How Solar Inverters Are Changing the Planet – A Simple Guide into the World of Solar Technology

Why Solar Panels?

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular, both commercially and domestically, as a source of renewable energy. Solar energy reduces electricity bills, has a low maintenance cost, and can be used for diverse purposes from supplying electricity to your home, distilling water in areas with a limited clean water supply, and even to power satellites in space. If you’re considering installing a solar energy system, you might want to consider the different types of inverter systems that might suit your needs.

What Are Solar Inverters?

Solar Inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy from your panels into alternating current (AC) energy that you can use in your home. We’ve put together a quick guide explaining the different types of inverters, their individual advantages and their cost and energy efficiency.

Types of Solar Inverters

String Inverters

A string inverter is probably the simplest, most standard inverter used in the UK. All the panels connect together in a series, with the inverter at the end. Most string inverters can manage about 5-10 panels, meaning you can invest in one inverter rather than paying for 5-10 microinverters.

Pros

  • Work well as a short-term solution
  • Cheaper due to lower amount of equipment needed compared to microinverters
  • Cheaper upfront cost

Cons

  • The performance of the whole unit is equal to the worst performing panel
  • A problem with one panel will affect the whole system

Micro Inverters

Micro inverters are small inverters attached to each panel, operating independently on each panel. Differently to the string inverter, the access of the inverter is on the roof rather than the side of the house.

Pros

  • You can have different strings of panels on each MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker)
  • Can work well for housing facing East/West
  • Can work for complex roof shapes
  • The performance of the whole unit is

Cons

  • Maintenance can be more expensive
  • Harder to access

Power Optimisers

A power optimizer converts DC/DC electricity into smart modules. They are connected to each module, meaning they track maximum power points individually.

Pros

  • Cost less than micro inverters
  • Maximise the energy harvested from the solar technology

Cons

  • Less flexible than microinverters

Hybrid Inverters

Hybrid Inverters are a smart form of inverter which enable excess solar power to be stored in its own battery system. Commonly, hybrid inverters can work well with no battery.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Can store power
  • Constant power supply
  • Energy-saving

Cons

  • Limited appliance use
  • Shorter battery life

Solar Inverters – The Future of Solar Energy

The many different types of solar inverters come with their individual benefits, depending on your specific requirements. The solar power industry is constantly raising the bar in terms of efficiency, lifespan, and cost of introducing solar power in your home.

 Previous