With growing demands for renewable energy, there has been increased adoption of solar power systems. One of the critical components of any solar power system is a solar inverter, which changes the DC produced by the solar panels into AC usable by either household appliances or fed into the grid. The question is, with the different types and models of solar inverters available today, how do you know which one is right for your particular application?. In this article, we will discuss various solar inverter for sale, major features one needs to consider, and tips to make a good buy.
Types of Solar Inverters
Different types of solar inverters available in the market are as follows:
String Inverters:
Overview: The most frequent type of solar inverter is the string inverter. It is usually attached to a series (or string) of photovoltaic panels to convert their collective DC power into AC.
- Pros: Cost-effective, simple design, widely available.
- Cons: A bad performance from one panel will reflect in the performance of the whole string. This could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as shading.
Micro Inverters:
Description: Micro-inverters are installed at each individual solar panel, wherein the DC would be converted into AC before it leaves the panel. It is this independent functioning of panels at an individual level that allows the system to optimise the performance of a whole system better.
- Pros: It offers panel-level optimization, increasing the overall system reliability and flexibility of installation.
- Cons:The upfront cost is more than string inverters.
Key Features to Consider
While buying a solar inverter, various features have to be kept in mind so as to ensure that you purchase the right product for your requirements. These include:
Rated Power: Check that the rating of the inverter power is compatible with your solar power system. Ensure it can accommodate your total output measured in kilowatts that comes from your solar panels.
Efficiency: Inverter efficiency, generally referred to as the conversion efficiency, is the degree of conversion of DC power to AC power. Ensure that you obtain a high rating in terms of efficiency, normally above 95%, for maximum energy production.
Warranty and Support: Another important consideration in a solar inverter would be the warranty. While most warranties run from 5 to 10 years, some companies have extended warranty programs. Make sure the manufacturer has decent customer service to support you on any troubleshooting or repairs.
Monitoring Capabilities: Most modern-day inverters are equipped with monitoring features that support tracking the performance of your solar system over a web portal or even a mobile app. This is very useful in maximizing energy production and detecting faults in advance.
Grid-Tie Capabilities: Check that the inverter works with grid-tied applications if you plan to hook up your system to the grid. Some have the ability to support net metering, thereby making it possible to sell some of the power back to the utility grid.
Compatibility with Solar Panels: Inverter and solar panel compatibility: Some inverters were designed to work best with certain kinds of panels. There is a need to check this before making a purchase.
Popular Solar Inverter Brands
Analyzed within the various solar inverters for sale, you will find a number of recognized brands known for their reliability and efficiency. They include:
SMA Solar Technology:
- Company Overview: SMA is a German brand leading in the production of string and central inverters that range at the top in terms of quality. It offers a wide variety of products suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
- Popular Models: SMA Sunny Boy, SMA Sunny Tripower
Enphase Energy:
- Overview: Enphase is a pure-play micro inverter company, which puts it at the top of the niche. Their microinverters boast high efficiency, reliability, and advanced monitoring features.
- Popular Models: Enphase IQ7, Enphase IQ8
Fronius:
- Overview: Fronius, an Austrian company, has been popular over the years with very efficient performance string inverters. They have earned a huge reputation for durability, efficiency, and user-friendly monitoring interfaces.
- Popular Models: Fronius Primo, Fronius Symo
Cost Consideration
Prices for solar inverters do vary so much, type to type, brand to brand, and even functionality-wise. Here is a rough breakdown of the cost:
- String Inverters: These inverters generally run from $1,000 to $3,000 for residential systems.
- Micro Inverters: The cost varies from $150 to $300 per panel, which could run an average residential system from $2,500 to $6,000.
- Hybrid Inverters: These inverter types generally cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the power rating and features.
Solar Inverter for Sale
You can purchase a solar inverter from several types of vendors, including the following locations:
Online retailers:
Online retailers like Amazon, Solar Electric Supply, and Solar Wholesale sell solar inverters. Shopping online will give you the advantage of being able to compare prices and view customer reviews.
Solar Installers:
Most of the solar installation companies sell inverters as part of their packages. If you buy directly from your installer, most of the hassle is taken out of the process, and installation is usually thrown in for the price.
Wholesale Suppliers:
It includes companies like AltE Store and Wholesale Solar that provide discounted prices on solar inverters to contractors or bulk buyers.
Tips to Make the Best Purchase
Calculate Your Energy Requirements: First, measure your energy use and determine how much of it you wish to compensate by using solar before a purchase. This will help in choosing an appropriate power-rated inverter accordingly.
Consider future expansion: If at any point in time, you would like to expand your solar system’s size, seek an inverter that will accommodate additional panels or further battery storage.
Check for incentives: Rebates or incentives are given by some states for the purchase of solar equipment, including inverters. Check with your local government agencies or your solar installer to know if you are entitled to any discounts.
Check Reviews: Customer reviews may inform you of any reliability and performance variances of different inverter models. Seek out reviews from people with comparable solar setups.
Consult a Professional: If any of the above steps sound confusing, or if you are simply not sure which inverter to buy for your system, consult with a professional solar energy installer in your area. They can assess your system’s needs and recommend various options.
Conclusion
The right solar inverter lies at the heart of the efficient and reliable functioning of a solar power system. With various types and models of inverters available in the market, it is very important to have an idea about the energy requirements, system requirements, and budget. From power rating and efficiency to features, when selecting your inverter, you want to make sure you have all the bases covered so you buy with confidence and get all the benefits of your solar investment. Be it a string inverter, micro inverter, or hybrid, the right inverter will ensure you get all that solar has to offer for long-term savings and sustainability.
Get a Quote In case you are interested in integrating an inverter with a solar charger into your power system, do not hesitate to contact us today for your custom quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which size inverter to use for my solar system?
The inverter should be sized to your total wattage. If you have 5 kW worth of solar panels, you’ll need at least a 5 kW inverter with some safety margin included.
What is a String Inverter vs. a Micro-Inverter?
A string inverter is designed to convert the DC output from a series of solar panels into AC; microinverters are installed on each panel, allowing them to act independently for optimization.
Can I use a hybrid inverter without batteries?
Even though hybrid inverters do not require a battery to function in a grid-tied system, their full potential is achieved only when they are matched with energy storage.