Tipos de inversores solares: la guía definitiva

More and more people are looking for green energy. Electricity from the grid is getting expensive. In some areas, it is even hard to get reliable power. Solar energy, in this case, can help reduce this problem. It is clean, free, and available almost everywhere. A solar inverter here is the heart of a solar power system. In this case, discussing the different types of solar inverters is crucial.

Using sunlight to produce electricity is becoming popular. People are looking for solar solutions for their houses and commercial spaces. Maybe you are one of them.

Solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into power. But solar panels alone are not enough. If you want to use this energy, you need a solar inverter that can convert this energy into usable energy. So, a solar inverter changes the direct current (DC) from the panels to alternating current (AC). AC is what we need for most appliances to run.

This article typically discusses the solar inverter and its types. You will also learn about hybrid inverters and their flexibility.

Introducing Solar Inverters

A solar inverter is the core device of a solar power system. It mainly converts the direct current from the solar panels into alternating current. That’s the primary task of a solar inverter.

Keeping the core functions, most modern inverters are offering more features to ease our lifestyle. For example, non-stop power supply, net metering, and VPP are some popular features. Your solar panel might be producing more energy. Modern solar panels can supply this extra power to the grid. This way, you earn some credits. Besides, a seamless integration between the grid and battery also ensures a constant power supply.

Solar and power inverter setups typically come with various choices. From 300W to 50kW or more is common in most applications. For your house, a 3kW to 5kW solar power system may be enough.

A solar power system first begins by collecting the sunlight in the solar panels. The panels convert the sunlight into DC power. Each panel in your setup may produce different ranges of DC power. All this DC power is merged into one channel and sent to the PV inverter. The PV inverter or solar inverter then takes the responsibility for the rest.

 

Solar inverters are getting increasingly popular nowadays. People mostly use it in residential homes. You can use clean electricity from your rooftop solar panels. Besides, solar inverters are also widely used in commercial buildings. You can power up your offices, factories, and shopping malls.

Besides, in many off-grid systems, solar inverters are suitable. In such a system, you can only rely on natural resources, and solar power is one of them. Also, you can think of solar farms, large utility-scale projects, and more.

Tipos de inversores de conexión a red

There are several types of solar inverters available today. Each has its unique purposes and applications. In this case, selecting the right kind is tricky. You must understand how each of these types differs. Later, depending on your system size, budget, and energy needs, you can select the right option for your project. In general, there are three major types of solar inverters.

Type #1 String Inverters

A string inverter is typically the most common type of solar inverter used in residential solar systems. It has one central inverter that converts the DC from all solar panels into AC electricity. The panels are connected in a series. Thus, the name is “string.” In this type of setup, the total power flows through this single inverter.

String inverters typically work best when you put all the panes in the same direction. If one panel is shaded or damaged, it can reduce the output of the entire system. These inverters are very simple, reliable, and cost-effective. Because of this, people often choose it for regular installations.

Pros

• Most cost-effective solution
• Simple and widely used method
• Works well when all panels are not shaded

Contras

• Shading or damage on one panel reduces overall output.
• Cannot monitor each panel individually
• Not ideal if panels face different directions
• Expanding the system may require a second inverter

Type #2 Microinverters

Microinverters are typically small in size and installed under each solar panel. Each panel converts its DC electricity into AC right at the panel. This way, every panel can work independently. Shading or damage on one panel will not affect the overall progress of the system.

Microinverters also allow you to monitor each panel’s production. You can see if a single panel is underperforming and fix it quickly. This way, the whole system runs efficiently.

Although these inverters are expensive than a general one, they can produce more energy over time. Microinverters are ideal for roofs with shading or panels facing different directions. Adding more panels in the future is easier. Overall, your system becomes more flexible for growing energy needs.

Pros

• Shading affectsonly one panel
• Individual panel monitoring
• Fácil ampliación del sistema
• Works on roofs with panels in different directions

Contras

• Higher initial cost
• Not necessary if panels face the same way and are unshaded

Type #3 Power Optimizers

Power optimizers typically combine the advantages of both string and microinverters. Instead of installing microinverters, you will install power optimizers under each panel.

Each power optimizer under each panel monitors the voltage and current from the panel. Then, it adjusts the output so that the panel produces the maximum possible power, even if other panels are shaded or dirty. This way, the whole system can improve the output before sending DC electricity to a central inverter.

This system reduces the impact of shading or panel mismatch. It is more efficient than a string inverter. Also, it is less expensive than a microinverter setup. Power optimizers also allow you to monitor each panel’s performance.

This setup is typically suitable for roofs with partial shading or panels facing multiple directions. Although the initial cost is high, it is lower than the cost of installing microinverters. Optimizers ensure the highest possible outcomes from each panel.

Pros

• Better efficiency than string inverters
• Individualpanel monitoring
• Less expensive than microinverters
• Good for partially shaded or complex roofs

Contras

• Higher initial cost than string inverters
• Not necessary for unshaded, uniformly oriented panels

Introducing Hybrid Inverters

A hybrid inverter is also a type of solar inverter that can manage energy from solar panels, batteries, and the grid. It is much more flexible and very efficient. It can store excess solar energy in batteries for later use. It ensures a power supply even during outages or at night. Hybrid inverters are ideal for use where non-stop electricity is necessary.

En LXP hybrid inverters are available in different sizes. Single-phase and split-phase models can handle up to 12kW. On the other hand, three-phase models are available up to 30kW. These inverters are suitable for all kinds of setups.

 

Hybrid inverters can work with all three types of solar inverters mentioned before. They can be used with string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers. This flexibility typically makes hybrid inverters compatible with almost any solar setup.

Most modern hybrid inverters come with advanced monitoring and VPP integration systems. You can track energy production, battery levels, and consumption in real-time. LXP hybrid inverters offer remote control via mobile apps. These features make it easy to optimize energy use and reduce electricity bills.

Hybrid inverters could be a wise choice for your house and businesses. If you are looking for efficiency, reliability, and a future-ready solar setup, consider LXP hybrid inverters.

Things You Should Know Before Getting a Solar Inverter

Not all inverters can perform the same way. You must choose the right solar inverter to get the highest efficiency. Some factors can affect how much energy you get from your solar panels. You must understand them, which eventually can help you select an efficient inverter.

Clipping or Scalping

Clipping typically happens when the solar inverter can not handle the maximum output from your panels. The inverter limits the energy, and some electricity is “lost”. On the other hand, scalping happens in small, brief amounts. A good inverter should minimize clipping or scalping to maximize the energy your panels produce.

Inverter Efficiency

Inverter efficiency is the percentage of DC electricity converted to AC electricity without loss. A higher efficiency means more usable power. Most modern inverters, like LXP inverters, have efficiencies up to 99%.

Maximum Power, MPP, and Peak Power Point

The maximum power point or MPP is the point where a solar panel produces its highest power. Every panel has a different MPP. It may depend on various factors, such as sunlight, temperature, and load. An MPPT or maximum power point tracker in the inverter constantly finds this point.

The MPPT typically adjusts voltage and current to make sure the panel always works at its best. This way, you can get the most energy from your solar system.

Without MPPT, your panels may produce less power than their full capacity. Modern inverters track MPP several times per second for maximum efficiency.

 

Ready to Power Up?

When you choose a solar inverter, you must pay attention to 3 key specifications. Check the warranties to ensure long-term protection. Second, look at the working temperature range. The working temperature must be compatible with your climate. Try to check the heat dissipation system of the inverter. Third, consider the overall efficiency of the product.

If you have any questions or are interested in choosing LXP inverters, feel free to Contacto.