What the Guru says
Hi, Solar Guru, why do I need an inverter for my solar panels? Can't I just plug them straight into my house power?
The reason you need an inverter is that all solar panels produce energy as DC electricity. An inverter turns the DC into 240 Volt AC electricity, just like all the rest of your power in the house. The inverter also provides a bunch of other valuable safety features and functions. So you need an inverter to convert DC to 240v AC and to keep your home safe.
An inverter converts the Direct Current (DC) electricity generated via the solar panels into Alternating Current (AC) electricity. Used by your household appliances. So without an inverter, the solar panel’s electricity could not be used in your home and business.
Overall there are six excellent reasons why you need an inverter as an essential part of a solar system.
- It allows your generated renewable DC solar energy to become compatible with the 240V AV electricity used in your home by all the appliances. Via the conversion process of the inverter.
- Individual solar panels generate differing DC outputs depending on light, shade, angles, and panel temperature. The inverter regulates and finetunes the electrical output from the modules. Matching the voltage and frequency requirements of the home. The inverter performs a vital function by making the power generated by the PV system.
- Solar panels generate the maximum power at a specific voltage known as the maximum power point (MPP). An inverter has inbuilt Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) capability. To optimise the output of the solar panels by constantly adjusting the electrical load and ensuring the panels operate at their Maximum Power Point (MPP). This technology ensures the PV’s best output and efficiency.
Solar inverters finetune energy produced to ensure compatibility with your home - Inverters have safety features such as ground fault protection, overvoltage protection, and overcurrent protection. These safety features make sure that the whole system is performing in a safe and regulated manner. Another very important safety feature is called “anti-islanding protection”. This technology prevents the inverter from operating when the grid goes down. Because if the solar system still feeds power into the grid in a blackout. The safety of the electricity lines repairs crew would be threatened.
- Inverters also monitor the solar output and provide clear monitoring data, usually via an app. They will also email you or the installer to inform you about a PV system issue, such as an earth fault within your panels.
- Inverters are connected to the grid, allowing you to export electricity to the grid and gain additional PV system income via the feed-in tariff.
In summary
An inverter is a key part of a solar power system as it converts the DC electricity generated by solar panels into usable AC electricity, ensures compatibility with the power grid, optimises energy production, adds safety components and facilitates connection to the main grid and output metering.
Should you consider purchasing solar, batteries, inverter or other renewable energy products, we recommend engaging with a qualified local supplier or installer to provide extensive advice. To find the right partner try our company finder and ask our recommended experts to assist you. Using a Your Energy Answers Authorised Partner will give you a well-vetted, experienced, reliable, and trustworthy company to serve your needs.
