A solar inverter is a key component of a solar photovoltaic system. It converts the electricity that solar panels generate into a usable form for homes and businesses, as well as for exporting to the grid.
The solar inverter’s primary function is to convert direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC), making it compatible with standard electrical devices and the grid.
When sunlight hits a solar panel, it triggers a process that causes electrons to flow in one direction, producing DC electricity. However, most household appliances and the electrical grid rely on AC electricity, which flows back and forth in a wave pattern. This means that DC energy is unsuitable for most home appliances.
Solar inverters come in various types, including string inverters and hybrid inverters.
● String inverters like Marley’s Clearline string inverter allow multiple solar tiles to be connected in a single circuit.
● Hybrid inverters, like Marley’s ES G2, combine inverter technology with battery storage, enabling photovoltaic energy to be stored and used during periods of low sunlight or at night.
Domestic solar inverters are designed to be compact and discreet. They are quiet to run, making about the same amount of noise as a refrigerator. Typically, they are wall-mounted and installed in garages or utility rooms, ensuring they are both out of the way and easily accessible for maintenance or monitoring.