Solar inverters come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one common goal: to take the direct current (DC) output of a solar panel and convert it into alternating current (AC) that can be used by appliances, lights, and other devices in your home or business.
There are four main types of solar inverters that you might come across: central, string, micro, and grief-tied. Although they may look different on the outside, all four types of solar inverters function in a similar way—they convert DC power from a group of panels into utility-grade AC electricity.
Central Inverters
Central inverters are large, heavy, and expensive, but they offer a number of benefits over other types of solar inverters. Central inverters can handle more power than other types of renewable energy inverters, making them a good choice for larger systems. They are also more efficient, which can increase the amount of power your system produces over time.
Central inverters are also easier to maintain than other types of solar inverters, because individual components can be easily replaced when necessary. This means they will produce more power for a longer period of time without requiring expensive maintenance work.
String Inverters
String inverters are the most popular type of solar inverter on the market. They are cost-effective and easy to install, making them a good choice for small to medium-sized systems. String inverters work by taking the DC output of a group of solar panels and converting it into AC. This can be done either by connecting the panels in series or parallel.
String inverters are a good choice for systems that have a limited budget, or those who want an easy installation process. However, they are not as efficient as some of the other types of renewable energy inverters available and can only be used with systems that have a limited number of panels.
Micro-Inverters
Micro-inverters are a newer type of solar inverter that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. They are more efficient than string inverters and can be used with systems that have a large number of panels. Microinverters work by converting the DC output of a single solar panel into AC. This AC current is then passed onto another individual microinverter using a cable, which converts the current back into DC and sends it to the next solar panel in line.
The main benefit of using micro-inverters is that they offer greater efficiency and flexibility than string inverters. Solar panels can be arranged in any arrangement or configuration, and the microinverter won’t be affected. Solar arrays can also consist of any number of solar panels, which is not possible with string inverters.
However, due to their recent increase in popularity micro-inverters are generally more expensive than other types of inverters on the market. Solar installers will also need to be specially trained to install microinverters, as the process of connecting them together is more complicated.
Grid-Tied Solar Inverters
Grid-tied solar inverters can be used with either central or string inverters, and they are typically the most common type of solar inverter on the market. Grid-tied inverters have a number of features that allow them to interact closely with other components in your solar panel system. This allows you to monitor how much electricity your system is producing, sell the extra electricity back to your power company, and automatically disconnect from the grid when there is a power outage.
Grid-tied inverters are a good choice for homeowners who want to take full advantage of their solar panel system. They are also the most affordable option for large commercial or industrial systems.
Takeaway
Choosing the right solar inverter can be a daunting task, but it is important to consider your needs and the type of system you are installing. The best inverter for you will depend on your budget, the size of your system, and the type of appliances you are using. Talk to a solar installer to find out which inverter is best for you.