Solar Inverters – How do they work? Types and Their Applications
In the current moment of environmental disaster that is always calling for the use of more environmentally friendly and sustainable methods for producing electricity installing the solar panel and other inverters to energy generation is among the most effective methods of contributing to improving the quality of our environment.
How do you define Solar inverter?
A solar inverter is one of the most essential components that make up any solar power system. It allows conversion of direct current (DC) into AC, or alternating current (AC) which makes the energy suitable for a variety of commercial, residential and industrial applications like powering various devices that range from regular and commercial household appliances such as refrigerators, 1xbetm.info microwaves, and TVs to massive industrial equipment. Inverters for solar not only play an essential part in making green energy accessible to the vast most electrical devices and devices, but they also aid in monitoring the efficiency of the whole solar system, and also provide diagnostic data needed to detect and correct any technical problems. In addition, using inverters, users are able to store extra energy in batteries and return it in the grid.
- Solar inverters are an integral part of solar PV systems
- Solar inverter power play the following functions in the solar power system
- Transformation from DC into AC power
- The maximization of energy production
- Securing the operation of systems
- Better grid assistance capabilities
- Power output is accurately tracked
The advantages and benefits of various kinds of solar inverter
The effectiveness and use of different types of solar inverters differ based on several factors. Here are the various types of Best solar inverters in India and their uses as well as their advantages. Information:
String inverter
The grid is directly linked to them, and generally do not have the capability of battery back-up. These are the most widely used solar inverters, and are suitable for both household and commercial use. They usually have a life-span of 25 years and a five-year warranty.
Applications of string solar inverter
These types of inverters are best suited for residential and commercial applications since it can be used for small utility installations that typically are less than 1MW. String inverters are the best choice for homeowners seeking low-cost PV systems or houses equipped with roofing systems that are simple and receive consistent sunlight throughout the day.
Advantages of best solar inverter
- Reliable technology
- Easy to maintain because they are located in easily-accessible areas.
- There are 3 possible phases
- Pocket-friendly
- Highly efficient
- Cost of installation is lower since no special equipment or tools are required
- High design Flexibility
- Low power consumption
Central inverters
These inverters are extremely efficient and are compatible with specific grid-like features fluctuations control balance, fluctuation management, etc. These types of solar inverters are generally large and come with their own storage space as well as an exhaust system. They usually come with a power capacity at 400 KW and greater.
Applications
Central inverters are usually utilized for massive factories, or solar farms for utility-scale as central inverters ensure the same and consistent production across. They’re not recommended for residential use, since their smaller counterparts string inverters will suffice for the energy needs of a household.
Advantages
- Centralised control leads to an easier management
- Optimized per watt cost
- Highly efficient
- Easy to install
Micro-inverters
The name suggests that they are best solar inverters comparatively smaller in terms of size and power in comparison to string inverters. They typically have a power capacity that ranges from 200 to 350 W. They’re more expensive however they are more effective in areas with partial shade. They are installed separately on the back of each panel, so the change between DC into AC is performed according to the specific panel that it is connected.
Applications
These are the best for commercial and residential installations in which the solar panels are facing in different directions, thus reducing inefficiencies caused by shading. It’s more expensive than string inverters, but it is the best solution for situations that have a variance between the quantity of Sun that each solar panels receives.
Advantages
- More solar energy production
- It combats issues with shade
- The best solar panels are facing in different directions.
- Usually, they come with a warranty of 25 years
- Individually, each panel’s trackability
Inverters that are off-grid
They are also referred to as stand-alone inverters due to the fact that they’re completely unaffected by the solar panel sync. Off-grid inverters obtain the energy needed to convert from batteries powered by photovoltaic arrays. This kind of solar inverter is commonly utilized in remote regions in which people want to completely live without electricity.
Applications
Off-grid inverters are ideal for rural or remote regions in which electricity grids are further away from solar power connecting the inverter to the power grid is inefficient and costly.
Advantages
- Self-sustainable energy system without the need for connection to an electricity grid
- Pocket-friendly
- Installation is simple in rural regions where the grid is at remote areas.
In India the costs of different solar inverters differ in accordance with their model and phase and capacity. The power capacity of off-grid inverters typically ranges between 500 VA and 50 KVA. They come in a variety of phase options, that range from 12V/1 Phase up through 360V/3. Their prices typically range between Rs 3500 and 3,20,000.
Inverters tied to grids
It’s a form of solar inverter capable of feeding the energy converted into the main grid, by matching the corresponding frequency and phase. They are also capable of automatically shutting off to ensure safety since they connect to grid of utility companies.
Applications
They are ideal for offices and homes located in urban areas that have the power connection and cables to connect to the grid. Users who don’t intend to purchase batteries should choose grid-connected inverters.
Advantages
- Simple feeding of energy into the grid of electricity
- Installation is easy
- Cost-effective
- Reduces the demand for electricity
The capacity of the grid-tied inverters available in India typically ranges between 1 KW and 50 KW. They are available in two different phases that are single-phase and three-phase. They typically cost between the price of from Rs 19,000 to Rs 230,000.
Inverters based on batteries/Hybrid solar inverter
These types of solar inverters is an amalgamation of off-grid and grid-tied inverters, as they offer complete independence from grid power and synchronize with the grid on days of low sun or large power consumption. They employ a method known as “DC Coupling,” whereby the battery connects with the inverter.
Applications
This kind of inverter is ideal for people who wish to save money by using the energy generated by sunlight during the day and to store it in batteries for consumption of electricity following sunset. Hybrid solar inverters can be a ideal choice for those who experience frequently power interruptions, problems and an excessive amount of load-shedding.
Advantages
- Lower power consumption from the grid
- Continuity of the power supply
- Effective load management
- Low maintenance cost
The power of the hybrid inverters typically found in India is variable from 3 to 50 KW. They come with different phase options that differ between 48V/1 Phase and 240V/3 Phase. The prices typically fall between Rs 71,500 – Rs 7,90,000.