Solar power has become one of the best ways to live in a way that doesn’t harm the environment as the need for green energy grows. The string inverter solar is a very important part of every solar energy setup. Solar screens make direct current (DC) which is different from the electricity that powers our homes and businesses. This technology changes DC into AC which is different from DC.
As solar energy becomes more popular, it is important for people who are thinking about installing solar panels to understand how string solar inverters work. This blog post will talk about string solar inverters in detail also including how they work their pros and cons, how they compare to other types of inverters, and how to find the best solar inverters. Let’s jump right in
What are String Inverters and how do Solar String Inverters work?
A string inverter system takes the power from groups of solar panels in your system and puts it all together into “strings.” Then, several strings of panels are linked to a single inverter, which changes the energy from DC to AC. Most of the time, this single transformer is in an electrical box on the side of your house or your shed. Since the panels are linked to the transformer in strings, if one or more of them isn’t producing enough energy (because of shade, dirt, or something else), it will affect the output of the other panels in that string.
A string converter can usually handle more than one string of panels connected to it. You might have three lines of five panels each, which adds up to fifteen panels on a single string. How many panels you can connect to one inverter without losing power will depend on the kilowatts (kW) size of the string inverter and the wattage of the panels you use.
Advantages of Solar String Inverter
Cost-effective
Resonable is a major benefit of solar string inverters. String inverters can manage the power output of several solar panels, therefore they need fewer inverters than micro-inverters. This lowers solar energy system costs. String inverters are simpler to install also lowering installation costs.
High-efficiency
Solar string inverters convert DC to AC electricity efficiently. Because they can tolerate larger voltages and currents than micro-inverters. Due to their series connection, these inverters improve solar panel energy management. The solar energy system runs at full efficiency also yielding more electricity.
Improved Monitoring and Maintenance
Micro-inverters are harder to maintain than string inverters. Because they are linked in series, a failure in one panel may be quickly found. A string inverter system uses fewer inverters also simplifying maintenance and lowering expenses.
Scalability
Solar string inverters are expandable also making them appropriate for solar energy systems of various sizes. This is because they can manage various solar panel sizes and power output.
Disadvantages of Solar String Inverter
Disadvantages of solar string inverters are given below such as
Performance Issues with Shading:
If a panel in a string is shaded or underperforming, it may lower the total output of the string. This is because panels are connected in series.
Few Monitoring Options:
String inverters give less comprehensive performance data than microinverters, which monitor each panel. This may make panel faults harder to spot.
Less Efficient in Complex Roof Designs:
Microinverters or optimizers may optimize panel output separately, making string inverters less efficient for complex roof designs with different orientations or considerable shade.
How to Evaluate Solar String Inverters
According to my experience, to choose the right string inverter for your solar energy system then you need to look at a few important things when evaluating them such as
Efficiency
First, you need to know how efficient a string inverter is because it shows how much energy is lost when it changes from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The system works better generally and makes more energy. For the best results, look for inverters that are more than 95% efficient.
Size and Capacity
Think about how big your solar panel collection is and how much power the inverter can handle. A properly sized transformer makes the most of the energy it produces and stops it from going to waste.
Warranty and Reliability
Check to see how long the manufacturer’s guarantee lasts. If you need a longer guarantee then must consider the guarantee. A lot of good string inverters come with guarantees that last between 5 and 12 years.
Cost:
Compare the inverter’s price to its features and how well it works. String inverters are usually cheaper than microinverters, but prices can change a lot depending on the brand, how well it works, and how much power it can handle.
Capabilities for Monitoring
There are tracking tools on some string inverters that let you keep an eye on how well your solar system is working. This can help find problems early and keep things running at their best over time.
How to find the Best Solar String Inverter?
Now that you know you want a solar inverter, you need to find the best string inverter for your power or solar energy needs. If you want to buy a string solar inverters there are many things you should think about. When you make your choice, here are some things to think about:
Capacity of String Inverter
You should make sure that the inverter you pick can handle the power that your system makes. One example is a 3 kW transformer that can handle up to 3000 watts of DC power.
When choosing a string inverter, pick one with a power level that is a little higher than the amount of electricity you expect your solar PV system to make. Most houses use about 10 kilowatts (kW) so you can get an idea.
Along with the string inverter’s ability, you should also think about how much power your system will need to make in the future. Make sure the inverter can handle the extra load if you want to add more panels in the future.
Efficiency of Solar String Inverters
How much of the DC electricity that is put into the inverter will be turned into AC electricity is shown by its efficiency number. Inverters with a 96% efficiency rate, for example, will change 96% of the DC energy into AC electricity, but they will lose 4% of it in the process.
Less power will be lost during the switching process if the inverter is more efficient. This means that your home or business will have more power. It’s important to remember, though, that string inverters work best when they can get full sunlight.
Number of Inputs
Another important thing to think about is the number of sources. The DC power from the solar PV array will be fed into the transformer through the input. There are some string inverters with four or more inputs, but most only have one or two.
If you only have a small solar PV setup, a single-input generator should be enough. If you have a big system, though, you might want to look into an inverter with more than one outlet so that you can hook up more than one string of solar panels.
Cost of a String Inverter Solar
String inverters are the least expensive type of solar inverter. They cost about $0.13 per watt to buy. But the price you pay will depend on what the transformer can do and how it works.
The price of a solar string inverter ranges from about $100 to $1,000 or more, based on the features and functions it has. Before making a choice, you should look at the features of several string inverters. This is true whether you are getting one for your home or a solar energy business.
Choose something other than the cheaper one. Pick the transformer that gives you the most for your money instead. To make your choice, you need to study the solar string converter makers and the goods they make. And if you want a customized solution then Get a Quote.
Conclusion
Now, you understand that selecting a solar string inverter system requires many considerations about different things. String inverters are popular for basic solar arrays with less shadowing due to their price and efficiency.
For complicated roof designs or installations with different panel orientations, microinverters or power optimizers may be better. Microinverters monitor and adjust individual panels, while power optimizers reduce shade. Large projects may save $8,000 to $9,000 per MW on balance of system (BOS) expenditures using high-power string inverters.
Get a Quote for a custom string inverter system guidance. Our solar specialists are pleased to help you choose the best string inverter for your house or company.