What is an inverter for solar panels? The solar inverter is one of the main components of any solar panel system. It converts the direct electrical current generated by the panels into alternating current. And we all know very well that alternating current powers various household appliances in our homes.
The solar inverter market size was estimated at $12.15 billion in 2021. According to analysts, the solar inverter market industry will grow from $12.84 billion in 2022 to $18.93 billion by 2030:
From the graph, we can conclude that from year to year, U.S. residents are increasingly switching to using solar energy at home, which means there is a growing need for various inverters for solar installations.
In this article, we will discuss different types of inverters for solar panels in Chicago. You will also learn how the inverter for solar panels works and the factors in choosing the optimal inverter for your solar panel installation.
In order for a solar installation to work properly and produce energy that is useful to us, all components must be in place and functioning smoothly.
To more easily describe the operating principle of the system, we can focus on the interaction of its three main components:
The panels generate a direct electric current from sunlight. An inverter for solar panels converts direct current into alternating current. Solar panels accumulate and store electricity for later use.
The diagram of a residential solar energy system is as follows:
Without an inverter for solar panels, the energy generated by the panels would be absolutely useless for human household needs because they generate only direct electric current from sunlight, which is unsuitable for use in the household.
To solve this problem and convert direct current into alternating current, engineers created inverters for solar panels. When they came up with connecting solar panels to inverter, only then did sunlight become useful for common users.
In addition to its primary function, which is to convert current, solar panel inverters are categorized by operating principle.
There are four types of solar inverters:
We present a comparative description of the two most popular types of inverters that are used in home solar installations in the USA:
| String inverter for solar panels | Micro inverter for solar panels |
| Connects to your entire solar panel array, making the total DC power generated available to your home as AC. Advantages:
Disadvantages:
| Works on an individual level, converting DC to AC for each individual panel. Advantages:
Disadvantages:
|
The hybrid inverter is capable of not only converting DC to AC but also sending excess DC current for storage in a solar battery, transforming them as needed.
Power optimizer is a cheaper alternative to micro inverter for solar panels, but its operating principle is slightly different. Instead of directly converting DC to AC, the optimizer transfers DC power through a string inverter.
In addition to simple current conversion, inverters for solar panels have many advantages and additional functions.
Let’s look at the possibilities that are available thanks to some inverter functions:
Inverters for solar panels work so that the insufficient performance of one panel does not affect the entire array. Due to this, you get more energy output.
The monitoring function allows you to monitor the operation of solar panels in real-time.
Thanks to inverters, excess energy stored in the batteries is returned to the grid for economical and efficient operation.
Inverters can detect system faults and automatically shut down the solar panel to prevent further damage.
From the above, we can conclude that solar inverters are not just a component of a solar energy system, but also perform a number of important functions, without which the system would not be optimized.
How much does an inverter cost for solar panels? If you install a solar panel system, inverters are likely already included in the price. The type of inverter for solar panels in Chicago will directly depend on the size of your future installation and will affect the overall cost of the system.
If you have had solar panels for a long time, then you will probably face the problem of choosing new inverters because the service life of panels can be up to 40 years, and inverters live for 10–15 years.
The cost of an inverter for solar panels in the US depends on the type, size, brand, and quality of the inverter. On average, it ranges from $0.10 to $0.50 per watt. The price for a string inverter can be from $1000 to $1500 for a medium-sized installation, and the cost of a micro-inverter for solar panels for such an installation will be several times more.
To save money from running an inverter, you need to choose the optimal balance between system size, its performance, your energy consumption, and the type of inverter. And compare costs, expected benefits, and potential energy savings.
Selecting the right inverter to suit your system requirements will help ensure optimal performance and efficiency throughout your solar installation.
What do you need to know to make the right choice of solar inverter for your solar installation:
It is advisable to consult with a professional solar installer or supplier before purchasing. To know how to wire solar panels to inverters, make sure your decision is correct.
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