Choosing The Best Solar Inverter For Your Home

by | Sep 12, 2022

Solar panel inverter
Behind every great solar system is a great solar panel inverter, efficiently converting DC energy into the AC our homes can use. Every home with solar panels needs a solar inverter. The trick is finding the perfect one for your system.

Type of solar panel inverter

There are six main solar inverters but we’ll be focusing on the three most common varieties here.

  • String: Groups of panels known as ‘strings’ are connected to a single inverter. This inverter is generally mounted on an external wall. However, since panels are connected, the maximum output of a single string can be affected by fluctuations in the performance of individual panels.
  • Micro: What they lack in size, microinverters make up in versatility. These inverters connect to the back of individual panels, offering potentially-improved performance across the entire system. As a result, they are generally more expensive than comparable string inverters.
  • Battery: These inverters are needed to properly use solar storage. They convert stored DC into usable AC. Another option is hybrid inverters which combine the utility of both a battery and string inverter, providing a streamlined system.
  • Read our ‘What Is A Solar Inverter’ blog if you would like a little more information on the different inverter types. Or reach out to experienced professionals and qualified assessors at Solar System.

    Efficiency

    Efficiency is a common factor when considering solar components as it’s a reliable marker of functionality. In the context of solar panel inverters, efficiency refers to how much electricity is successfully converted from DC to AC.

    Solar inverters vs the Australian climate

    Is your chosen solar panel inverter weatherproof? Is it able to withstand the, at times, harsh Australian conditions? These are important questions to answer as solar inverters are typically installed on external walls. Weatherproof or weather-resistant inverters provide more installation flexibility and protect the functionality of your entire solar system.

    With how strong the Australian sun is, it’s usually not a good idea to install inverters in direct sunlight. This can result in damage to the inverter and may even void the warranty.

    CEC approval

    The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is Australia’s peak body for the Australian renewable energy industry. The CEC is a membership-based organisation that works with leading clean energy businesses, retailers, and installers.

    Check to see if a potential solar panel inverter has been approved by the Clean Energy Council. Qualifying products are designated as being compliant with Australian standards and being suitable for the Australian climate.

    Monitoring systems

    Smart home technologies are becoming increasingly commonplace, so why not look for an inverter with smart monitoring? Many inverters feature monitoring systems that track the performance of your solar system. As all electricity needs to pass through the inverter, it’s the ideal way to assess the ‘health’ of your setup.

    Inverters with smart monitoring can connect to your home router via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with logged information available online.

    For assistance in choosing the best solar inverter, book a free no-obligation assessment today with Solar System, a CEC-Approved Solar Retailer.

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