Your choice of inverter will affect the efficiency of your system more than any other component in your solar system.
The inverter makes the energy from your panels usable in your home. It makes the electricity from the panels work with the appliances in your home.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we’re experts in all types of inverters. We stay on top of technology trends and educate about existing solar components. It’s why we’re here and it’s what we do.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- What Is a Solar Power Inverter?
- How Does a Solar Inverter Work?
- What is the Lifespan of a Solar Inverter?
- What Size Solar Inverter Should I Buy?
- Are Solar Inverters Safe?
By the end of this article, you’ll understand what a solar inverter is, why it’s essential, and what to consider when choosing one for your system.
What Is a Solar Power Inverter?
Its main job is to turn the direct current (DC) electricity your panels produce into alternating current (AC) electricity, which your home uses.
Without an inverter, the energy your panels generate wouldn’t work for your home. Think of it as a translator: your panels “speak” DC, but your home and appliances “understand” AC. The inverter converts that energy so it can power your lights, fridge, and other appliances.
The electrical grid also uses AC power because it’s more efficient for moving electricity over long distances. To make the energy from your solar panels useful for your home or to send it back to the grid, the inverter first has to convert it from DC to AC.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how microinverters compare to string inverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, Microinverters vs. String Inverters: A Transparent Comparison.
How Does a Solar Inverter Work?
A solar inverter takes the power from your solar panels and converts it into usable power for your home. Here’s how it all comes together:
Energy Collection by Solar Panels: Your solar panels are made up of small units called PV cells. These cells absorb sunlight, the electrons are agitated, and the result is direct current (DC) electricity.
DC electricity flows in one direction, from the positive side of the circuit to the negative side. While this works well for batteries, it isn’t compatible with most homes or appliances, which require alternating current (AC) power.
In Australia, AC power alternates its frequency 50 times a second back and forth very rapidly. DC power is a straight line of power while AC looks like a waveform.
DC to AC Conversion: This is where the solar inverter comes in. Inside the inverter, the DC electricity is converted to an AC waveform. The inverter carefully adjusts the pulses of electricity to create a continuous flow of AC power.
This ensures your appliances, lights, and other devices get the type of electricity they need to function. In order to do that, the voltage and output must be within a certain range before being exported to the home.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): Solar inverters also use a technology called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). This feature finds the optimal point where your panels produce the most energy. As sunlight and conditions change throughout the day, the inverter constantly adjusts the flow of electricity to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
This combination of functions makes the inverter a vital part of your solar power system, making sure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how microinverters compare to string inverters from a cost point of view, you might want to check out the following article titled, Cost of Microinverters vs. Cost of String Systems.
Ready to go solar? Click here.
What is the Lifespan of a Solar Inverter?
The lifespan of a solar inverter depends on its type, quality, and how well you maintain it. Most solar inverters last between 5 and 10 years, but with proper care, some can reach 15 years or more. Microinverters have the longest lifespan; they’re warranted for 25 years.
Types of Inverters and Their Lifespans
- Central Inverters: These are the most common inverters. They usually last around 5 to 10 years. Central inverters handle large amounts of power, which can cause wear and tear over time, especially if they’re exposed to extreme weather.
- Hybrid Inverters: These combine the functions of a regular inverter with a battery inverter. They manage solar power and battery charging. Like central inverters, they typically last 5 to 10 years.
- Microinverters: These are mounted beneath each solar panel and have a much longer lifespan. The manufacturer’s warranty is for 25 years.
Factors That Affect Lifespan
Several things can influence how long your solar inverter lasts:
- Quality of Components: Higher-quality inverters can handle more wear and tear. Like most products, you get what you pay for.
- Environmental Conditions: Central inverters exposed to extreme heat, high humidity, or direct sunlight won’t last as long. Installing them in a cool, dry spot will help them last longer.
- Maintenance: Cleaning and inspecting your central inverter can prevent problems and extend its life. Dust, debris, and pests can damage internal components, so it’s important to keep the area around your central inverter clean.
Warranties and Lifespan
Investing in high-quality components with long warranties can save you money in the long run. Reliable systems work more efficiently over time, which leads to better savings.
- Most central inverters come with warranties that last 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand.
- Microinverters, like those from Enphase Energy, come with 25-year warranties, which match the lifespan of most solar panels.
Planning for Replacement
Since central inverters don’t last as long as solar panels, you’ll need to replace them at least once during your system’s lifetime. It’s smart to budget for this replacement when planning your solar investment.
For example, a well-maintained microinverter system will last its full 25 years. On the other hand, a central inverter in a hot and dusty environment might need replacing closer to the 10-year mark. Warranties cover repair or replacement costs if your inverter fails during the covered period.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the benefits of microinverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, What Are the Benefits of an Enphase Microinverter Solar System?
What Size Solar Inverter Should I Buy?
There are just so many variables that go into answering this question. Your unique energy needs and how you use electricity in the home will be different from your neighbour.
Key Questions to Determine Your Solar System Size
- How much energy do you use? Look at your daily and monthly energy consumption. Your electricity bill usually shows this information in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- What are your energy habits? Consider how you use electricity throughout the day.
- When do you use the most electricity? If you use most of your energy during daylight hours, you can make better use of solar power directly from your panels.
Answering these questions is critical for choosing the right solar system size.
Understanding Inverter Size and Solar System Size
Your inverter size directly affects how efficiently your solar system performs. It determines how much energy your system can handle, how much power you can export to the grid, and whether you meet local grid regulations.
Inverter Size: Inverters are measured in kilowatts (kW), which indicates the maximum energy they can convert from your solar panels.
Oversizing Your System:
It’s common to have a solar array with more capacity than your inverter.
Solar panels don’t operate at full capacity all the time due to weather, time of day, and panel orientation. When you have more panels than inverter capacity, your system is oversized.
Oversizing ensures you get the most out of your inverter during sunlight hours, increasing your system’s overall efficiency.
Grid Regulations and DNSP Limits in New South Wales
Your local Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) sets rules for the size of your inverter and how much energy you can export back to the grid.
Single-Phase Connections:
- Homes with single-phase connections usually face stricter limits on inverter size and export capacity.
- If you have a larger solar system, you might need to adjust your inverter’s output and cap how much energy you send back to the grid to stay compliant.
Three-Phase Connections:
- Homes with three-phase connections can use larger inverters. However, DNSPs still place export limits on each phase, and you must balance energy across all three phases.
- In some cases, you may need additional components to meet grid requirements.
Choosing the Right Inverter Size for Your Needs
When selecting an inverter size, keep these factors in mind:
- Your Solar System Size: Match your inverter to your solar array. Oversizing is a great idea, especially in areas with less consistent sunlight or frequent cloudy weather.
- Grid Regulations: Check with your DNSP to understand size limits and export rules in your area. Staying compliant ensures your system runs smoothly.
By considering your energy needs, habits, and local regulations, you can choose the right inverter and solar system size for your home.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about your solar system to microinverter size, you might want to check out the following article titled, What is Solar Oversizing in a Microinverter System?
Start saving with solar today.
Are Solar Inverters Safe?
Solar inverters are very safe when they’re installed and maintained properly. They include several safety features to protect your home, the grid, and anyone working on or near your solar system. Here’s how inverters keep everything safe:
Built-In Safety Features
- Auto Shutoff: If the grid goes down, the inverter automatically shuts off. This prevents your solar system from sending power to the grid while it’s experiencing an outage.
- Fault Protection: Inverters detect problems like unintended electrical paths in active or neutral wires. If they find an issue, they automatically shut off the system to prevent arc faults and fire.
Compliance with Safety Standards
Solar inverters sold in Australia must meet strict safety standards set by regulatory bodies like the Clean Energy Council (CEC). These rules make sure inverters are safe for residential use and include the right protections to avoid accidents.
Professional Installation and Maintenance
The safety of your solar inverter also depends on proper installation and regular upkeep.
- Professional Installation: A licensed electrician who is SAA-accredited should install your inverter. This ensures it meets all safety regulations in New South Wales and is properly connected to the grid.
- Regular Maintenance: Inverters don’t need much maintenance, but regular checks can catch potential problems early.
When installed and maintained correctly, your inverter runs safely in the background. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, and call a professional if you notice anything unusual, like strange noises or error messages.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the rapid shutdown feature in a solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Important is Rapid Shutdown in a High Voltage DC Solar System?
Click here for sunshine savings.
Inverters Help Your Panels Hit It Out of the Spark
Now you know a little bit more about inverters, how they work, and what they contribute to your solar system. They’re vital components that convert and regulate how electricity from your panels gets to your home. The inverter (or microinverter) is the unsung hero of every solar system.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we know the ins and outs of every solar system component. We’re here to educate and enlighten you along your solar journey.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the cost of an Enphase solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Does a Microinverter Solar System Cost?
