Harvesting solar power brings impressive benefits beyond energy bill savings – it also shrinks your carbon footprint. To generate renewable energy from sunlight, a solar system is monitored by a solar inverter, an essential component which acts as the brain behind the system. Let’s take a closer look at the extended functionality of solar inverters and find out how advanced photovoltaic systems really are.

Maximising Power Output 

Solar panels produce DC power, whereas home appliances run on AC. An inverter converts DC into AC to make solar energy useable in a domestic setting. Inverters also have built-in maximum power point tracking to optimise solar output throughout the day as conditions like weather and sunlight angle change. A quality solar inverter can yield up to 25% more energy than lower-tier models.

Connecting to the Grid

A grid-tie solar inverter facilitates net metering; thus, any excess energy feeds back into the main grid. This energy can also be credited to your next bill through a feed-in tariff incentive and makes installing more solar panels worthwhile even if your system generates more power than the household consumes during sun hours.

Monitoring System Performance

Telemonitoring is a standard function on modern solar inverters. Homeowners can easily track their solar energy production, consumption and savings via an app. This type of monitoring ensures the system runs efficiently and allows for any troubleshooting. Some advanced solar inverters even detect faults like short circuits and shut off impacted parts of the system to avoid damage.  

Providing Safety Features 

Safety is paramount for residential solar installations. A solar inverter is equipped with automatic rapid shutdown to isolate the solar wiring and electronics when firefighters, paramedics, or anyone else cuts power during an emergency. On top of this, a solar inverter also has anti-islanding to stop panels from exporting energy in the vent that the main grid goes down for everyone’s safety. 

Types of Solar Inverters

String and microinverters are the two main varieties of solar inverters suited for households. 

String Inverters  

As the most common type, a string solar inverter is a centralised unit connecting several solar panels. Multiple strings can be combined to form an array – usually arranged by rows on a rooftop. A string inverter offers a simple, cost-effective solar solution for many homes but lacks per-panel monitoring.

Microinverters 

A microinverter takes solar capabilities to the panel level as mini-inverter units are installed on each panel. This decentralised system provides optimised output and performance monitoring for every panel. If one panel fails, the rest still work. However, microinverter systems cost more upfront, given inverter duplication across all panels.    

Key Features to Compare

With an overview of a solar inverter’s key functions, you may be able to evaluate options and find the best model for your household. Beyond watts and price, key features to consider include:  

► Efficiency rating – Look for 95%+ efficiency to minimise waste

► Warranty length – Quality solar inverters offer 10+ year warranties 

► Monitoring – Real-time tracking via mobile app is ideal  

► Safety credentials – Check for the latest rapid shutdown certification

►Reputation – Established brands known for reliability and support

Finding the Right Solar Inverter

Get in touch with an authorised dealer today to help you determine the right type and size of a solar inverter tailored to your electricity usage and budget. Reputable experts also have professional installers at hand to provide you with a quality solar system backed by long warranties and support. Contact an accredited solar company to discuss your options and enjoy clean energy and savings for decades to come.