Solar Inverters | Purpose and workings

The solar electricity produced by the solar panels is direct current or DC current. Additionally, most home appliances use AC or alternate current. Solar inverters are devices that convert DC current to AC current.

There are two different types of solar inverters available in the market: string inverters and micro-inverters. String inverters accept power from a string of panels, that is, multiple panels working together. String inverters have been around for a while, therefore, have been field tested and are cheaper than micro-inverters. String inverters are limited by the weakest panel in the string, that is, the total system is limited by the production of the weakest panel. Clary Solar uses inverters by SMA-America for most of its residential installations. For Sunpower installations we use Sunpower inverters (made by SMA). SMA “Sunny Boy” inverters are rugged, reliable and priced well for the value they give.

Based on a new technology pioneered by Enphase, micro-inverters are solar inverters where each panel has its own inverter. Although micro inverters are more expensive due to duplication, this configuration allows each panel to produce solar power independently, and is best for application where there is shading. Clary Solar was one of the first companies to field test and install Enphase micro inverters.