Using A Solar Panel And Inverter

For example if your array is 6 kw with a 6000 w inverter the array to inverter ratio is 1.

Using a solar panel and inverter.

A solar panel uses the photoelectric effect to convert the sun s energy to electricity. The inverter then converts the dc into ac. The array to inverter ratio of a solar panel system is the dc rating of your solar array divided by the maximum ac output of your inverter. Most homes use alternating current ac energy not dc so the energy produced by your solar panels isn t useful on its own.

From the inverter the ac energy is ready for use to power the various appliances and lighting within the building. String inverters solar panels are installed in rows each on a string for example if you have 25 panels you may have 5 rows of 5 panels. This electricity is generated at a voltage characteristic of the panel and is transmitted as direct current to a battery bank where it charges the batteries. Multiple strings are connected to one string inverter.

Inverters are typical components of solar electric systems since solar panels generate dc electricity and most devices used in homes or offices operate on ac voltage. When the cells in the solar panel produce electric energy the electric current flows to the solar inverter. When your solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into energy it gets sent to the inverter which takes the dc energy and turns it into ac energy. If you install the same sized array with a 5000 inverter the ratio is 1 2.

A complication arises because the panel output is usually direct current not alternating current and it usually isn t at a voltage that an appliance can use. Each string carries the dc power the solar panels produce to the string inverter where it s converted into usable ac power consumed as electricity. Depending on its size a photovoltaic system could comprise either a single inverter or multiple ones. The most common method is to increase the loading to the panel lightly and to measure the power received from it.

A device called an inverter. Without a solar inverter energy harnessed by solar panels can t easily be put to use. A grid tie inverter works by examining the output of the solar panels it s attached to and connecting its feed into the grid. The solar inverter is a device capable of converting dc into ac electricity.