Inverters

 Inverter Brands We Use & You Can Trust (all certified by the C.E.C all ten plus years of warranty)

❖    Fronius            https://www.fronius.com/en-au/australia 

❖    SolarEdge       https://www.solaredge.com

❖    ABB                  https://new.abb.com/

❖    Sungrow          http://www.sungrowpower.com/

❖    SMA                  https://www.sma-australia.com.au/

So What Are Inverters?

Basic Knowledge:

An inverter simply converts DC (direct current) which is produced by the solar array and other DC sources into AC (alternating current). This AC power is suitable for exporting to the grid and running your household and business appliances. It’s that simple - well sort of there are a variety of inverter types (not to mention brands)

A More in Depth Look

Grid-Connected Inverters:

These are the most common forms of inverters. As the name suggests, they are connected to the grid and have the capability to export your excess solar energy to the supply mains, this allows for you to receive credits back from your energy provider.  If the grid goes down i.e a black-out, the inverter must shut-down, this is an important safety mechanism to ensure the safety of the electricians solving the blackout and is known as an anti-islanding function.

[Grid Connected System - Diagram courtesy of cleanenergyreviews.info]

String Inverters:

The most common and most popular type of inverters, used with solar system arrays between 1.5kW and 1MW. These work in conjunction with the solar array, the PV (photovoltaic) modules connected in series are connected to a string inverter with a DC cable. For the majority of residential jobs, it is only necessary to install one inverter, which saves on money, time and maintenance. These inverters are highly efficient and work hard to dramatically reduce your electricity bill and carbon footprint. At Heinz Solar and Electrical, we primarily supply/install these forms of inverters on our grid connected systems.

Hybrid Inverters:

A solar array is directly connected to the hybrid inverter as well as the grid. The hybrid inverter will charge the battery storage and convert the direct current (DC) from the battery into the alternating current (AC) for the attached loads. Hybrid inverters do not supply AC when the grid is disconnected, for this a user will need backup capabilities.

The backup works by directly wiring your system to the circuits you will need during a blackout, for most this is lighting, the fridge, wifi and pumps. The amount you can Backup depends on the size of your system (batter, array and inverter) and how much these pull. One benefit is that whilst the grid is down you are using the battery while the panels continue to yield electrons and replenish the battery(ies) levels.

[hybrid solar system - diagram courtesy of cleanenergyreviews.info] 

Microinverters:

Simply put, it’s a very small inverter that’s sized for each solar module (solar panel). The microinverter is mounted underneath each solar panel, where it converts the direct current (DC) from the panels into the alternating current (AC) that we use in our homes and businesses. These types of inverters are ideal for systems where there’s shading issues, the only con being the servicing of the microinverters as they’re located under the panel which is fixed down. Price is also substantially higher than that of string inverters. So we recommend string inverters as panels can be individually optimised to reduce the effect of shading.

Stand-Alone Inverter/Off Grid System:

Basically, a stand-alone inverter does not require a grid connection as it is connected directly to battery storage, it can also be connected to an engine-generator which is commonly known as a generator or genset.

With off-grid systems it is essential that a large enough array and battery is installed as this will ensure that there is more than enough power to run the house/business power requirements. It's ideal to oversize the clean energy aspect of the system, otherwise one will be continuously relying on the diesel engine-generator to run the dwelling’s needs.

[Basic layout of a AC coupled system - Diagram Courtesy of cleanergryreviews.info]