Solar power inverter is the hardest-working component of a solar array, it is the heart of the solar power system. So what exactly does solar power inverter do?
Convert DC to AC power
The basic function of an inverter is to convert the direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power, that is usable in homes and businesses or fed directly into the grid in front-of-the-meter projects (utility-scale solar arrays).
It converts DC electricity produced by the solar array, which is usually in the range 100V – 600VDC to AC electricity, which is usable by our electrical equipment, such as 220VAC used in Egypt, 240VAC used in Australia, and 110/120VAC used in USA.
Power Maximization
The solar panels have a point on their performance curve, in which they generate maximum power under a set of circumstances, and this point called (Maximum Power Point), and on the other side, the solar inverter has maximum power point tracking feature “MPPT”, so it continuously searches and hunts this point to maximize the generated energy/power from your solar power system.
Interface with the grid
Smart inverters, the new frontier of solar inverters, have advanced from one-way to two-way communication, assisting with grid-support functions. Thanks to advanced software, smart inverters can perform specific grid-supportive functionalities related to voltage, frequency, communications and controls.
One of the most important grid assistance capabilities of smart inverters is the ability to ride, through small disturbances (for example, voltage changes). Smart inverters can switch into standby mode, in the case of a voltage change and observe how long the disturbance takes place, then turn off only if the disturbance lasts too long. This ensures that there are minimal voltage fluctuations on the grid, due to distributed resources turning all the way off and halting power production.
Report on power production
Inverters make it possible for solar owners to keep track of the power output of their solar systems. Most inverters have communications capabilities via hardwired ethernet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Solar owners can view error codes, diagnostics and power production information from inverters, on their computers or even on dedicated smartphone apps. Large-scale solar owners may want to additionally invest in advanced monitoring services to help diagnose, and fix issues on multi-inverter arrays through a third-party vendor.
Ensure safe system operation
Solar power inverters are required to shut down, in the event of an electrical arc, which can be caused by system aging and material degradation. They’re programmed to identify these arcs.
Solar inverter is a crucial part of a solar power system, and their duties are constantly evolving, as both the grid and solar projects get smarter.
