate is compatible with the grid by switching it to alternating current.
Inverters today do a lot more, though. They're the bit of equipment that monitors and reports power generation and usage. If a solar panel system offers monitoring online or through an app (it likely will), the inverters are collecting and sharing that information.
Advanced solar inverters can disconnect your home from the grid in case of a power outage. Solar arrays without storage and a capable inverter will shut down when the grid goes down, but with the right technology, you can keep the lights on.
Inverters come in two types: string inverters and microinverters.
String inverters are the old guard of solar inverters. They do the direct to alternating current conversion for a group of solar panels (or a string, if you want to stick with the jargon) at one, centralized location. They're the cheapest option and, since they're usually installed somewhere easily accessible (like the side of your house), they'll be easier to service if they need it.
The downside of string inverters is that they're a bit of a blunter tool than their microinverter counterparts. Because they handle whole groups of panels at once, a dip in production in one panel brings down the performance of all the panels. If one of the panels in a string is shaded and produces less power, every panel in the string produces at that lower level. A roof that's partially shaded throughout the day might be better suited to microinverters.
If you're locked in on string inverters, there's an additional investment you can make that will help bring them up to par with microinverters and prevent you from suffering from a massive dip in production if you have panels that are shaded or damaged. You can pair your string inverter installation with DC power optimizers. These power optimizers are installed individually on the solar panels, like microinverters would be, except they're a more inexpensive choice. When power optimizers are installed, one solar panel dipping in energy production doesn't affect the other panels.
Centralized location
Cheaper option
Easier to access for service
Easier to install
DC power optimizers can help performance
Less productive
Weaker warranties
Microinverters perform the same direct current to alternating current switch, but at each individual panel. With microinverters at each panel, the production of panels aren't chained to each other. If one is shaded, another in full sun can keep producing at full-sun levels, ensuring a higher level of performance across the entirety of your solar panel system.
Microinverters are more expensive, but better fits for partially shaded or complex roofs where panels face different directions or are set at different angles.
Because microinverters are connected to each panel, servicing them requires a technician getting up on the roof. That means maintenance can be a bit more expensive, though maintenance for solar panel systems is usually fairly minimal. Microinverters typically come with stronger, 25-year warranties, than string inverters, which are typically about 12 years.
A solar panel system might also use a string inverter with power optimizers. Power optimizers don't convert the electricity to alternating current. That still happens in one place at the string inverter. Instead, power optimizers make it possible for panels to produce independently of each other. If one is shaded, the others can carry on. More or less, power optimizers and microinverters accomplish the same job in different ways.
Stronger warranties
More efficient
Last longer
More expensive
Servicing can be more expensive
Once you know whether a string inverter or microinverters are most suitable for your house, you want to make sure you're getting a good product. Within each category, there are a couple of useful points of comparison: warranty and efficiency.
While typical microinverter warranties are twice as long as the typical string inverter warranty, differences exist between products of the same group. A longer warranty might make one inverter a much better choice than another.
Efficiency is a measure of how much energy is lost (usually through heat) as the inverter does its job. Efficiency ratings should be readily available for any inverter on the market. Higher efficiency means less energy lost between the panels and your house.
Education is one good guard against falling prey to scammy solar companies. In 2023, supply was a big issue for homeowners looking for solar inverters. There was a decent chance that, if you were looking for solar equipment last year, your preferred picks might not be available. Data analyst firm Wood Mackenzie has released projections that more accessible supply lines will rectify some of these issues in 2024, but America's energy policy largely hinges on the upcoming presidential election. No matter what, though, make sure you get the best overall deal by comparing multiple quotes from different solar companies.
Before you shop, though, it's a good idea to brush up on some of the basics: solar panel types, net metering and, maybe, home backup batteries.
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