What Is a Solar Panel Inverter and How Does It Work?

Posted on 08 November 2021

Wouldn't it be convenient if you could hook up solar panels to the electrical system in your home or business and have free energy? Solar panels convert the sun's energy into usable electrical power, but the process isn't perfectly straightforward. It requires a component called a solar panel inverter.

A solar panel inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity. Your solar power system would never work without an inverter because the electrical in your house runs on AC electricity but the solar panels output DC electricity.

What is the Difference Between DC and AC Electricity?

Having two different kinds of electricity helps regulate the flow of electrical power to devices and systems in your home or business. If we didn't have inverters, we might run into issues with certain devices receiving too much power and others receiving too little.

DC electricity is a constant voltage that only moves in one direction. AC electricity which flows in both directions in the circuit as the voltage changes from positive to negative. Electrical appliances like TVs, refrigerators, computers and more all require AC electricity to operate.

How Does a Solar Panel Inverter Convert DC to AC?

A solar panel inverter converts DC to AC electricity by rapidly alternating the direction of a DC input back and forth. Filters and other electronics are added to the circuit to produce a voltage that is a repeating sine wave that can then be directed into the grid. To clarify, an inverter takes the single direction DC electricity and converts it into an "s" shape voltage wave or pattern that modern electrics can use without being damaged.

The Brain of the Operation

In addition to converting solar energy into usable power, a solar panel inverter monitors the performance of your solar system to ensure proper energy expenditure. This makes it easier to diagnose circuit problems and store excess energy in a solar battery for future use.

A solar panel inverter is the brain behind your entire solar power system! Solar Power Direct, the leading solar power installation company in South Australia, will ensure your solar panel inverter is ready to handle all of your electrical needs.

To learn more about solar panel inverters and installation, call Solar Power Direct on 08 7226 0560.