A solar inverter, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) inverter, is a critical component in solar energy systems. It converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is suitable for use in homes and businesses or for feeding into the electrical grid.
Used in off-grid systems, these inverters draw DC energy from batteries charged by solar panels. They often include battery chargers to replenish the battery from an AC source when available. Stand-alone inverters typically do not interface with the utility grid and are not required to have anti-islanding protection.
Designed to synchronize with the utility-supplied sine wave, grid-tie inverters feed energy into the grid. For safety reasons, they automatically shut down during a grid outage and do not provide backup power.
These inverters can draw energy from a battery, manage battery charge via an onboard charger, and export excess energy to the utility grid. They can supply AC power to selected loads during a utility outage and are required to have anti-islanding protection.
Managing photovoltaic arrays, battery storage, and the utility grid, these versatile inverters can be used for grid-tie, stand-alone, or backup applications. Their primary function is self-consumption with the use of storage.
Solar inverters use MPPT to maximize power extraction from solar panels. MPPT systems sample the output of the panels and apply the proper resistance (load) to obtain maximum power under varying environmental conditions.
This safety feature ensures that inverters shut down during a grid outage, preventing them from continuing to supply power to a de-energized grid, which could endanger utility workers and hinder grid restoration efforts.
