Inverter Types
Solar inverters are an important part of your quest for a more energy-efficient home or commercial property. Inverters work to transform the power that is being produced by solar panels into usable energy. Without an inverter, the power generated by your solar panels can’t be used. Generally speaking, there are three types of inverters available, namely microinverters, string inverters and power optimisers.
Choosing the right inverter mainly depends on your power requirements at home or in the office. The devices and appliances you want to use during a power outage should be your first consideration. Not every type of inverter will be able to run all the devices you need it to. And, as you can imagine, the more comprehensive your requirements, the more advanced your inverter will need to be. In some instances, you may even need more than one inverter, but this depends on the size of your home or building and the number of solar panels that are installed on your roof.
By linking an inverter to a solar battery system, it’s possible to operate off the grid, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint. Eco Home Group can help you determine what type of inverter you should be using at home or for your commercial property based on your specific power requirements and green goals.
FAQs
Inverter size depends on the power in watts or amps of the appliances you need to operate. You can find this information on the specification labels. Inverters can range from 50 to 50,000 watts, but anything over 11,000 is generally used in commercial and industrial buildings. Eco Home Group can help you determine the type of inverter you need based on your specific power requirements.
Yes, an inverter is essential for running your solar energy system. It’s responsible for converting direct current (DC) electricity, which is generated by the solar panels, into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home or property needs to run electrical systems.
Smaller inverters, which last anywhere from 10 – 25 years, start at around £20 and can cost us much as £1500. For larger inverters, which last at least 25 years, you could spend anything between £1200 and £1500.
Overloading and voltage spikes are some of the most common reasons why an inverter wouldn’t last as long as it could. Installing an inverter in a space that gets too much sun could cause it to overheat, which can also lead to lasting damage. The same applies if you install your inverter in an area with high moisture and humidity levels. Lastly, there are power supply problems. If the power supply to your inverter is unstable, it can cause damage.
In most instances, inverters are installed in a garage or utility room. They can also be mounted outside, provided they’re not exposed to excess heat and moisture. If you have any questions about the best place to install your household or commercial inverter, Eco Home Group is available to guide you.