Although large numbers of people have no any idea about solar inverters, they have a clear idea about solar panels and solar power generation. In fact, these devices are not mysterious at all, for they only work to convert the direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current. Due to this reason, they play an important role in the whole power generation process. So, learning something about them appears necessary. The following are the most concerned factors about them. Now let's take a look at these factors.
1.Prices
Every valuable product has at least one price, and so do solar inverters. Their prices vary from brand to brand, from type to type and from country to country. There are no fixed prices for them because they change dramatically as the market changes. Some big inverters may cost thousands of dollars, while other small ones are only worth a few hundred dollars or even less.
2.Efficiency
The efficiency of an inverter decides how much power a solar PV system can generate in a house, factory or power plant. The highest conversion efficiency of today's solar inverters is about 98.5% or a little more. They are central or string inverters, which are always relatively cheaper compared with microinverters. In fact, each microinverter is not that expensive, but since each one of them can only be connected to one solar panel, the total cost of an entire system will be very high. However, they are more efficient because each one is only connected to one panel. Even though one inverter fails, others can keep working. In average conditions, people prefer string or central inverters because of their cheaper prices not their efficiency. Nowadays they are often seen in residential solar PV systems.
3.Manufacturers
Consumers don't really buy products from manufacturers directly, but manufacturers influence consumers very much. If they produce high quality inverters, consumers can enjoy using them, and vice verse. In the solar inverter manufacturing industry, today's most renowned ones are from China (Huawei), the US (Enphase), Germany (SMA), Switzerland (ABB) and India (Su-Kam). These producers manufacture don't only manufacture high standard products, but also they sell their products in reasonable prices. Their slight moves can surely affect the entire market and consumers' ultimate benefits.
4.Solar power generation
There are two ways about solar power generation. One is large-scale power plant power generation, and the other is distributed power generation. In Europe, North America, East Asia, Oceania or even Africa, a number of large-scale solar power plants have been built or are being built. They are now or will supply electricity to hundreds of millions of people in the world. However, distributed solar power generation also has its important role to play in the game, and home solar is one of its most promoted projects. This form of power generation can also be installed in factories, schools, office buildings and other commercial living places. No matter where the system is installed, it needs solar inverters as its alternating current conversion tools.
5.Home inverter watts
An average home usually needs a 3,000 - 5,000 watts system. As for installing a inverter or microinverters, you need to think about this for a while before making your choice. Home inverter watts often vary from a few hundred to a few thousand according to the types and brands you want to buy.
6.Installation
For a solar power plant, its owner has to install some workers to install these inverters. For a home owner, you may choose to install them on your own if you are a professional or ask the installer to do it for you. These devices are commonly weather-proof, but most home solar goers prefer to install these machines inside their homes. The most appreciated place for this installation is the garage, where it is free from dust and moisture. Some even install these products in attics or balconies. Microinverters are usually installed under each solar panels.
7.Relations with solar panels
Solar inverters should share the same or very similar watts with solar panels. If their watts are higher, the solar panels' whole generated power amount cannot fully satisfy the needs of them. If their sizes are lower, the whole generated power amount will not be completely converted. Thus, energy will be wasted. So sizing inverters is an important process when connecting them to solar panels.
8.Design
Today solar inverters can be designed by yourself. That's customization. Manufacturers want to satisfy the needs of each customer, and so they allow their customers to design their inverters. You can give your suggestions, and they will word their best to satisfy your needs. Now inverters have chips inside themselves for monitoring purposes.
9.Services
Service is what every producer stresses about their products. Solar inverter makers also provide a series of services for their products including pre-sales service, after-sales service and international service. The last service means a solar inverter producer has many branches throughout the world, and it opens offices in these areas to meet different service needs of different customers. If you are not near their headquarters, you can call them and visit their local office.
I am an editor for Omnik New Energy, specializing in writing articles about solar inverter manufacturers, solar energy, PV inverters and solar hybrid inverters. These products can help us save energy and money, and protect the (more...)