Different Types of Inverter Technologies.

Embarking on the journey to harness solar energy for your home or business is an eco-friendly and economically sound decision. However, numerous solar technologies are available, and selecting the right components for your solar power system can be overwhelming.

In this blog post, the different types of inverter technologies explained are:-

1. String inverters

2. Microinverters

3. Power optimizers with string inverters

4. Hybrid solar inverters

Among the crucial components, the solar inverter plays a pivotal role in converting the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into usable alternating current (AC). In this blog, we’ll explore the four main types of solar inverters—string inverters, microinverters, power optimizers with string inverters, and hybrid inverters—to help you make an informed decision for your solar energy system. These are the four primary types of solar inverters used in home grid-connect solar power systems.

Each kind of inverter has advantages and disadvantages. The following considerations will all play a role in helping you choose the best solar inverter for your home:

Whether a portion of your roof is shaded.
Whether the roof design is simple or complicated (for example, gabled, numerous orientations).
If you intend to include a battery.
Whether you find panel-level monitoring important.
Safety aspects.
Monetary plan.

Why is it crucial to select a suitable kind of solar inverter for your home?

It might come as a surprise to hear that, rather than the solar panels, the solar inverter you select will have the most influence on the overall power production of your solar system. This is so because the solar inverter, which is effectively the brain of your solar power system, may greatly boost overall power output by selecting the appropriate kind of inverter for your home.

The selection of an inverter is much more important when adding a battery to your solar system. That’s because, depending on the kind of inverter you use, various battery kinds operate in multiple ways. Some are far more productive than others. Knowing this information beforehand will assist you in selecting the kind of inverter that will generate the maximum power for your home—which is ultimately what you want!

String inverters

When using a string inverter system, DC electricity from the solar panels goes across your roof via a DC cable to a string inverter, which transforms it into AC for usage in the home.

Because the solar panels are strung together and each string is connected to the inverter, the device is known as a string inverter. A string inverter solar system typically consists of two rows, or strings, of solar panels, with an equal number of panels on each row.

In Australia, string inverters are the most prevalent kind of solar inverter. They are a tried-and-true technique that works well for houses with simple sunny roofs.

Pros

Dependable technology.
Cheaper than other types of inverters.
Widespread accessibility; numerous top-notch brands.
A fantastic option if your roof is sunny and has a simple design.

Cons

All of the solar panels in a string will perform worse if one of them is functioning poorly. (due to dirt, shade,solar panel is damaged or faulty etc.).
Your roof has a high DC voltage, which is dangerous. This is why it’s crucial to Pick a reputable solar contractor who doesn’t skimp on the DC wiring!
Monitoring of power generation is only possible at the overall system level and string level, not at the panel level.
Individual panel defects cannot be proactively identified. (This makes it more challenging to submit a Solar panel warranty claim.)
Works best with AC-coupled batteries, which are less effective than DC-coupled batteries but include a built-in battery inverter.

Microinverters

Small inverters called microinverters are comparable in size to a paperback book. They convert DC power to AC power at the solar panel level and are fastened to the rear of each solar panel.

The inverters in a microinverter system are all concealed beneath your solar panels, eliminating the need for a central string inverter on your wall next to the meter box..

The fact that microinverters optimize the power at the panel level is one of its main advantages. This implies that no other panels will be impacted by any darkening or dirt on a particular panel.

Pros

20+ years of proven technology.
Ideal for partially shaded roofs.
Suitable for intricate roof designs.
The other solar panels will continue to operate at their highest efficiency even if one is dirty or shaded.
The power output for each individual solar panel will be displayed through monitoring. This makes it simple to identify any panels that aren’t operating properly and have them rectified.
Extremely safe due to the extra low DC voltage.
Consumption monitoring is standard with Micro inverters.
No DC wiring running across your roof means increased safety.

Cons

Price (inverter kind that is most expensive).
Given that inverters are roof-mounted, repairs will be expensive.
Works best with AC-coupled batteries, which are less effective than DC-coupled batteries but include a built-in battery inverter.

Power optimizers with string inverters

Each solar panel has a small, black box called a power optimizer attached to the back. By stabilizing the voltage, they condition the DC power from each panel before sending it to the string inverter, which transforms it into AC power.

Similar to microinverters, power optimizers let one solar panel’s output be unaffected by another’s poor performance. But because they still have a string inverter, power optimizers are a less expensive alternative to microinverters because there are fewer parts needed.

Pros

Well suited to roofs with some shade.
Good for roofs with intricate designs.
Cheaper than microinverters in pricing.
At the panel level, power generation is maximized, resulting in more electricity for your home.
Built-in DC safety mechanisms make it extremely safe.
Expanded selection of batteries (AC and DC-coupled).

Cons

More costly than standard string inverters.
Warranty mismatch: While string inverters’ warranties are normally 10-15 years, they can be extended to 25 years for power optimizers.

Hybrid solar inverters

Inverters that perform the functions of both a solar inverter and a battery inverter are known as hybrid solar inverters. A hybrid inverter may be the best option for your home if you’re considering going solar plus battery storage.

It is amazing what a hybrid inverter can do. For the home and the grid, it transforms DC power from the panels into AC power. Additionally, it controls the transfer of DC energy to and from the battery.

The simplest method of converting DC power to AC power for your home is a hybrid solar inverter, which is also the most effective when coupled with battery storage.

Pros

Quite effective, mainly when used in conjunction with battery storage.
There is only one inverter, which results in a lower overall system cost (for solar + battery storage).
Only one inverter needs repair, which lowers maintenance costs.
Suitable for DC-coupled batteries, which are more efficient than AC-coupled batteries.
Add up to 200 percent more solar panels than the hybrid inverter’s capacity for excellent future-proofing.

Cons

Fewer options (than string inverters).
Only works with DC-coupled batteries, which is a plus because those batteries are more effective.
If the system fails, the whole system will be down.

Get in Touch

There is no clear-cut “right” or “wrong” form of solar inverter. All of it relies on your home, your roof, how much sunlight it receives if you want battery storage, and your financial situation.

For this reason, at RK Solar and Consulting Services, we take the time to learn exactly what you want from solar, do a thorough assessment of your site, and offer a unique solution that satisfies your demands.