Solar inverters are one of the most important components of a solar system. A solar inverter is responsible for converting the direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels and transforms it into alternating current (AC) electricity needed to power your home’s appliances.
When designing your solar panel system, the size of your inverter plays an essential role in overall electricity production. The solar inverter is also instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of your solar power system, ensuring you get the maximum possible energy output. Additionally, inverters contribute to the safety of your solar setup. A solar inverter monitors electrical irregularities and detects power outages from the utility grid, this is vital for protecting your solar panels and home from potential electrical hazards.
This blog will discuss how to pick the right solar inverter for your solar system.
Size of your solar PANELS
The size of your solar panels is the most important factor in determining the appropriate size for your solar inverter. Because your solar inverter converts DC electricity from the panels, it needs to have the capacity to handle all the power the panels produce.
The size of your inverter should be similar to the DC rating of your solar panel system; For example, if your solar panels can produce up to 6kW at their peak during sunny conditions, you’d typically need an inverter rated at least 6kW to utilize this output fully
However, opting for an inverter with a much higher rating than your panels’ peak output isn’t always the best approach, especially if you’re considering future expansion.
Industry norms often suggest choosing an inverter rated for about 75-90% of your solar panels’ peak power.
For instance, for a 10kW solar panel array, an inverter rated between 7.5kW and 9kW is often more appropriate than one rated exactly at 10kW or higher.
This sizing strategy is based on the understanding that solar panels rarely reach their peak output due to factors like shading or the sun’s angle. By using an appropriately sized inverter, you can enhance your system’s efficiency and avoid the extra cost of an oversized unit.
A too-large inverter might not be as efficient at lower power levels and could lead to unnecessary expenses. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. An undersizing inverter can limit your system’s output.
Consulting a professional to determine the ideal power rating for your inverter, considering your specific solar panel size is a wise decision.
Inverter manufacturers typically list sizing guidelines for the solar panel capacity their inverters can be paired with on their product spec sheets. If the size of the solar panels paired with their inverter is outside the stated guidelines, manufacturers may void their warranty offering.
match the inverter’s input voltage and current requirements with the specifications of your solar panels.
For instance, if your solar panels have a maximum output voltage of 350V, you need an inverter that can operate effectively within this voltage range.
Let’s say your solar panels feature an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 400V and a maximum power point (Vmpp) of 350V.
In this scenario, you should opt for an inverter whose maximum input voltage can safely exceed 400V. This ensures it can handle the panels’ Voc without any issues.
Additionally, the inverter’s MPP voltage range should be around 350V to align with your panels’ optimal operating voltage.
By carefully matching these specifications, you can ensure efficient and safe operation of your solar power system.
Choose a Solar Inverter with Higher Efficiency
Efficiency is a key aspect of any solar inverter, playing a vital role in the overall performance of your solar energy system.
Look for inverters with high-efficiency ratings (usually 95% or more). Higher efficiency means more of the solar power is converted into usable electricity. Currently, some of the top players in the market, like Sunsynk inverters are highly efficient. The Sunsynk inverter efficiency ranges from around 97.6% to 98.4%, which is a very good performance.
Features
Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the inverter you choose is robustly built to withstand environmental factors.
It’s important to remember that temperature variations can significantly affect your photovoltaic (PV) system’s performance.
High temperatures can increase the system’s voltage, potentially pushing it beyond the inverter’s maximum voltage specification. This could lead to damage or, in severe cases, cause the inverter to fail.
Conversely, in cold conditions, the system’s voltage might drop too low, causing the inverter to shut down.
A key feature to look for is an inverter with IP65 technology, which offers a level of protection against harsh weather conditions. Leading solar inverters like Sunsynk and Deye inverters have the ip65 protection rating meaning they are designed to resist dust and water ingress ensuring they can operate effectively even in challenging environments.
Making sure your inverter has such protective features can save you from frequent maintenance or replacement costs and ensure consistent performance of your solar energy system.
Apps and User Interface
Your inverter acts as the central command center or “brain” of your solar panel system.
Equipped with the right software, it plays a crucial role in continuously gathering information about your home’s energy usage and the electricity output from your solar panels. Most manufacturers develop dedicated apps, allowing you to easily access and monitor this data.
At Taqon Electrico we offer our clients user-friendly remote monitoring apps that we recommend based on experience to provide them with the right information on their system performance. Most of the hybrid solar inverters we install have an easy user interface and allow remote monitoring. These inverters include Sunsynk, Deye, Growatt, Palitron, Phocos and others.
Advanced inverter software often includes additional features that might enable you to manage your power loads more effectively, navigate time-of-use rates to save on energy costs, and record your energy data. This can be particularly helpful in forecasting your monthly energy bills and identifying further opportunities for savings.
In essence, the more control and interaction you have with your solar panel system, the more benefits you can reap. However, it’s important to note that these apps are not perfect. Some solar monitoring apps may have technical issues and might not consistently provide real-time updates on your solar system’s performance. A good way to gauge the reliability and user experience of a specific solar app is by reading through user reviews in app stores.
These reviews can offer valuable insights into what you can expect in terms of functionality and usability when using the app.
Brand Reputation & Cost
In the solar industry, while there are some globally recognized brands such as Sunsynk, Deye, Victron, Phocos, and Growatt, inverters, you’ll often encounter lesser-known names such as Palitron inverters that we have been successfully installing at Taqon Electrico.
When you come across a brand you’re not familiar with, it’s a good idea to do thorough online research. Start by checking their rankings on Google or other major search engines. But don’t stop there. Dive into various sources like news articles, blogs, forums, comments, and customer reviews to gauge public opinion about these brands. This feedback can be incredibly insightful.
Positive mentions and experiences shared by others can be a green light to explore more about these brands, possibly leading to a purchase. At Taqon Electrico we are transparent about the type of inverter brands we use and we refer our new clients to our existing clients that we have worked with to offer testimonials on the type of inverters that we install.
Additionally, factor in the cost. It’s important to balance affordability with quality. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best in the long run, especially when it comes to crucial components of a solar power system. Assess the value offered by each brand about their price to make an informed decision.
We offer a wide range of hybrid solar inverters of different sizes. Click the link to view our solar inverter price list https://www.taqon.co.zw/product-category/inverters/
Get in touch with us if you want to know more about solar inverters or want to order a solar inverter with expert advice on the type of solar inverter suitable for your solar system. Our sales team and electrical engineers will greatly assist you with any information you may need to know more about the solar inverters that we have in stock.
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