Solar Panel Inverters – What You Need to Know

Solar Panel Inverters Explained

Improving the energy efficiency of your home can be good for your bank balance while reducing your carbon footprint. Installing solar panels is popular as the sun’s energy can be used for power instead of relying solely on the National Grid. Solar panel systems are made up of different parts, each with a different role. Solar panel inverters, for instance, play a key part in making solar energy functional in a home setting. So here’s what you need to know.

What is a solar panel inverter?

A solar panel inverter is one of the most important elements of a solar energy system. It’s the piece of equipment that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the National Grid uses. In short, without a solar panel inverter, you would not be able to safely or effectively use the sun’s energy to power your home. Solar panel inverters come with a lifespan of around 5-10 years and require a little maintenance in order to keep them working as they should.

What are the different types of solar inverters?

There are four different types of solar inverters available. These include:

String inverters – wiring sets of individual panels together is called ‘stringing’, with a string solar inverter converting all of the direct current (DC) electricity in strings of panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity.

Are string inverters good? Well yes. They’re the most common type of solar inverter on the market and have been around for years as they’re cheap to install. As the whole system behaves like one panel, string inverters work best when all panels are exposed to sunlight equally. This is because if one panel has a reduced generation, the other panels suffer the same loss of electric output.

Micro-inverters – these are more expensive to install but tend to be more profitable in the long run. Unlike string inverters, micro-inverters connect to single solar panels. So you’ll need an inverter for every panel. This means the solar panels operate independently from one another, and you won’t have to worry about shady areas having an impact. Panels can also be adjusted if you see that they’re not performing as they should.

Hybrid solar inverters – this converts DC electricity into an AC current. However, it’s also capable of sending any surplus DC power to store in a solar battery – or to be sold to the grid. Stored energy can be converted to an AC current when needed, such as after dark or in periods of high demand.

Power inverters – these are also located on each individual panel, offering panel-level optimisation and monitoring. Instead of directly converting DC to AC at the roof level, the optimiser moves the DC power through to a string inverter.

Do I need an inverter with solar panels?

Yes, solar panel inverters are a vital piece of kit. Solar PV experts will advise you on the type you need for your solar panel system.

If you’re looking for solar panel installers in Kent, speak to South East Solar & Electrical today for all your solar panel needs.