Daylight energy is the most clean electricity type we have. In order to use this power to its full volume, some devices have been invented that can transform it into electricity. Two of them are solar converters and solar inverters. Solar converters are used to refine and set the voltage for direct current (DC) manufactured through the solar panels, while a solar inverter converts the DC into alternating current (AC) that allows the operation of devices and is the standard type of power from an appliance and an electrical grid. Both do share some similarities, but yet they have their separate characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages to make them work for use. This article tries to point out the differences between the two so that you can get to see what will work best for you.
What is a Solar Converter?
This device is an essential part of the daylight energy system. It creates a medium of conversion for the power coming from the solar panels, which is in the form of direct current, to AC. The alternating current can power domestic appliances and even be supplied to the power grid. It also changes the voltage and frequency to the local electricity standards to which it is supposed to apply. Generally, inverters are much more expensive, and their efficiency is lower than that of solar converters. However, the core purpose is also relatively narrow, quite literally limited to the ability to power up resistive loads like lighting, fans, and electronics, since they are not designed to power up inductive loads like motors, pumps, and compressors.
What is a Solar Inverter?
This tool is a very important component in any solar-based power system. It actually changes the DC gotten from the sunshine panels to alternating current, which quite many home appliances use. This conversion allows solar energy to be used in regular appliances and enhances energy independence. Solar inverters also enable the excess solar energy to be given back to the power grid, and hence, it's a plus on returns. Even though inverters cost more than converters, recently their prices have come down. Thus, a larger number of households have started considering the possibility of using solar energy in their homes. Therefore, solar inverters are supportive of effectively and efficiently harnessing solar energy.
Types Of Solar Panel Inverters
The three major categories of these devices, generally speaking, are string-based inverters, string inverters with power optimizers, and microinverters. Each of the categories bears special characteristics—pros and cons attached, depending on how huge or small one is willing to locate the solar system.
String options connect many solar panels in series to form a line, which is then connected to a single inverter. This is usually the cheapest inverter and most simple for installation and service but also comes with some drawbacks. For example, a partly shaded or even damaged panel might lead to the loss of efficiency for the whole string. A string inverter may also fail the latest safety standards, including rapid shutdown, in the event of an emergency.
String inverters have power optimizers, a small device that attaches to each solar panel. It optimizes the voltage and current of the DC output and sends it to the string inverter. It adds cost to the equipment and increases complexity during installation and maintenance. On the other hand, this increases effectiveness and dependability of the solar system, more so under shading conditions or in case of a complex layout of the roof. However, microinverters are a bit expensive and complex to get during the installation and while doing the maintenance for your solar.
Microinverters are used to directly convert the DC power to AC, right at its source. It avoids problems and losses resulting from the partial shading of a module or different models of the module and hence means that each panel has its power point hence can be serviced individually. It also allows for more flexibility and scalability in the design and installation of the system. The downside of using microinverters is that they are more expensive and sophisticated to access and replace when compared to string inverters.
Key Benefits of Using a Solar Inverter
Major advantages of using a good quality solar inverter include:
- Better Power Generation: A solar inverter helps optimize power with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) by controlling the voltage of solar panels to give out maximum power from different weather and sun conditions. With MPPT, the potential energy output may increase to about 30% higher compared to that without it.
- Higher Energy Efficiency: The solar inverters with MPPT technology further increase the energy efficiency of the complete system by reducing losses and heat produced at the DC-AC conversion stage. This, in turn, reduces the requirements for cooling in the system and increases the amount of energy return.
- Better Protection to the System: The latest solar inverters will have the ability to pre-warn and protect any issues in the solar power system, such as overheat, short circuit, and ground fault. In case of a fault, the inverter will switch off the whole system for avoidance of any possible damages of the components or the home. It can, after resolving the fault, be turned on again to continue in its normal course of operation.
3 Recommended Solar Generators with an Inverter
A solar generator is a gadget used for storage and supply of electric power from solar panels or any other sources. The standard components would include a battery, a charge regulator, and an inverter. The uses may relate to providing backup energy, off-grid energy, or adding energy to where it is required. The following are three such solar generators equipped with an inverter.
It's a solar generator that has a solid, complete, and flexible design. It's well suited to outputting a 2000W maximum in AC output with the battery capacity value of 2000Wh. It will come with an output of 17 ports for various devices, and it supports 7 ways of recharging, including solar, AC, car, generator, and lead battery. Besides, the package will come with three units of 200W PV200 solar panels, which have an efficiency of 23.4% each. The three panels fold together, which makes them very mobile, hence fitting in with most of the solar generators made with MC4 connectors. The solar kit is gas-free and silent, promoting environmental safety, and its use is economical. It is thus perfect for camping/emergency use gadget.
This setup stands out as a flexible & scalable system devised to give a 3000 watts peak output energy, with a 3072Wh cell capacity. The storage capacity can be expanded by adding up to 4 B300 batteries, giving a user a massive 12288Wh. It also features 240V split-phase bonding, full-time UPS home backup, and 7 recharging ways, such as by solar, AC, car, generator, lead-acid battery, etc. It includes a 420W solar panel of high conversion, designed to be sturdy and water-resistant, with a kickstand for convenient installation. It pairs with the BLUETTI AC200P/AC200MAX/AC300/AC500/EP500Pro perfectly. This would work as the most ideal solar kit for home backup, off-grid living, or traveling outside.
It is a brilliant setup which has an optimal output energy of up to 2200 wattage on alternating current and the battery's expandability rising to 2048Wh. Further, it has expandability for adding either 2 B230 or 2 B300 batteries to get it a total of up to 8192Wh. These include seven recharging ways: solar, AC, car, generator, lead battery, and recharge. It also supports dual charging, smart controlling, and monitoring on your BLUETTI APP. Furthermore, it also has a 350W solar panel with a high conversion rate, simple setup kickstand, strong and splash-resistant features, and is compatible with the BLUETTI AC180/AC200P/AC200MAX/AC300/AC500/EP500Pro series. Built with the 350W solar panel is the RV kit. This is perfect for every RV camping or backup power need.
Final Thoughts
Basically, the decision of whether you want a solar converter or an inverter depends on the power source that is at hand and therefore required by your appliances. In cases where DC appliances are to be used and there exists a solar system already, then there may be no need for a converter or inverter at all. The solar can charge your batteries, which in turn powers your DC appliances.
Of course, when you plan to charge your batteries and run those appliances that are designed for AC power, then the solar converter or inverter is indeed necessary. After all, you cannot run your AC appliances on DC power. The coffee maker and TV that you plan to bring will be needing an inverter in order for you to use the power stored in your batteries from direct current to alternating current.
Besides, it is important to note that the 12v DC battery cannot be directly charged with AC power. Where such situations arise, a converter has to come in and help convert the power from AC to DC. Thus, understanding your power needs is what should lead you to either get a solar converter or an inverter.
