The purpose of this article is to discuss the function of a solar power inverter in your home solar system, along with some of the differences between particular inverters, and solutions to common problems associated with them.

In order to provide electricity to the home, most home solar systems operate by a sequence in which solar panels charge batteries, with the batteries then providing the electricity to the home.  This ensures that power is available in the dark, when the solar panels themselves aren’t generating.  The electricity present in both solar panels and batteries is of the Direct Current (DC) type.  Outlets in the home, though, use Alternating Current (AC) electricity.  Solar power inverters are responsible for converting the DC electricity to AC.

In terms of inverters, there are two main types: Modified Sine Wave (MSW) and True Sine Wave (TSW).  MSW inverters are the more basic of the two, as they simply convert DC electricity into rough, 120v 60 cycle AC.  Certain appliances work fine with MSW inverters, but others don’t.  Some types of audio equipment, for example, often experience problems when used with MSW inverters.  TSW inverters don’t suffer from these issues, and so they are generally the preferred choice for homeowners.

Inverters are quite easy to maintain.  While it’s a good idea to keep the inverter as close to the batteries as possible, it shouldn’t be in the same box.  The wire between the batteries and the inverter needs to be large enough.  Check the inverter instructions for the necessary size.  It’s a good idea to have a fuse on all wires to and from the inverter.  Make sure the inverter is in a location where it will not be exposed to moisture or high temperatures.

Solar power inverters are known to experience a couple of common issues.  RF interference is one of these.  When they’re working, all inverters broadcast some radio noise.  The simplest way to deal with this problem is to place any receiver as far away from the inverter as possible.  Another solution is to switch to a battery powered radio, the batteries for which can be recharged at any time through the solar power system.

The other problem is substantially less obvious: phantom loads.  This refers to the electricity that is drawn by certain electronic devices, such as many new TVs, while they’re turned off.  Not only do these devices waste electricity in this way, but they also keep your inverter from going to sleep.  The inverters then begin contributing to the problem of wasted energy, as they’re constantly in active mode.  A power strip with an on/off switch provides a good solution to this problem.  This will keep the devices from drawing power from your system when the power strip is turned off.

For more info about the most recent technological improvement being offered in solar panel systems, go to Solar Micro Inverter.

If you are interested in building your own solar panel, check this guide Build Your Own Solar Panel.

 

 

Tags: Build Your Own Solar Panel, solar micro inverter, Solar Power Battery, Solar Power Inverter

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 9:38 pm and is filed under Alternative Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.