How Does A Solar Inverter Work?
A solar system is a complex setup comprising various components, including solar panels, mounting racks, battery storage, and, most importantly, the solar inverter. The inverter serves as the brain of the system—without it, your solar setup cannot function.
Because it plays such a crucial role, let’s break down how it works. This can be a complex topic, so we’ll start with a general overview before diving into the more detailed information.
How It Works, Step by Step:
1. Solar Panels Generate DC Power
When sunlight hits your solar panels, it excites electrons and creates a direct current (DC).
2. The Inverter Receives DC Power
DC power is not usable for homes or the power grid, this is where the solar inverter comes in.
3. DC Power is Converted to AC Power
The inverter processes the energy and turns it into usable AC electricity.
4. Sine Wave Synchronization
The inverter matches the grid’s voltage and frequency.
5. Power Is Distributed
The converted electricity is sent to the home’s electrical panel or the grid.
6. Excess Energy is Managed
If more energy is produced than used, the inverter directs it back to the grid (for net metering) or to battery storage (if added to your system).
What Is A Solar Inverter?
The solar inverter is a vital part of your solar system. The electricity created by the PV panels on your roof must be converted from DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current), the standard current in the electrical grid and most commercial home appliances. One way to understand the role of a solar inverter is to think about the components of a car’s powertrain.
If the solar panels on your roof are what powers your system, like an engine powers a vehicle, then the solar inverter could be compared with the car’s transmission.
We all know that a motor alone, cannot bring you from point A to point B. You need a way to transmit the engine’s high-speed rotational force (or torque) to the axle to turn the wheels, which are in contact with the road, and therefore make the car move. However, the wheels rotate at a much slower speed than the engine.
If you tried to connect the engine directly to the wheels, they would turn so fast you would have no control. The transmission makes sure the rotational speed of the engine translates to an appropriate wheel speed. It also sends energy to the differential, which enables two different wheels to rotate independently at two different speeds during a turn.
How Does A Solar Inverter Connect to the Grid?
The Inverter is the link translating electrical messages between the solar panels and the grid. Two translations need to happen. First, we need to translate the DC (Direct Current) from the panels to AC (Alternating Current) as our grid is AC. Then, we need to synchronize the sine wave of the grid to the sine wave of the inverter. (A sine wave is a type of graph that uses repetitively curving lines to represent the cyclical interaction between positive and negative voltage.)
This synchronization is not easy. Not only does the inverter needs to make sure the frequency of the sine wave is equal to the frequency of the grid, the inverter also makes sure that both sine waves run parallel to each other and not shifted (Phase shift).
Below is a graphical representation of two shifted sine waves which, in the case of voltage sine waves, cannot be connected. Luckily, we don’t need to worry about this all as this is done within one (box) module, the inverter.
Should I Leave My Solar Inverter On All the Time?
Yes, as noted above, the solar inverter is the brain of your system. Without it, your solar system won’t operate at maximum efficiency. The inverter converts power and synchronizes solar energy with the grid. If you turn it off, the system will be disrupted, and solar energy production will stop. Therefore, it’s best to keep it on.
Most inverters have built-in protections and will shut down automatically during a grid outage. However, you may need to turn it off for maintenance, system troubleshooting, an electrical emergency, or severe weather damage. If you believe turning off your solar inverter is necessary, it’s best to consult a solar technician.
Looking For A Trustworthy Solar Installer?
Belmont Solar has been designing and installing solar systems for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of expertise and hands-on experience to every project. With our recent acquisition of Tough Trac, we now offer some of the industry’s most advanced mounting racks. In addition, we provide high-quality solar inverters and Tesla Powerwall battery backup solutions to ensure reliable energy storage and efficiency.
The inverters we install come with warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer and selected warranty options, giving you peace of mind for the long term.
We understand that every home and energy need is unique, which is why we take a customized approach to solar design. Our knowledgeable solar consultants will work closely with you to create a system that perfectly aligns with your energy goals and lifestyle.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of this concept and how the inverter fits within your solar system. Education is one of our core values. At Belmont Solar, we are all about Performance, Education, and Neatness (PEN). If you have any questions about your solar system or how it works, please don’t hesitate to reach out!