Solar Power Inverter
The purpose of this article is to discuss the function of a solar power inverter in a home solar system, as well as issues pertaining to different types of inverters, and solutions to common problems associated with them.
In most cases, home solar systems involve solar panels charging batteries, with the batteries then supplying electricity to fixtures within the home. This ensures that power is available in the dark, when the solar panels themselves aren’t generating. The electricity present in both solar panels and batteries is of the Direct Current (DC) variety. The inside of the house, though, uses Alternating Current (AC). The inverter handles this part of the job, converting DC electricity to AC.
Users can choose between Modified Sine Wave (MSW) and True Sine Wave (TSW) inverters. MSW inverters convert DC electricity into the simplest form of AC power. Certain appliances work fine with MSW inverters, but others don’t. For example, when used in conjunction with an MSW inverter, audio equipment will often give off a noticeable hum. TSW inverters, while more expensive, are generally preferred, because they don’t present these problems.
It’s fairly easy to take care of an inverter once the system has been set up. The inverter should be near the batteries, without actually being in the same box. Make sure that the wire connecting the batteries to the inverter isn’t too small. The correct size will most likely be listed in the inverter instructions. It’s good to have a fuse on all wires to and from the inverter. Make certain that the inverter isn’t in a location where it will be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.
There are two issues which are particularly common among users of solar power inverters. First, there’s RF interference. Inverters produce radio noise while they work. Radio receivers should be kept as far away from the inverter as possible. Another solution is to switch to a battery powered radio, the batteries for which can be recharged at any time through the solar power system.
So-called “phantom loads” represent the other common issue. This refers to the electricity that is used by certain electronic devices, such as many new TVs, while they’re turned off. Inverters are unable to go to sleep while these devices keep on drawing power. This in turn means that inverters themselves end up using more power than they ought to. Usually, this problem can be solved through the use of a power strip with an on/off switch. Turning the power strip off will keep the devices from drawing electricity, so the inverter can then switch to its low power mode.
For more info about the most recent technological improvement being offered in solar panel systems, go to Solar Micro Inverter.
For the finest guide to building your own solar panels, including detailed instructions and step-by-step videos, go to Build Your Own Solar Panel.
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