Inverters

The size of a solar inverter that a household needs is dependent on the size of the solar panel array that they choose to install. The size of solar inverters is rated in terms of kilowatts (kW), and it states the amount of solar-generated power that the inverter can handle.

Ideally, an inverter's maximum output capacity should amount to at least 75% of the solar array capacity as per the CEC regulations.

There is a diverse range of solar inverters present in the market today, and each one differs in terms of features as well as the price they command. While generally, the size and brand of an inverter dictate its worth, here is an average cost estimate of different types of solar inverters: Investing in a Battery Charger Solar means you never run out of batteries and you save a ton of money on your electricity bill. Solar battery chargers are a simple and earth-friendly way to upgrade and keep your batteries operational. Installing a Battery Storage Solar can be a great way to get the most out of your solar panel system. A battery storage solar system and power plants are a type of energy storage system that uses a group of batteries to store electrical energy. The cost of solar battery storage is not exactly moderate, you can still find ways to save money.The cost of solar batteries storage varies considerably.

1. String inverters: These kinds of inverters range from under $1000 to over $2000.
2. Microinverters: The cost of Microinverters depends on the number of panels in the array and their estimated output. Today a single microinverter can cost around $200. It is a universal consensus among solar evaluators that systems that use micro inverters require about 20% more than an equivalent system that uses a string inverter.
3. Optimizers: Power optimizers are not necessarily inverters, but can easily be fitted to a system with strings of solar panels and a string inverter. They work like microinverters as they are attached to solar panels. Optimizers are a bit cheaper than microinverters.
4. Hybrid inverters: String inverters with added capability are called Hybrid Inverters. They are used to connect a storage battery to the solar power system. These inverters are more expensive than regular string inverters. These type of inverters can cost in the $1000-$3000 range or more

Most premium solar inverters come with a display and some indicator lights on them. Opting for a solar inverter with an indicator panel helps homeowners optimize their solar power consumption. Homeowners can either install smart monitoring software on the inverter's indicator panel or choose to perform a manual visual check. Timely alerts can warn the users about an under-performing solar installation and save them from massive electricity bills from grip power consumption at the end of the month. Solar inverters with indicator panels can also help users assess problems, if any, at a nascent stage.

While an inverter has the shortest lifespan on a solar power system, they tend to be an expensive investment. It’s unwise to opt for costly solar panels and settle for cheap inverters as this will create a net loss in the long run by sabotaging the quality of solar power output. A quality inverter maximizes the ROI from your solar power installation. Using an inverter with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) ensures that homeowners get the optimal output from their solar panels consistently, especially during low lighting conditions.

String Inverters- String inverters are standard inverters that are designed to suit the needs of non-commercial solar installations. It is the simplest and least expensive type of solar inverter on the market. This kind of inverter is mounted on an external wall.

Micro Inverters- Its best to use micro inverters on individual panels instead of one inverter for the entire system, in the areas where partial shading depletes the quality of electricity generation by the solar installation. Microinverters are attached directly to each panel on the roof, risking exposure to weather and are a bit expensive for large solar installations. On the positive side, if any solar panel becomes shaded, homeowners lose the output from that one panel only. Additionally, microinverters safeguard the solar installations as they deliver AC power, eliniating any chances of arcing or fire from DC connection. Microinverters are a good option in case of inconsistent shading on the panels during the day or if you want the flexibility of being able to add more solar panels at a later stage.

Hybrid Inverters- These inverters are the best choice available for a homeowner who wants to connect a single inverter unit to connect to all the panels and the battery. hybrid inverters are string inverters with the added capability to connect a solar storage battery. These powerful devices can keep the solar grid running even in the event of a blackout. Choose a hybrid inverter that is "battery-ready," and is compatible with the specific battery you use.

No matter if you are installing a string, hybrid or even a battery inverter, they are best placed on a shaded wall. However, if it's challenging to install the inverter on a shaded wall, it's okay to mount an awning over it to prevent it from the direct heat of the sun. Quality Inverters are built to be installed outdoors and are designed as weatherproof devices. Solar evaluators believe it’s best to fix the inverters around the main switchboard. Excessive heat can degrade the overall performance and lifespan of an inverter.

Thieves and burglars often attempt to steal devices like string inverters if they are installed in a vulnerable place. Most state-of-the-art string inverters come with anti-theft locking devices built into them, but homeowners can also safeguard normal string inverters behind locked doors or fences.

Homeowners can maximize solar utilization through their solar installations with high-quality inverters. However, battery selection also defines compatibility of the inverter with the panels.

Here are some significant points you should keep in mind when buying solar panels aside from looking at their prices

1. A solar inverter should last a minimum of five years and pay for itself in that time. In an ideal case scenario, they should last ten years or more. So, homeowners should look for warranties of 10+ years to cover the likely lifespan of the solar power unit
2. Extended warranties are available but often come at an additional cost.
3. If the raw material used in making the solar inverter (copper and iron) is good enough, the integrity of the device shell is long-lasting.
4. Australian Consumer Law protects solar consumers from toothless warranties that low-quality solar companies offer. Ensure that solar inverter and panel warranties do not mention that homeowners must get the inverters removed from the wall and handle the return shipping.
5. Further, if a system fails due to a fault in the solar inverter and takes a month to repair or longer, this may result in loss of income for the buyer. In short, warranties must mention how a vendor will determine if there is a problem and details about who is responsible for removing the inverter component. There also needs to be clarity on whether it will be repaired or replaced and who will be responsible for reinstalling it.

• Choose a solar inverter that complies with relevant Australian Standard (AS4777). If you buy a compliant solar inverter in addition to other components of the solar panel system, it makes you eligible for the country's solar subsidy
• Buy a solar inverter that claims to suit the output of your solar panel in DC.
• If you are considering buying a solar panel that advertises the flexibility of adding extra panels later on, see if you have enough space on the roof to install additional panels, and also if your solar panels will be available in the future.
• Buy weatherproof solar inverters so that exposure to the elements doesn’t hamper its performance. If the introvert in itself is not weatherproof, use a weatherproof cage to be sure.
• When it comes to the cooling process of a Solar Inverter, homeowners that opt for devices with internally regulated fan cooling face more noise. These kinds of inverters feature more serviceable components and are a bit difficult to manage in modern residential settings. On the other hand, solar inverters with convection cooling feature higher positive temperature debating points and are comparatively quieter. These inverters slash the need for service within an inverter's lifetime
• In a solar inverter, the way it is built is the only design feature based on a discretionary assessment of the vendor. Homeowners can choose the kind of solar inverter that compliments the space they have.
• Ingress protection rating or what is more popularly known as an IP rating describes a solar inverter's resistance to both dust and water according to an internationally recognized standard. Needless to say, settle for an inverter with a suitable IP rating only.
• Modern inverters boast of their internet connectivity. Therefore, it's best if homeowners choose inverters with internet connectivity for the sheer ease they offer.
• It is recommended that buyers opt for an inverter with an in-built DC isolator which minimizes the need for any 3rd party accessories

National Solar Company is a renowned photovoltaic inverter vendor that deals with high-quality products. Our excellent selection of solar products like panels, inverters and batteries is an excellent fit as acknowledged in international markets. Australia’s future will be powered by the sun, and with the help of advanced technology, we’ll convert this into useful energy for everyone.