MAIN sorts of SOLAR INVERTERS – WHAT do you have to CHOOSE?
Solar Inverters convert DC into AC which we use mainly at homes. Solar panels produce energy from sunlight in DC and inverter converts DC into AC which powers electric appliances. So if you're considering a solar power system then you want to get thinking about inverter which makes the system efficient. many of us consider solar array inverters because the brain of the solar power system. In solar power system, inverters are the foremost important equipment after solar panels. Inverters can monitor so installer or owner or maintainer can get knowledge about the performance of the system. Solar inverters provide information regarding problems. Your O&M crews can get help in identifying and fixing problems. Inverters also take responsibility for battery management. Today’s topic is that the sorts of solar inverters. We’ll re-evaluate all of them to ascertain what fits your needs.
TYPES OF SOLAR INVERTERS
Mainly three sorts of inverters are available for you within the market: string ( centralized ) inverter, power optimizer ( string inverter + power optimizer ) and Micro inverters. String inverters are mainly used inverters within the world and comprise an enormous majority. Power optimizer and micro inverters combine called as Module-Level Power Electronics or MLPEs. they're gaining popularity at a rapid pace. Their prices have come down in markets. we all know that string inverters are dominant but it's found that folks use MLPEs too within the U.S. Micro inverters and power optimizer systems are costlier than string inverters.
STRING INVERTERS
A string inverter is employed with solar arrays to convert DC into AC . they're the foremost commonly used inverters in today’s time. It comprises an enormous a part of the world’s inverter market. it's the foremost cost-effective inverters available for you. Generally, companies provide you with this inverter if your roof isn't shaded and panels don’t face different directions.
These inverters are commonly utilized in residential areas for commercial purposes. There could also be quite one string inverter present counting on the dimensions of the installation. If a panel starts producing lesser power than others due to some reasons like shade, the opposite panels will start producing power to the suffering panel’s level. So sometimes it's not the simplest option available to you. It saves copper in DC cabling, due to one serial connection.
Cost Range: $1000 to $2000 counting on brand and size.
POWER OPTIMIZER
Power optimizer offers an equivalent benefit as micro inverter does. it's slightly cheaper than the micro inverters. It reduces the impact of shading. employing a power optimizer with a system is cheaper than employing a micro inverter. It also provides panel performance monitoring at an equivalent time. they're a compromise between string inverters and micro inverters. Power optimizers don’t convert DC into AC, they conditionalize DC and send it to the string inverter. Which increases efficiency.
Cost range: slightly less than micro inverters. Adding to a couple of panels costs only a couple of hundred dollars.
CENTRAL INVERTERS:
Central inverters are an equivalent as string inverter but they're bigger. We usually don’t use them in residential areas for commercial purposes. they will handle up to 500kw per compound. So we use them in big buildings or installations. As solar panels are installed during a row connected to a string, so central inverters can support more strings. you'll call it an outsized string inverter. The advantage of getting it's high efficiency. it's cheaper if we mention per watt. the essential problems are its size and noise. A system can handle more power with it.
Cost range: Around $0.4 per Watt peak
MICRO INVERTERS
Micro inverters are small inverters. They require separate installation along side each solar array . Micro inverters are getting common day by day.
They can get costlier than power optimizers and string inverter. Their costs are falling over time. It also allows you performance monitoring. Shades won't have that much of an impression thereon due to individual connections. they're becoming popular for residential and commercial installations. it's quite safe. you'll easily update and repairing old panels. But it costs expensive per watt in dollars. It increases complexity in installation. Micro inverters cost more maintenance costs as there are many inverters use to be in an array.
Price range: Single micro inverter can cost around $200. Speaking overall, it always costs 20% quite employing a string inverter.
BATTERY INVERTERS
Battery inverters manage the charging and discharging of the battery bank. They not only convert DC into AC but also convert AC into DC for charging battery bank from the solar panels system. These inverters retrofit batteries to your solar array system or keep them separate. It converts battery power into 230V AC. With the expansion of solar plus storage, battery inverters become important.
Cost range: It typically adds $2000 – $3000 to the general cost.
HYBRID INVERTERS
Hybrid inverters (aka multi-mode inverters) provides a mix of on-grid and off-grid inverter solution. they permit you to plug or connect batteries into your solar energy system. These inverters intervene within the battery by utilizing a way called ‘DC coupling’. Hybrid inverters are an excellent value for the cash . they supply an entire alternative to an off-grid solution. Which saves you money every day usage, because it's smarter. They also capable of providing backup solutions during an influence break.
Cost range: Usually $1000 – $2000, but $3000 models also are available.
I KNOW ALL the kinds OF SOLAR INVERTERS, BUT WHICH ONE is sweet FOR ME?
It all depends on your needs. Check this list, because it tells the foremost prominent features and uses of every sort of inverter.
String Inverter is sweet for many homes, most ordinarily used, is a smaller amount expensive. the sole downside is that if one panel becomes slow and fewer efficient, it can make the whole system less efficient.
Battery Inverters is for connecting A battery to an existing system.
Micro inverters provide more flexibility and perform relatively well in partial shades. It can provide an efficiency increase of 12% overall.
Hybrid Inverters need a compatible battery, which is costlier than regular inverters, but prices are falling. they supply the simplest reliability.
Power Optimizers aren't exactly inverters but are added to an existing Solar power system. They cost but full micro inverter installation, yet provide similar efficiency.
All types of Solar Inverters need your attention because they're a crucial think about the general efficiency of the solar power system.