Solar energy is abundant, but transferring that energy into something you can use to power a home or office round-the-clock requires a hybrid solar inverter system. The good news is solar energy technology is increasingly affordable, with the average price of a 100-megawatt system expected to decrease another 19% by 2025.
A traditional solar system generates electricity from sunlight with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Inverters convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) that’s required by lights, HVACs, and most other fixtures and fittings in buildings.
Inverters are a crucial component of any solar power system, serving a wide range of functions:
A hybrid solar inverter combines a traditional solar power inverter with a battery storage inverter to provide an efficient, reliable power source.
Hybrid inverters can also convert AC power from your electric grid to charge your battery. That means you can run your building with solar and battery power no matter the conditions outside or time of day.
A hybrid inverter with solar battery charging offers several unique advantages over other types of inverters, but there are a few drawbacks to consider too. We’ll discuss both in detail below.
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Hybrid inverters are a great option for a new installation, especially when backup resilience is a factor. The benefits include:
1. Efficiency
Hybrid systems take up less space than alternative designs because they combine solar power inverters and battery storage inverters into one device. An experienced installer can set up your system faster with less space. Maintenance is simplified by combining the various systems as well.
Hybrid inverter systems with a DC-coupled design increase power efficiency too. During transmission, there is less power loss when they don’t require DC to AC conversion for your battery systems.
2. Backup Power
With hybrid systems, the inverter chargers send excess power from your panels to a battery backup. If your area suffers a blackout, you can still run equipment and lights since it stores extra energy.
This feature can provide relief by keeping your HVAC systems working during rotating outages. You can use backup battery power during hours of peak electricity pricing to reduce costs and charge your battery when it’s less expensive.
3. Affordability
Hybrid systems combine multiple solar technologies into a compact system with a more affordable upfront price. Many home and business owners choose hybrid inverters even without connecting an energy storage system because of the lower investment cost and increased efficiency.
The lower the cost of your system, the sooner you can see a return on your investment. Right-sized solar systems can offer energy savings from day one.
4. High-Tech Efficiency Monitoring
Hybrid systems can send performance data for monitoring so you can track the efficiency of your system. This can help you determine when maintenance is needed or if the system needs repairs.
These charge controlling systems monitor conditions to decide when to send solar power to the grid vs. the battery or when to pull power from the grid to charge the battery. This lets you take advantage of net metering to earn back credits from your utility company.
Hybrid solar inverters enhance the capabilities of a solar power system but they may not be suitable for all installations. Here are some drawbacks of installing hybrid solar inverters:
If you decide to install a hybrid solar inverter system, you’ll need to know its features and limitations fully. Some hybrid inverters for solar power are designed for interior installation only, while others can withstand the weather conditions of a rooftop installation.
Hybrid systems convert surplus power into usable energy, so your inverter may cap the amount of power your panels generate. This can also shorten the life of the equipment, as overcharging can deplete the electrolytes and prevent a full charge.
You must understand the specs of each system and talk to an installer to choose the best configurations for your usage.
Go Solar with Airis
With inverter technology becoming ever more efficient, hybrid solar inverter systems offer an affordable way to maintain backup power when you need it most without compromising efficiency.
A hybrid system can transfer excess power to your utility company for credits on your next bill during peak power generation times.
Airis can help you choose the best solar energy solution for your home or business. We make going solar as easy as can be. We’ll take care of everything – from designing your unique solar system to installing, maintaining, and monitoring it.
Book your free on-site energy audit today to find out how much solar energy can help you save.
GRANKIA Electric
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7 min read
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May 15, 2023
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A solar inverter is an essential component in any solar power system. It’s responsible for converting the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity. If you have chosen solar inverter for home, then you need to know about solar power inverters. The solar inverter transforms the energy generated by your solar panel system into a usable form.
Solar inverter kits enable using abundant solar energy for homes and businesses. By harnessing solar energy, solar energy reduces reliance on costly, climate-changing electricity.
When selecting a solar inverter for home, it’s important to consider a few factors. The first is the size of the hybrid solar inverter. Choose an inverter that handles solar panel output but avoids energy waste. It’s also important to choose a kit with high efficiency ratings, pick a high-efficiency kit to maximize solar panel output.
Another important factor to consider is the type of pv inverter. There are three main types of inverters: string inverters, micro inverters, and power optimizers. String inverters are the most common type and are typically in residential applications. Micro-inverters and power optimizers suit shaded or complex roofs.
Hire an expert to install a solar inverter for home if you’re not comfortable with the process. After installing the kit, you should properly maintain it to ensure it continues to function optimally. This includes regularly cleaning the solar panels, checking the wiring connections, and monitoring the performance of the inverter.
A variety of sizes are available for solar panel inverters. Watts(W) is a unit used to quantify inverter power, like solar panel power (W). When choosing the best hybrid inverter size, the installers will consider the size, the type of solar panels and any special circumstances at your installation site.
Size of the PV solar array
The size of your pv solar array is the main factor in determining the size of your solar inverter. A solar converter with sufficient capacity should convert the solar arrays’ DC electricity into AC electricity.
For instance, the inverter should have a power output of 5000W if you are constructing a solar panel system with a DC rating of 5kW.
On the inverter’s data sheet, the manufacturer will provide an array of capacities that are compatible with a particular inverter. Deploying an inverter that is either too big or small for its specifications will make the manufacturer’s warranties worthless.
Types of solar panel
The location and characteristics of your solar array will determine the size of your solar inverter. A solar array’s position, including the orientation and angle at which it is installed, will affect how much electricity it produces. The different types of solar panels have unique features which need to be considered before purchasing an inverter.
Four main types of solar panels are accessible in the market: these are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, and thin-film panels. Each one has its own pros and cons. However, the user needs to install the best solar panel that would suffice his needs and requirements.
Environmental factors
The amount of sunlight that can penetrate the solar array is the main concern for solar inverter installation. But environmental factors such as shadow and dust substantially impact the solar inverter capacity.
Professionals consider these elements when calculating the overall output of your solar panel system. You may use your system’s derating factor to estimate the quantity of electricity your solar panels will produce in an actual installation.
Solar panel systems that are sometimes shadowed, or face east rather than south are subject to a greater derating factor. If the solar panels derating factor is high enough, inverter capacity may be lower in relation to array size.
Understanding DC/AC ratio
DC/AC ratio is the installed DC capacity to the inverter’s AC power rating. Making a solar array larger than necessary can increase DC-to-AC conversion efficiency. This enables a better energy harvest when production is below the inverter’s rating, which it typically is throughout the day.
For the majority of designs, a DC/AC ratio of 1.25 is ideal. This is due to the fact that only 1% of the energy generated throughout the course of a photovoltaic (PV) array will have a power level greater than 80%. Combining a 9 kW PV array with a 7.6 kW AC converter will result in the best DC/AC ratio. It will result in the least amount of power loss.
When an inverter’s AC output rating is too low then it will result in power loss. The process is power limiting and is also termed inverter clipping.
Possible to self-install, but solar inverter installation is complex and risky. For these reasons, it is generally recommended to hire a professional to install the solar inverter.
Solar inverters convert solar panel DC to usable AC power for your home or business. Working with high-voltage electricity during this process can be hazardous if you are not with electrical work.
Furthermore, sizing and installing solar inverters correctly is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety. Choose a compatible inverter and design electrical systems to meet local codes and safety standards.
If self-installing, follow manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines closely. Permits and inspections may be required before connecting to the grid.
This will help ensure that your system is safe, reliable, and performing optimally.
Choosing a solar inverter kit for your home requires consideration of several factors, including the size of your solar system, your power consumption needs, and your budget. Here are some key steps to help you choose the right solar inverter kit for your home:
1.Determine the size of your solar system
The first step is to determine the size of your solar system, which is based on the amount of energy you need and the size of your roof or available space for solar panels. You’ll need to calculate the total wattage of your solar panels to determine the size of the inverter kit you need.
2.Decide on the type of inverter
There are three main types of inverters: string, micro, and power optimizers. String inverters, being the most common and cost-effective, require all panels to connect in a single string. As a result, if one panel is shading or has a problem, it can affect the entire system. Micro inverters and power optimizers, on the other hand, allow each panel to operate independently, which can increase overall system efficiency, but they are more expensive.
3.Consider the features you need
Different inverter kits offer different features, such as monitoring, backup power, and built-in surge protection. Consider which features are important to you and choose an inverter kit that offers those features.
4.Check the compatibility
Make sure that the inverter kit you choose is compatible with your solar panels and meets local codes and safety standards.
5.Compare prices and warranties
Compare the prices and warranties of different inverter kits from reputable manufacturers to find the best value for your budget.
6.Consult with a professional
Consult with a professional solar installer or provider to ensure that you choose the right inverter kit for your home and to ensure safe and proper installation.
By following these steps and doing your research, you can choose a solar inverter kit that is the right size and type for your solar system, meets your energy needs, and fits your budget.