Grid-Tied Inverter
Designed primarily to use solar power to reduce electricity purchased from the grid.
- Good for daytime solar savings
- Usually no battery required
- Works with the electrical grid
SOLAR8 KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
Solar InvertersMade Simple.
The inverter is the control centre of a modern solar energy system. Learn what it does, how it works and how to choose the right size for your property.
THE BASICS
What does a solar inverter actually do?
Solar panels produce DC electricity, while most appliances in your home use AC electricity. The inverter manages the conversion between the two.
Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. Your home's electrical system and normal appliances generally operate using alternating current (AC).
The inverter converts DC electricity into usable AC electricity and manages how power moves between your solar panels, batteries, home and the electrical grid.
Modern hybrid inverters can perform considerably more than simple DC-to-AC conversion. They can control battery charging, manage grid electricity, monitor solar production and provide backup power.
BASIC ENERGY FLOW
Solar PanelsDC electricity
→
InverterConverts & manages power
→
PropertyAC electricity
↕
BatteryStores energy
TYPES OF INVERTERS
Which type of inverter do you need?
Different inverter types are designed for different energy requirements.
Hybrid Inverter
Combines solar, battery storage and grid electricity in one energy-management system.
- Solar power
- Battery storage
- Backup during outages
- Flexible energy management
Off-Grid Inverter
Designed for systems that operate independently of the electrical grid.
- Independent power system
- Requires appropriate battery storage
- Suitable for remote applications
INVERTER SIZING
What does a 5 kW inverter mean?
An inverter's kW rating describes the amount of power it can supply. It is one of the most important numbers when comparing systems.
5kW
Example inverter rating
A 5 kW inverter can generally supply up to around 5 kW of AC power, subject to the inverter's specific specifications and operating conditions.
Your inverter needs to match your electrical demand.
The important question is not simply how much solar panel capacity you have. It is also how much power your appliances may require at the same time.
For example, a property running several high-power appliances simultaneously may require a larger inverter than a property with lower simultaneous demand.
This is why proper system assessment is important before selecting an inverter.
UNDERSTANDING LOAD
What appliances affect inverter sizing?
Appliances with high electrical demand can have a significant effect on the inverter size required.
Electric Stove
High electrical demand, especially when multiple cooking elements are used simultaneously.
Geyser
Heating water can create a significant electrical load when the element is operating.
Air Conditioning
Compressors can require substantial power, particularly during startup and high-demand periods.
Pumps
Pool pumps, borehole pumps and other motors can create starting and running loads.
INVERTERS & BATTERIES
Can any battery work with any inverter?
No. Battery and inverter compatibility is an important part of designing a reliable system.
01
Voltage compatibility
The battery's electrical characteristics must be compatible with the inverter's battery input.
02
Communication
Compatible batteries and inverters may communicate through supported battery-management protocols.
03
Charge & discharge limits
The inverter and battery must be correctly matched for charging and discharge requirements.
04
Manufacturer compatibility
Always check the manufacturer's approved compatibility information before combining products.
SOLAR INPUT
Your inverter also has a solar input limit.
An inverter may have a different maximum solar input capacity from its AC output rating.
AC OUTPUTInverter Power
The AC rating describes the amount of power the inverter can supply to your electrical system.
PV INPUTSolar Capacity
The inverter may allow a larger amount of solar panel capacity to be connected, depending on its specifications.
BATTERYEnergy Storage
Battery capacity is normally expressed in kWh and determines how much stored energy is available.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
Modern inverters can do much more than conversion.
Battery Management
Controls battery charging and discharging.
Backup Output
Provides power to selected circuits during outages.
Monitoring
Tracks solar production, consumption and battery status.
Load Management
Helps control how available energy is distributed.
Grid Management
Controls interaction with the electrical grid.
Expandability
Some systems can be expanded with additional batteries or inverter capacity.
INVERTER TERMINOLOGY
Terms you'll see when comparing inverters
kW
Power rating of the inverter's AC output.
kVA
Apparent power rating used for some electrical equipment and inverter specifications.
MPPT
Maximum Power Point Tracking. Helps the inverter extract available power from solar panels.
PV Input
The solar-panel input side of the inverter.
Backup Output
The inverter output used to supply selected loads during a grid outage.
EPS
Emergency Power Supply. A term commonly used for backup functionality.
CHOOSING YOUR INVERTER
The right inverter depends on your property.
There is no single inverter size that is right for every home or business.
01
Understand your load
Identify which appliances you use and which may operate simultaneously.
02
Determine backup requirements
Decide which appliances must remain operational during a power interruption.
03
Consider solar production
Your available roof area, panel capacity and sunlight affect the solar side of the system.
04
Match the battery
If battery storage is required, the inverter and battery should be selected as a compatible system.
NEED HELP CHOOSING?
Let's work out what your property actually needs.
Solar8 can help you understand your electricity requirements and identify a suitable inverter, battery and solar configuration.