Types of Inverters
Grid Tied Inverters- are for use in any situation where your solar array is connected directly to your local power grid. These systems are more common in urban areas and are much cheaper than stand alone or off-grid systems because of the lack of need for a battery. In grid tie solar systems, direct current is generated by the solar panels, which then send this DC electricity to the grid tie inverter. This energy is then converted into AC electricity by the inverter, and finally sent directly into the local power grid. In this type of system, it is necessary to have your solar unit wired to your grid via your electricity meter, thus ensuring that you receive credit from the power company for any energy you produce. Stand Alone Inverters- are used for off-grid solar arrays. In off-grid arrays, the solar panels generate DC electricity which is then stored in rechargeable batteries. When energy is required, DC electricity is sent from the battery to the stand alone inverter and then converted into AC electricity, which can power a home or any other electricity need. Smaller stand alone inverters are used in a variety of products including solar battery chargers for laptops, cell phones, water pumps, and even to charge a car battery. These inverters are necessary for locations where no local power grid is available, or for anyone who wishes to remain completely independent of energy companies. With a stand alone system, you will be unaffected by power outages because your system will be completely independent from the power grid. You will be free to consume electricity whenever you wish, provided your batteries are charged or your solar array is currently producing electricity. Dual / Battery Back Up Inverters- are used in a multi-function solar system. In this system DC electricity generated by the solar panels is first sent directly to a battery. The energy from the batteries is then sent to the inverter and converted to AC electricity when electricity is required. However, when the batteries are fully charged, any excess DC electricity that is generated is sent directly to the inverter and then sent to the local power grid. This system combines the other two systems into one self-reliant and possibly money generating solar unit. It also ensures that you will still be able to consume electricity even if your system isn’t functioning, as your property will still be connected to the grid. The major benefit of this type of solar energy inverter is that you will still be unaffected by power outages as long as your solar batteries are charged or your system is producing electricity. |
