A solar panel inverter acts as the “brain” of your solar system by converting the electricity produced by solar panels into power for your home.
When selecting the ideal home inverter for your solar power system, you must understand the different types of inverters available to choose the best match for your system size and setup to maximise energy production and bill savings.
What Is a Solar Inverter?
As the critical conversion piece, a solar panel inverter transforms the solar-generated electricity into usable power. Solar cells generate direct current (DC), whereas standard household devices run on 240-volt alternating current (AC).
The inverter is the translator between these two types of electricity, converting the DC output into usable AC power, allowing households to seamlessly tap into solar energy without needing to alter existing electrical wiring, appliances or lighting setups.
Different Types of Inverters
There are a few main models of solar inverters to consider for residential systems:
String inverters are the most common type, designed to connect with a string of solar panels wired in sequence. Mid-sized string inverters, between 3 to 8 kW, are well-suited for most households.
Hybrid inverters efficiently handle two-way power conversion – inverting direct current solar electricity for household use as well as routing power to and from a solar battery.
Microinverters attach directly to each solar panel, providing module-level management. They tend to be more expensive but maximise energy harvest from each panel.
Power optimisers also connect to each panel, working in conjunction with a central string inverter for panel-by-panel control to allow broader roof arrangements.
When consulting with solar system suppliers to choose the ideal solar panel inverter, the experts will take into account factors like your available roof space, whether shade occurs at any point, desired system size, energy usage patterns and budget to advise on the best inverter choice.
Why a Solar Panel Inverter is So Important
Quite simply, your solar panels would not function without the essential conversion process handled by a solar panel inverter, as the inverter makes solar power seamlessly usable in your home. Furthermore, a solar inverter also provides these other vital functions:
- MPPT technology to maximise energy harvest from the solar panels
- Voltage regulation and filtration for smooth power flow
- Safety features and automatic shutdown to protect panels, wiring and household devices
- Monitoring and performance tracking through digital displays or apps
Selecting the highest quality solar panel inverter within your budget will ensure your solar system performs reliably for many years.
Benefits of Tapping into Renewable Solar Energy
If you haven’t switched to renewable energy yet, be aware that solar power delivers some great benefits for households across Australia.
Not only do solar systems minimise your reliance on the grid, but they also provide excellent financial savings and are easy to integrate into your home’s electricity without disruption. Here are a few of the key benefits of investing in a solar system in more detail:
- Lower power bills through solar electricity self-consumption
- Reduced carbon footprint by tapping into clean energy
- Potential to add battery storage for increased savings
- Improved home resale value from an updated, eco-friendly energy system
- Greater energy independence and stability with reduced grid dependence
Contact Local Experts for Guidance
Are you ready to tap into solar power? Contact a qualified solar supplier for advice. Their professional team will assess your energy usage needs, roof capacity and specify the ideal solar panel converter to design a custom solar system for your home.
Contact your local solar expert today to start gaining energy independence. Solar panel installation can lower bills and reduce your environmental impact.
