The choice of solar inverters is essential, so it is necessary to be clear about what they consist of in order to obtain the best performance.
Before choice of solar inverters we must know how a photovoltaic installation works. Solar panels capture sunlight transforming it into energy, which is sent to the inverter, which is the responsible for receiving direct current electricity and transform it into alternating current.
It is at this point that the electricity generated can already be used to power household appliances or be discharged into the electricity grid (both uses require alternating current).
The most important functions of a solar inverter
Let’s briefly review the most important functions that a solar inverter has:
energy conversion
It is the main function of a solar inverter, thanks to which electricity is converted into alternating current.
Maximum energy optimization
It is responsible for maximizing the energy generated by solar panels. What it does is isolate the panels individually, putting the focus on increase in energy production.
security and monitoring
the investor controls the energy yield of the photovoltaic system, as well as activity at the electrical level and signs when the problem appears. All this enables monitoring with a positive impact on security.
constant operation
Photovoltaic installations were designed to be able to provide power in all kinds of weather conditions. What photovoltaic inverters do is provide constant operation that consistently dissipates heat.
types of investors
Here we show the different types of investors in the market:
String or chain inverters
Many of the small scale solar power systems use a string inverter, which also known as “centralized”. In a solar self-consumption installation with a string inverter, each panel will be connected in series. When this array of solar panels produces energy, it releases it and feeds it to a single inverter that is usually located on the side of the house, in the basement or in the garage.
When using these types of inverters, Ideally, they should be used in homes that don’t have obstacles. and receive solar radiation throughout the day.
Microinverters
If string inverters are considered “centralized”, then microinverters are “distributed”. In photovoltaic installations that have microinverters each solar panel has a small solar inverter installed.
Rather than sending power from all the panels to a single inverter, these systems convert solar DC power to AC power on the roof.
energy optimizers
Like microinverters, you can also find them on rooftops, together or integrated into individual solar panels. These systems do not allow power to be sent to a centralized type inverter. They work differently, look for the highest power point of the set of existing photovoltaic panelswhere the optimizer operates in each of the panels, thus increasing the precision in the points where the power is greater.
We hope that now the choice of solar inverters has become much clearer for you,
although if you still have doubts about which is the best option, it is advisable to turn to professionals such as EDP Solar who will be able to offer you a personalized assessment of your case.