Solar power systems always rely on some form of inverter.
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 makes sure that power is available at night, 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, meanwhile, use Alternating Current (AC) electricity. Solar power inverters are responsible for converting the DC electricity to AC.
When it comes to inverters, there are two basic types: Modified Sine Wave (MSW) and True Sine Wave (TSW). Of the two, MSW inverters are the more bare-bones type, as they only convert DC electricity into the most basic form of AC power. Some appliances, such as computers, which use certain types of power sources don’t have any issues with MSW inverters, but MSW inverters can cause difficulties in other cases. Some kinds of audio equipment, for example, often suffer problems when used with MSW inverters. TSW inverters don’t suffer from these problems, and so they are generally the preferred choice for homeowners.
Inverters are fairly simple to maintain. The inverter should be near the batteries, without actually being in the same box. The wire connecting the batteries to the inverter needs to be of sufficient size. The correct size will probably be given in the inverter instructions. It’s a good idea to have a fuse on all wires to and from the inverter. Make sure the inverter is in a place where it will not be exposed to wetness or extreme temperatures.
There are two problems which are particularly common for people using solar power inverters. RF interference is one of these. All inverters produce a certain amount of radio noise while working. The easiest way to deal with this issue is to place any receiver as far away from the inverter as possible. Battery powered radios don’t experience this interference though, and the batteries can be recharged when need be through the solar power system.
The other problem is that of phantom loads. Most modern electronic devices, including televisions, continue to use a small amount of electricity even when turned off. Inverters are unable to go to sleep while these devices keep on drawing power. The inverters then add to the problem of wasted power, as they’re constantly in active mode. A power strip with an on/off switch is a good solution to this problem. The inverter should be able to go into sleep mode when the power strip is turned off, as the connected devices will no longer be able to draw power.
To know more about solar inverters, check out Solar Micro Inverter.
If you want to build your own solar panel, visit Build Your Own Solar Panel.
Tags: Build Your Own Solar Panel, solar micro inverter, Solar Power Battery, Solar Power Inverter
