What Is A Solar Inverter

An Inverter  converts DC power  (Direct Current) into  AC power  (Alternating Current).

 DC flows in just one direction , this is ideal for Solar Panels because you need it to simply absorb the sunlight and push it through the system in one direction. This might be an oversimplified explanation but for now, that’s all you need to know for the purpose of this article.

 AC flows in both directions , all of your appliances are powered in this way.

Now we have that out the way let’s move on to the next part.

String Inverters

Features

•  Lowest solar inverter price 
• Multiple MPPT inputs
• Provides backup power

The modern string inverter has improved over the years making it the  most cost effective , the panels are wired in a series, simply put all the solar panels are  connected together and is then connected into the inverter .

It’s a standalone box that is installed close to your fuse box and meter, the newer versions don’t tend to make much or any noise compared to older ones.

If you have an unshaded roof that gets 100% of the sun spread evenly and you have no shade from a chimney or tree the string inverter is perfect, but if there are obstructions it can cause the inverter to be  less efficient .

Another factor is scaling, if your energy needs exceed your inverters output you will need to  purchase a bigger inverter  so scaling up can increase your overall solar inverter price. We suggest purchasing an inverter with a higher capacity just in case you need it.

Pros

• Efficient
• Affordable
• Long lasting (around 15 years)

Cons

• Not efficient if panel/s are shaded
• Expanding is difficult

Micro-Inverters

Features

• Easy to install
• Expandable
• Maximises output of each panel

These small inverters are connected to the solar panel itself, they are easy and safe to install.  They can produce up to 25% more energy maximising the solar panel output .

 Ideal for expanding  the Micro-Inverter monitors (module-level monitoring) each panel independently making them  operate independently , they are the better option when dealing with rooftops that have different pitches and partly shaded.

 Because each panel is independent it maximises each panel  which means if there is a shaded or low-efficient panel it won’t hinder the rest of the group of panels (solar array) as the string inverter does.

The downsides to these variations are the solar inverter price, although they have come down they are the more expensive route.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Long lasting (25-year warranties)
• Expandable and modular

Cons

• More expensive
• Maintenance requires rooftop access
• Exposure to the elements can cause issues (extreme cases)

Solar Optimisers

Although not a Solar Inverter, the Solar Optimiser works with a String Inverter and  performs much like the Micro-inverter  by maximising the output of the Solar Panel.

Features

•  Works with String Inverters 
• Performs in the same way as a Micro-inverter
• Affordable

These components are perfect if you already have a String Inverter or if you know which Solar Panels are shaded or pitched differently.  They are connected to the panel itself much like the Micro-inverter .

Pros

• Easy to install
•  Long lasting (25-year warranties) 
• Expandable and modular

Cons

• Maintenance requires rooftop access
• Exposure to the elements can cause issues (extreme cases)

Pure Sine wave

Features

•  Delivers quality power output 
• Quieter than Modified Sine wave
• Ideal for modern appliances

A safer option the Pure Sine inverter is the main choice for Off-Grid, affordable and deliver higher quality output. Almost all appliances will work with these inverters making them highly compatible with most systems.

Modified Sine wave

Features

• Lower solar inverter price

These inverters output lower quality power and are only compatible with certain appliances. They can be problematic for electronic equipment,  we recommend Sine wave inverters .