The Ultimate Guide to Solar Inverters - Everything You Need to Know
As the world swiftly moves toward renewable energy, solar power has become one of the most reliable solutions for basic electricity needs. There are many reasons which make people opt for a solar power system. Being a renewable source of energy, solar energy is a long-lasting investment that can never fall short. Also, solar power is an eco-friendly alternative, reducing the environmental damage that can be caused by generating electricity by generator or other sources. Overall, solar energy is the best choice to switch for your regular electricity needs.
A solar system basically stands on its three main pillars which are solar panels, solar inverters and solar batteries. Each of them is inoperable without the other, as they can all work together to provide power. While solar panels are often seen as the face of solar technology, the solar inverter is the backbone of any solar power system. Without an inverter, the energy produced from the sun would remain unusable for most electrical appliances.
If you are also here to learn more about solar inverters or solar ups for home, you've come to the right place. Here we have covered up everything about the best solar inverters including their types, how they work, key features, pricing insights, and a buying guide. This guide will help you make informed decisions, whether you are planning to switch to solar energy or just exploring the technology.
What is a Solar Inverter?
Although solar energy is radiant power from the sun, you cannot use it directly to run the electrical appliances of your house. To generate electricity from the solar panel that can be used for home appliances, you have to use a solar inverter. A 12 volt solar inverter is an electronic device that converts the DC power from the solar panel into AC power that can be used.
The electric appliances used in homes are wired to conduct alternating current (AC) power. Whereas the electricity generated by solar panels is originally direct current (DC). The solar inverter helps to convert the raw DC power into AC power so your electric devices can come to life and can use it to light up the room. However, the inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment that is used in a rooftop solar system.
The solar inverters perform several amazing functions for a household solar system. It does not only change the solar energy into AC power, but also tracks the system and supplies a portal for communication with computer networks. Some of the MPPT hybrid solar inverter storage systems depend on advanced inverters to work without any backing from the grid if power went off.
How Does a Solar Inverter Work?
A solar inverter is one of the most important parts of a solar power system. It works as the bridge between the solar panels and the appliances used at home. The electricity generated by solar panels is in the form of direct current. However, the electricity you use to power household appliances run on alternating current and this is where the role of the solar inverter begins.
The main function of a solar inverter is to convert DC into usable AC power. When sunlight hits the solar panels, they generate electricity in DC power which is sent to the inverter. The inverter uses advanced electronics wiring to convert the DC into a smooth AC output. This converted DC power into AC power matches the voltage and frequency requirements of the grid and home system.
A solar inverter does not only convert the DC to AC power, it also optimizes power output using MPPT technology. A solar mppt pcu inverter makes sure that the system takes out the maximum current from the panels, even when the solar conditions are not in favour. The hybrid solar inverters work with solar batteries to store extra energy for an emergency or backup use.
The hybrid solar inverters also help to enhance safety and performance of the solar power system. They continuously track the system performance and detect faults such as grid fluctuations or panel issues. Besides, it automatically shuts down in case of emergency to protect both the system and connected devices.
Types Of Solar Inverters
As the best solar inverters are said to be the heart of the solar power system, choosing the right inverter is equally important as selecting the right panels. There are different types of inverter available designed for different needs. Now you can find a wide range of hybrid solar inverters no matter if you need them for a small home or a large one. If you are also planning to go solar, then start by understanding the solar inverter type. Here are some of the most common types of solar inverters in India:
String Inverters
String inverters are most common for small to medium homes with unshaded roofs. As the name states, a single inverter is used for multiple solar panels that are connected in a string. It is easy to install, and is an affordable option for small home owners.
Microinverters
Micro inverters are best for roofs with shading issues or panels facing different directions. It can be installed directly on each solar panel to convert DC to AC at the panel level. Although microinverters are quite expensive than string inverters, they are highly efficient. And as it is installed to each panel, shading on one panel does not affect others.
Central Inverters
Central inverters are similar to string inverters, the only difference is that they are much larger, designed to handle electricity from thousands of panels at once. They are best for industrial use like solar farms. Its high capacity for bulk power conversion makes it the better option for large commercial installations. It requires significant space and cooling and is not suitable for homes or small businesses.
Hybrid Inverters
Power outages are a common problem in several cities in India and people need backup power during outages. A hybrid solar inverter is a combination of the solar inverter and battery inverter in one unit. A 120v solar hybrid inverter converts solar energy for immediate use as well as stores excess in batteries to use later.
Power Conditioning Units (PCUs)
PCUs are advanced inverters with Maximum Power Point Tracking technology, ensuring the panels work at their highest efficiency. The mppt solar inverters are best for both homes and commercial setups where maximum output is necessary. It is slightly pricier than other inverters, it provides stable power supply and optimized energy generation.
Off-Grid Solar Inverters (Solar UPS for Home)
Off-Grid solar Inverters generally work with solar UPS batteries and are best for remote areas where there is no grid supply. The solar ups for home provide complete energy independence, and are extremely reliable in rural areas. The large battery bank requirements of off grid solar systems makes them pretty costly in comparison to other solar inverters.
All these types of solar inverters in India work best with solar panels in their respective area. No matter if you need a string inverter for your home or central inverter for industrial use, you can easily get them installed without exceeding your budget. And the best is that you can easily buy any of them from Electrent Energy Private Limited as it is one of the most reliable solar inverter manufacturers in India.
Price of Solar Inverters
The best inverter choice can directly impact the total solar system cost, so it is always better to make a comparison before buying one. You can make long-term savings by installing a more efficient inverter for which you must have proper understanding about their capacity and uses. The price of good solar inverters vary depending on their types, uses and capacity. Here are the detailed tables for each category containing the capacity and price of the inverter. This table based on solar inverter unit price in India will help you to comprehend which inverter can be the most suitable for your home and business according to your needs.
String Inverters
| Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 30,000 – 45,000 | Small homes |
| 5 kW | 45,000 – 65,000 | Medium homes and rooftops |
| 10 kW | 95,000 – 1,20,000 | Large houses and small commercial setups |
String inverters are the most popular choice for grid-connected homes and businesses because of their affordable rates and efficiency.
Microinverters
| Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 200W to 600W per panel | 15,000 – 30,000 | Best for homes with shading issues or rooftop panels that are placed at different angles. |
Although they are slightly higher in cost per panel, it gives better efficiency and flexibility.
Central Inverters
| Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 MW (1,000 kW) | 25,00,000 – 27,00,000 | It is best for utility scale solar farms |
| 1.15 MVA (1,150 kW) | 25,00,000 | Large PV installations |
| 500 kW – 7 MW | 33,00,000 – 35,00,000 | Large scale commercial PV parks |
Central inverters handle electricity from thousands of panels at once and that's why they are best for industrial use only.
Hybrid Solar Inverters
| Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 kW | 40,000 – 80,000 | Small homes with backups |
| 4 to 6 kW | 80,000 – 1,50,000 | Medium homes and shops |
| 7 to 10 kW | 1,50,000 – 2,50,000 | A 10 kVA hybrid solar inverter is ideal for large homes and small offices |
| 15 to 50 kW | 2,80,000 – 8,20,000 | These hybrid solar inverters are ideal for Industrial or commercial use |
A 24v solar hybrid inverter is the best option for places where there are frequent power outages. They are slightly expensive but are versatile which makes them popular among users.
Power Conditioning Units (PCUs)
| Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 850 VA – 1 kVA | 7,500 – 9,000 | Small homes appliances like lights and fans |
| 2.5 kVA | 35,000 | Homes with basic backup |
| 3.5 kVA | 32,000 – 36,000 | Medium homes, MPPT options |
| 5 kVA | 55,000 – 81,000 | Large houses and small commercial setups |
| 7.5 kVA | 1,00,000 | Small commercial setups |
| 9.5 kVA | 1,50,000 | Bigger homes / shops |
| 15 kVA | 1,50,000 | Commercial / institutions |
Solar Power Conditioning Unit works on grid power & solar power alongside with the battery to store the energy from the grid so you can use it later while power outages.
Off-Grid Solar Inverters
| Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 500 VA to 3.5 kVA | 3,500 – 25,000 | Small household and rural homes |
| 5.5 to 10 kVA | 55,000 – 95,000 | A 10kva 96v inverter is perfect for medium homes without grid supply |
| 15 to 50 kVA | 1,30,000 – 3,50,000 | Industrial use and for remote site |
Off-grid solar inverters are ideal for rural or remote areas where there is no grid connectivity. They are completely reliant on battery storage.
Furthermore, you can visit the official website of Electrant Energy Private Limited to know 3500 VA inverter price, 24 volt solar inverter price, 12 volt solar inverter price and 1450 VA inverter price.
Key Features To Consider Before Buying a Solar Inverter
- Type of Inverter: The market offers a variety of portable solar inverter types to meet various requirements. You must first determine which kind of inverter is best for your solar power system. For instance, you need to purchase a string inverter if you're searching for an affordable inverter for a typical rooftop. Besides, there are micro inverters that work well with shaded or complex roof designs. You can also choose the best hybrid solar inverters if you are interested in something that supports both grid connection and battery storage.
- Capacity & Power Rating: Once you have decided which type of inverter would be suitable for your requirement, then look for the inverter’s capacity, such as 24 volt solar inverter. It should match the total output of your solar panels and household load so that it can convert enough electricity you need. An undersized inverter can waste potential energy and would not provide you enough power while an oversized one may be inefficient. So choose one which can be a perfect fit to your needs and work well with solar panels.
- Efficiency: You can call an inverter efficient if it ensures minimal energy loss during the conversion of DC power to AC power. So always choose the inverter which offers at least 95 to 98% efficiency. Although they can be a little bit costly, it is worth investing in as it is a long time investment. Also, you can consider installing an inverter with MPPT technology as they are more efficient and an mppt solar inverter price is affordable.
- Battery Compatibility: A solar inverter is also an important part of the solar power system, so you must consider the battery's compatibility. The lithium-ion, lead-acid, or gel batteries are available for the solar energy system.
- Durability and Protection: For outdoor installations, you must look for an inverter that ensures to stand against dust and water.
- Warranty and Service: When you buy a solar inverter for home, remember to look for their warranty and services. The inverters that come with at least a five to ten year warranty are more reliable and have strong after-sales support.
Installation and Maintenance of Solar Inverter
- Regular Cleaning: Solar inverter requires regular cleaning as dust and dirt can clog cooling vents and cause trouble. You need to clean the inverter surface gently and ensure airflow is not obstructed.
- Check for Error Codes: Most modern inverters display fault warnings, monitoring which can help to detect issues early.
- Inspect Wiring and Connections: Conduct regular checks if there are any loose or corroded cables and change them as they can cause inefficiency or failure.
- Annual Professional Servicing: An inspection by a certified technician every year can help to maintain warranty and extend lifespan of the inverter.
Conclusion
The home solar inverters are without a doubt the most crucial component to the solar power system's operation, whether you refer to it as the brain, heart, or backbone. Clean solar energy is transformed, optimized, stored, and safely delivered for daily use thanks to a solar inverter. Solar panels by themselves couldn't efficiently power homes, workplaces, or industries without an inverter. The right solar inverter can last longer than you expect if you choose it wisely whether it is a central inventor or hybrid solar inverters. The solar inverter price in India is not that high and easily affordable for commoners. So do not delay further and switch to a solar power system as it is definitely a cost savings and sustainable option.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Inverters for Home
1. What are hybrid solar inverters?
Hybrid solar inverters (also known as hybrid inverters or solar PCUs) are devices that combine the functions of a solar inverter and a battery inverter. They manage power from solar panels, batteries, and the electrical grid, automatically switching between them based on availability and load demand.
2. What's the difference between solar inverters, MPPT solar inverters, and hybrid solar inverters?
- Solar inverters convert DC output from solar panels to AC power usable by home appliances.
- MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solar inverters optimize power extraction by continuously adjusting to environmental changes for maximum efficiency.
- Hybrid solar inverters integrate both solar and grid sources switching seamlessly depending on sun, grid availability, or load.
3. How much do solar inverters cost in India?
Electrent's Solar Hybrid MPPT PCUs:
- 1,450 VA / 12 V: ₹11,092
- 2,875 VA / 24 V: ₹23,114
- 3,500 VA / 24 V: ₹25,606
- 10 kVA / 120 V: ₹97,940
- 10 kVA / 96 V: ₹102,542
4. What about portable or smaller solar inverters (12 V, 24 V)?
Electrent offers compact models:
- 1,450 VA / 12 V: ₹11,092
- 2,875 VA / 24 V: ₹23,114
- 3,500 VA / 24 V: ₹25,606
These are ideal for small rooms, fans, lights, or as backup for critical loads.