Solar Inverters – their Types and Usages

What are Solar Inverters?

Solar inverters are called the brain of solar power system as they efficiently convert the variable Direct Current (DC) produced in a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into Alternating Current (AC) to be used to illumine houses, shops, clinics, streets, malls and run appliances. The solar inverters
are either connected to a commercial electrical grid or to an off grid electrical network. In a solar panel the inverter acts as a critical Balance of System (BOS) that helps running appliances. Solar inverters also have facilities like maximum power point tracking and anti-islanding protection.
Data monitoring and advanced utility controls are its other features.

Types of Solar Inverters

Depending upon the features and functions, solar inverters are grouped into four categories. These are: Stand-alone Inverter, Grid-tie Inverter, Battery Backup Inverter, and Intelligent Hybrid Inverter.

Stand-alone Inverter- This inverter is suitable for off grid solar system. It draws Direct Current from batteries connected with solar panel. Many stand-alone inverters are fitted with internal battery chargers that help to recharge the battery in an AC source. It does not depend on utility
grid and therefore does not require anti-islanding protection. It is also called off grid solar inverter.

Grid-tie Inverter- As the name suggests, this inverter depends on grid. It can disconnect itself from the grid when the utility supply falls in the grid. These inverters are specially designed to match the voltage, frequency and phase of the grid. It provides protection to the workers working in the power grid.

Battery Backup Inverter- This inverter functions drawing energy from the battery. It also has the capacity to return excess power to the utility grid. It provides Alternating current (AC) to the selected load during an outage and hence requires anti-islanding protection.

Intelligent Hybrid Inverter-  This is the new age inverter having capacity to manage solar panel, battery storage and utility grid. It has an in built solar charge controller. Being versatile, it is much preferred by the users.

Judging by efficiency, the inverters are divided between PWM (Pulse with Modulation) Inverter and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) Inverter.

Pulse with Modulation (PWM) Inverter – Having lower efficiency, this inverter is chiefly used in rural areas. It is also less expensive. It is an off grid solar inverter with 65-70% efficiency.

Maximum Power Point Tracker Inverter (MPPT) – This inverter is known for its 95-97% efficiency and is connected to a grid. It takes less time to charge a battery joined with the solar panel. For its higher efficiency it is a bit costly.

Of late solar micro inverters have become very popular. This inverter functions with a single Photovoltaic array. It has the capacity to manage parallel connection of multiple, and independent units in a modular way. It is fitted with single power optimization capacity, plug-and play installation and fire safety measures.

Features of Solar Inverters
Before purchasing a solar inverter, you need to know about certain features of solar inverters.

1.  It is always wise to opt for a high efficiency inverter. It optimises the battery charging 30% more than the lower efficiency inverter.
2.  New age solar inverters have LCD screen which help the users read and make real time analysis of power generation, power consumption, battery charging status. It also helps in detecting Inverter failure.
3.  If the inverters are connected with wifi, the users can monitor, control and service the inverter through the mobile app (IOT).
4.  The ‘By Pass Switch’ in the inverter helps its smooth functioning even when the inverter fails. The users can have uninterrupted electric supply by means of ‘By Pass Switch’.
5.  MCB protection guarantees the users against voltage fluctuation in the grid and short
   circuit.

Advantages of Solar Inverters over normal Inverters

Both the solar inverters and normal inverters are used to supply electricity uninterruptedly. Having some basic differences in their modes of operations, solar inverters get edge over the normal inverters. Normal inverters need a battery to perform while solar inverters function with
the help of both solar energy and battery. Normal inverters require grid power to charge the battery, while solar panels can be charged using solar energy and grid power as well. Normal inverters generate 10KVA while solar inverters generate 100KVA.

Price of Solar Inverters
Solar inverter price depends upon its technology, capacity, efficiency, warranty and brand. Its price ranges between Rs. 6-Rs.20 per Watt depending upon its type, such as: off grid, grid-tied and micro inverter. It is worth noting that 26-30% price of solar system depends on solar
inverter price.

Solar Inverter Installation

Solar inverter is installed following certain steps. It is very important to choose the proper place before installation. The experts of AREWEY are adept in this work. With superb mastery and expertise we accomplish the task of installation with ease. After selecting the space, near the
power distribution box, a stand is built to mount the inverter. Thereafter, necessary wiring is done in power sockets for inverter connection and the output wire is connected with the home wiring. Then the off grid inverter is connected with battery. A power socket is attached for charging the inverter from the grid (on grid inverter). The inverter is also connected with a power socket to supply power to the grid.

Maintenance and Efficiency of Solar Inverters

Investment in solar inverters involves a good amount of money. So its efficiency and warranty are of main concern to the buyers. Special attention is given on its maintenance. It is advised to keep it away from dust and water.

Solar inverters with higher efficiency are always a better option for investment. It comes with warranty of 8-10 years while off grid solar inverters offer warranty for 1-2 years.

Solar Inverters Online

Several renowned companies produce off grid and on grid solar inverters in India. The top ‘off grid solar inverter’ producers are Luminous, Microtek, Havells and Tata Power Solar. To buy online inverters the buyers can search the portals of these companies. All the online inverters come with the goodwill and warranty of these reputed brands. Enphase, Solar Edge, and Fronius dominate the market of ‘on grid inverters’ in India.

Over the years AREWEY has earned the reputation of selling online inverters to a wide variety of customers. With our trusted service we have won the hearts of thousands of customers who flood our portal on a regular basis with their valuable feedbacks.