Once your solar panels are installed, you will need to add an inverter to the system so that you can use the energy they will generate. Solar panels produce direct current which must be converted to alternating current in order to supply electricity to your home. You might even need a separate inverter to power your battery backup system. The question is, what type of inverter should you buy?
Before making a decision, here are the facts about solar, battery and hybrid inverters for your home or business:
Solar inverters
Solar inverters are the most popular type of inverter on the market for turning your DC power into a more usable form for your home. This type of inverter tends to be very flexible and can be used for both residences and commercial businesses. Some of the solar inverters also include battery storage, but not always.
You can buy these inverters in many different sizes ranging from single phase inverters to three phase inverters. It is best to consult your solar company to determine the size you may need.
Battery inverters
While solar inverters are the most common type, battery inverters are another great option for turning your power supply from DC to AC. One of the things that sets battery inverters apart from other types you might come across is that they can also do the reverse. You may already be familiar with this type of inverter because it is often used for motorhome or boat trips.
A battery inverter is not always used only with a solar panel system. Some people use it to store in their batteries the energy accumulated during the period when the network is less busy. It allows cheaper electricity to be stored instead of paying for energy that arrives at peak times.
Hybrid inverters
Hybrid inverters make the most of solar and battery inverters, combining them into a very useful package. Due to their versatility, hybrid inverters are rapidly gaining popularity and may even overtake solar inverters as the most common type of inverter in the coming years.
A hybrid inverter is known to take power from the solar inverter and add a storage battery. They are responsible for changing your solar power from direct current to alternating current that your home can actually use while charging your battery backup system with the remaining electricity. This will save you money and prevent you from tapping into the grid to power your home.
If you need to tap into the grid, your hybrid inverter can use the electricity at the cheapest time and store it for your use during peak hours, just like a battery inverter.
Contact the solar energy professionals
Understanding the intricacies of different types of inverters can be a bit tricky. Buy solar panels experts from SRB Energy. We’ll help you get set up with all the technology you need to start powering your home with clean solar energy!