Now you know what a solar inverter is and how it works, it’s time to look at the different types of inverters. There are 5 different kinds of solar inverters, all with varying benefits :
A battery inverter is the best option if you are needing to retrospectively fit a battery into your solar system, or are wanting to keep your battery separate from your solar panels and run through a different inverter. A battery inverter converts your battery power into 230V AC and feeds it into your switchboard (instead of grid power) wherever possible.
A central inverter is huge and is used for systems requiring hundreds of kilowatts (or even sometimes megawatts) of volume. They aren’t for residential use and resemble a large metal cabinet, with each ‘cabinet’ being able to handle around 500kW of power. They are generally used commercially for large-scale installations, or for utility-scale solar farms.
As their name suggests, microinverters are super small (the size of a book!) and the ratio of solar panels to microinverters is 1:1. The benefit of a microinverter, among others, is that they optimise each solar panel individually, which offers more energy (especially in shady conditions).
Hybrid inverters, otherwise known as ‘multi-mode inverters’, are pretty uncommon in Australia and allow you to connect batteries to your solar system. It engages with the connected batteries through ‘DC coupling’ (when both the solar and batteries use one inverter and the DC from the solar panels charges the batteries via a DC charger) and its electronics organise the charging and discharging of the battery.
What makes a good solar inverter?
When considering the numerous different inverter brands, types and sizes, there are a few things you can keep an eye out for when it comes to good solar inverters. These include:
What size solar inverter is best?
This is a question that a lot of people get confused with. For the best clarification we can provide, it is best to get an inverter that is able to handle the max power that a solar power system can produce. For example, if you are after a 3kW solar power system, you will need 3kW panels and a 3kW solar inverter. Now, there are exceptions to this rule, but we won’t get into those here (and they are really quite confusing too!).
Make sure your inverter’s rating in kilowatts is equal to or more than the solar panel’s output
Is the solar inverter weatherproof?
This is a big one to consider when you are looking at where your inverter will be located. If it is weather-proof, this obviously offers you a little more flexibility when it comes to placement but, if it’s not, you may need to consider getting a weather-proof cage for protection (but will cost extra). The general rule is the more protected your solar inverter is, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. Check out the specifications of the solar inverters you are interested in and speak to the solar installation company to find out where they plan to install the inverter.
The solar inverter display
Take a look at the solar inverter display and see how much information is available to be viewed directly on your inverter, or whether there is a remote monitoring option (for example, from a console in your home). Some of the information that may be contained on the display includes:
How many hours the system has been producing power
The number of kilowatts (kW) the system is currently producing
The amount of energy (kilowatt hours) on a daily basis the system is producing
The amount of electricity (kilowatt hours) the system has produced since installation
Make sure you read the rating of solar inverters carefully-they are rated in terms of ’DC input ’and ’AC output ’，so ensure you choose a systemthat suits your needs
Solar inverter warranty
This is a very important point! Most grid-connected inverters usually last around 10-20 years, and (realistically) they should all last 10 years at an absolute minimum. Depending on the inverter, warranties usually last around 5-12 years, with some extension options for an extra cost. Take a look at the inverter you would like and its features, and weigh up the need for a longer warranty than what is offered – always remember, the longer the warranty, the more protection you have.
Can I expand my solar inverter?
This is a consideration if you are wanting to expand your solar system in the future. It is best to speak to a solar electrician regarding this, as what you require will really depend on a lot of differing factors .
Are you going to be connected to the grid?
If you are going to be connected to the grid (where the energy from your solar panels goes to your home or the main energy grid), ensure you review solar inverters with an efficiency of at least 93% (transformer-based) or 95% (transformerless). These are the expected efficiency levels for most good inverter options.
How much should I pay?
This is the trickiest question of the lot, and we can’t provide an exact answer. It really depends on your requirements as to how much you are going to need to pay, with prices ranging from $800.00 to $5,000.00 or more. The one thing we can tell you is this – never buy the cheapest option. They do not last, and you will be buying another inverter long before you should be when buying the cheapest choice.Contact Us