Types of solar inverters
Although all the solar inverters on the market have the same basic function, the technology they all use is not the same. In addition, some manufacturers have provided their models with other functions that are also needed in a photovoltaic installation.
• Inverter String
These types of solar inverters work for various solar panels. These are connected in series in a certain amount that adds a power equal to what the inverter is capable of converting. Hence its name. By centralizing the conversion of direct current into alternating current, they are cheaper than other models. But it has the handicap that will limit the transformed power to which the worst solar panel of which it is connected generates.
• Micro-inverter
The micro-inverter, as its name indicates, is smaller. And it is designed to convert the electric current generated by a single panel. That is why each micro-inverter will work according to the power generated by the photovoltaic sensor to which it is connected. In this way the performance of the installation as a whole will be greater. But it has the disadvantage that having to put many inverters, the total price of the installation is higher.
• Power optimizer
The solar inverter called power optimizer is a version of the string standard or String inverter. And that is halfway between the String inverter and the micro-inverter. Power optimizing solar inverters are also installed in each solar panel, but they send the electricity to a central inverter that is of the String type.
This system has been designed to combine the advantages of the two previous models. With this system the performance of an installation is optimized, in the way that micro-inverters do. But it adds the advantage of not being as expensive as micro-inverters. So the price is between the two types of facilities, with String inverter, and with micro-inverters.
• Smart modules or Smart modules
This type of solar inverter is an evolution of the previous inverters that are integrated into the solar panels themselves. Offering the advantages of having a simpler installation and lower costs. This has an impact on a cheaper complete photovoltaic installation.
• Other types
To these classifications we should add other functions that manufacturers provide to some models to facilitate installation and thus offer the function of several in a single product. In this sense we can find inverter-chargers, which unite the function of solar inverters and that of battery chargers. In other cases, the charge regulator is also included, whose function is to protect the batteries from overloads and guarantee a correct charge of them, so that their useful life is extended.
In addition, we can find solar inverters Dealers in Nagpur that act as a brain, deciding at each point where it supplies electricity for consumption. From the batteries that have been previously charged, from the solar panels after converting the electricity into alternating current, or directly from the network , if the previous two cannot provide the demanded consumption.
Where should the investor be located?
Inverters are elements with an electronic part, so whenever possible it should be covered to avoid the action of rain. Although it is not essential since manufacturers, in their design, grant them sufficient electrical protection (IP). The manufacturers know that sometimes, the plants that are in the field, do not suppose of an express building to house this equipment and that is why it manufactures them with adequate protection. In addition, as mentioned, there are some models that are designed to be installed at the rear of each photovoltaic panel, so that, although the rain does not usually give them, they must withstand harsh conditions.
How powerful are the inverters?
There are different types of solar inverters on the market, and of many powers. So that we can find an inverter for each application or need for electricity in each home. We can buy solar inverters in different voltages, 12V, 24V and 48V input. And the powers can vary between 175W and 8,000W.
There is so much variety because solar installations can vary greatly depending on the number of solar panels that form it. That is why manufacturers have developed many types of solar inverters, not only for the powers, and the input voltages, but as we have already commented, adding other functionalities, such as charging the batteries, their control and the management of the entire system, network connection regulation and synchronism.
So how do we choose the right investor? To choose the most suitable solar inverter in Nagpur, the professional installer will have calculated the needs of the house. In other words, how much power do all our appliances consume or those that we want to feed with photovoltaic solar energy . Suppose we want to power our entire home and the sum of the consumption of household appliances gives us about 4,700W. Then we will look for an inverter that adjusts to that power, but always above, thus having a margin of safety.
What size is needed for a home installation?
The size of a solar inverter necessary for a domestic installation is obtained from the sum of all the powers installed in said house, and applying a coefficient of simultaneity. Why? Simply because it is very difficult for us to have all the appliances and lights on at the same time.
But for the reader to get an idea, we can estimate the solar inverter that we would need just by checking the power that we have contracted, that is, the power that the marketing company has put in the contract and that it has limited in our General Table of Protection or CGP.