Power Inverters For Solar Power Systems

Solar power systems invariably rely on an inverter of some type.

In order to supply electricity to the home, most home solar systems operate by a sequence in which solar panels transfer power to batteries, with the batteries then providing the electricity to the home.  This makes sure that power is available at night, when the solar panels themselves aren’t generating.  Of the two varieties of electricity, both solar panels and batteries work with Direct Current (DC).  This has to be converted to Alternating Current (AC), which is used by appliances in the home.  Solar power inverters are responsible for converting the DC electricity to AC.

Users have a choice between Modified Sine Wave (MSW) and True Sine Wave (TSW) inverters.  Of the two, MSW inverters are the more bare-bones type, as they only convert DC electricity into the most basic form of AC power.  Some appliances, such as computers, which use certain types of power sources don’t have any problems with MSW inverters, but MSW inverters can have difficulties in other cases.  For example, when used in conjunction with an MSW inverter, audio equipment will often give off a noticeable hum.  TSW inverters, though, have no problems in a home setting.

Inverters are fairly easy to maintain.  Avoid putting the inverter in the same box as the batteries, but make sure it’s otherwise as close to them as possible.  Use a large size wire to run between the batteries and the inverter.  The documentation for the inverter should list the correct size.  It’s good to have a fuse on all wires to and from the inverter.  Make sure the inverter is in a place where it will not be exposed to wetness or high temperatures.

Solar power inverters are known to encounter a couple of common issues.  The first problem is RF interference.  When they’re working, all inverters broadcast some radio noise.  The simplest way to deal with this issue is to place any receiver as far away from the inverter as possible.  Switching to a battery powered radio will also negate this problem, and the batteries can then be recharged with the solar power system.

So-called “phantom loads” represent the other frequently cited problem.  A phantom load is the electricity drawn by a device while it’s turned off, which is a common trend among many new televisions and other devices that have “standby” modes.  Since they’re constantly using energy, these devices keep inverters from going to sleep.  The inverters themselves, then, are forced to use more energy than they really need to.  If you’re able to hook up the devices responsible for the phantom loads to a power strip with an on/off switch, you can address this problem effectively.  This will keep the devices from draining power from your system while the power strip is turned off.

To know more about a special type of power inverter, visit Grid Tie Inverter.

If you are interested in the latest technological improvement being offered in several solar panel systems, check out Solar Micro Inverter.