Solar Inverters-- Their types and suitibality

One of the most important component of any Solar PV system apart from Solar Panel’s  is Solar Inverter. Inverter  converts the DC power generated by Solar panels to AC Power and make it suitable for use. To understand what type of inverter to use, we first need to understand the basic function of inverter and how it works.

Reference Voltage

 As the amount of sunlight falling on the panels varies during the day (due to clouds, etc.), the power output from the panels also varies. As this variation could damage equipment that is powered by solar, the inverter continuously matches the PV plant’s output to another source of steady power. Therefore a rooftop solar PV that generates AC power will always needs another source of power (whether the grid or diesel generator or batteries) to provide a reference voltage in order to function. If the inverter is designed to use only grid power as a reference voltage, the plant will not generate power even if there is ample sunlight.

 Anti-islanding

When a power failure occurs, a portion of the grid isn’t energised. This non-energised portion of the grid is known as an island. If the solar plant is pumping electricity into this non-energised portion of the grid during a power failure, it might cause utility personnel who are working on the grid to be electrocuted. To eliminate this risk, the inverter in the solar power system turns off the power from the plant. (See related blog- Do rooftop solar plants generate power during power failure? )

Kinds of inverters

 As it is the inverter that determines whether the plant continues to function or not during a power cut, we need to only understand the different kinds of inverters to ensure we have a rooftop solar plant that generates electricity even during power cuts. There are basically 4 kinds of inverters. 

Grid-tied –

These inverters are primarily designed to supply the generated power to the grid and also power the load while grid power is available. This inverter will NOT generate power during a power failure because it uses only grid power as a reference voltage and cannot function in the absence of grid power.

Off-grid –

These inverters do not work with grid power and are designed to work only with a battery backup or diesel generator in off-grid applications. They are suitable for applications where grid power is not available at all, but are not the right choice if you need your solar plant to work in conjunction with grid supply.

Grid-interactive or Hybrid Inverters–

 

These inverters work both with the grid supply and with either a battery backup or diesel generator to support the load even during a power failure.

Hybrid inverters (also known as bidirectional inverters) are a one system solution for a complete solar PV system. They can automatically manage between 2 or more different sources of power (grid, diesel, solar). They have inbuilt charge controllers, MPPT controller, Anti Islanding solutions, DC and AC disconnects and other features like automatic turning on/off of the diesel generator, automatic data logging, and various kinds of protection for the different components of the system, making them ideally suited for applications that require management of power from different sources

Conclusion- It is therefore critical to understand the purpose the rooftop solar PV plant is to fulfil before selecting the inverter. As vendors use various terms to refer to different components we urge you to verify if the inverter will supply power during power failure by specifically discussing this issue with the vendor, rather than going by any label assigned to the product.

Why we should go SOLAR

Switching over to solar energy isn't an easy and cheap decision to make. It's a major decision which can affect the quality of life that you and your family will live for the rest of your time on earth. There are a number of things you need to know about solar power before you can arrive at a decision.

So to help you make the best decision for yourself and your family, here are six reasons more and more people have decided to go solar and why it would be wise for you to say yes, too.

6 Compelling Reasons You Should Go Solar
1. Solar power benefits the environment.
Thinking of how you can help Mother Nature? Going solar is one of the answers. When you go solar, you didn't only do yourself a favor but the environment as well. Since it's a clean source of energy, the pollution it creates is way lesser than other energy sources. It doesn't produce greenhouse gasses and other harmful emissions which hurt Mother Nature. Amazing, right?
2. Solar energy helps you save money.
It looks contradicting at first given the amount of money you have to shell out to have it installed (if you pay for it lump sum). But in the long run, using solar power will help you save more because of how cheap it can be (and because you don't pay for electricity). It's also a sound investment given that its value will be added to your home's property value.
3. Solar power helps you be independent of electricity.
You won't be in the mercy of utility providers. They can raise energy costs all they want but it you won't be affected at all. When there are blackouts, you'd still have power since you rely on solar energy, which is a renewable source. As long as the sun is up there, even during cloudy days, you're good.
4. Solar panels are easy and safe to install.
Aside from the fact that efficient solar panels have no moving parts making them durable, they're easy to install, too. They only need a number of bolts to hold them secured.
5. Solar energy can be used anytime of the day.
There's this myth that you can only use solar power when the sun is up there in the sky. However, the truth is most of the providers of solar energy will get you connected to the grid so you don't risk a power outage at night. Aside from that, if the solar panels you've picked have a battery backup system, you're able to store power that you can use in case of emergencies.
6. Solar energy is the future.
Going solar puts you ahead of the curve. Plus, there's nothing way cooler than powering your entire home using energy from the sun, right?
Deciding whether you'll add solar panels at home is like pondering about your very first home purchase. It requires careful thought and consideration but the benefits you'll reap are undeniable. Go solar today and see how it can transform your life for the better