How do I choose a solar inverter?

When designing a solar installation, and selecting the inverter, we must consider how much DC power will be produced by the solar array and how much AC power the inverter is able to output (its power rating).

What is the power rating of a solar inverter?

A solar inverter's power rating signifies the total wattage of loads it can support. The power generated from the string of solar panels, which is given to the inverter, is called Maximum PV input power. It's important that Maximum PV input power is never exceeded by the power output from the combined panels, or else the inverter runs inefficiently.

How a solar inverter works?

Figure 1 – Working of a Solar Inverter Modern solar inverters are equipped with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit which constantly checks for the best operating voltage (V mpp) and current (I mpp) for the inverter to optimize power production.

What happens if a solar inverter reaches a maximum power point?

When the DC maximum power point (MPP) of the solar array — or the point at which the solar array is generating the most amount of energy — is greater than the inverter’s power rating, the “extra” power generated by the array is “clipped” by the inverter to ensure it’s operating within its capabilities.

Can a solar inverter operate inefficiently?

An inverter runs inefficiently when maximum PV input power exceeds the power output from the combined panels. In other words, the inverter rating must be matched to the panels properly. Efficiency of the inverter represents the percentage of DC power from the solar panels that is converted to AC power.

How important are inverters for solar panels?

Any solar panel system is only as efficient as its weakest part. The importance of inverters is often overlooked during the design stage. Here’s our quick guide to getting the best out of them. It’s easy to choose the wrong inverter that will reduce the yield of a Solar PV system. Voltage and current ranges vary from inverter to inverter.