When thinking about photovoltaic installations, we often imagine them as panels that produce the electricity we use later. We often overlook one very important device.
It is specifically about the inverter, also called a solar inverter or photovoltaic inverter, which without any exaggeration can be described as the heart of the entire installation. Therefore, when choosing panels it is also worth making sure that we buy the right and satisfactory quality type of inverter. To begin with, you need to get acquainted with the basic divisions and operation of these devices.
Basics of inverter operation
There are three types of circuits in this device: input, control and protection. This is because the inverter performs a number of different functions. The first and most important of these is to change the direct current (DC) flowing from the photovoltaic cells to alternating current (AC) with a voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Besides, it has to react properly when any of these parameters is wrong so as not to cause a short circuit. At this point, you can already see the key function of this device. In fact, it is responsible for even more.
Types of inverters
There are several types of distinctions here. The first is the division according to the installation in which the device is installed. The most popular today are grid-connected installations. The user is then subject to so-called prosumer billing
Some elements, such as the billing period, differ from one electricity retailer to another. Some basic elements are usually similar. A two-way meter is installed to calculate how much energy is put into and taken out of the grid. The amount of kilowatt-hours put into the grid is additionally multiplied by a so-called correction factor, which depends on the electricity retailer’s rules and other parameters.
In addition, the value fed into the grid is reduced by the current consumption. The balance is then calculated from both values, which are recorded by the meter and used as the basis for billing. This type of installation is called “on-grid” (This type of installation is called “on-grid”.) They use grid inverters.
So-called off-grid installations, which are outside the grid, are less common. They may turn out to be more profitable, but in case of insufficient production we may suddenly find ourselves without electricity. If you decide on such an installation, you will need a non-cooperative inverter, otherwise known as an island inverter. There is also a third type – hybrid. Inverters of this type can work both on- and off-grid.
Besides, there are two more ways to divide these devices. In installations with less power, single-phase inverters are used, and in larger installations three-phase inverters are used. It is also worth noting the difference between a central inverter and a microwave inverter. The former is used in a traditional installation and requires a special room. The microwave inverter supports so-called micro installations and is located directly under the panels.
Other functions
As mentioned at the beginning, in addition to its standard application, a modern inverter also has many more functions. It can, for example, connect via WiFi with a dedicated application. This allows us to track, for example, how much energy our installation produces and by how much it reduces CO2 emissions.
Main photo: schropferoval/pixabay.com
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