Choosing the right inverter

Choosing the right components for your solar power system is essential for maximising efficiency, performance, and savings. One critical component often overlooked is the inverter. This device converts the DC (Direct Current) power generated by your solar panels into AC (Alternating Current) power that can be used by your home. In this article, we’ll explore the four main types of inverters you can choose from, helping you find the one that best fits your needs.

The Role of an Inverter

The inverter serves as the heart of your solar energy system. Its primary function is to convert the DC power generated by your solar panels into usable AC power for your home or business. However, inverters come with different features and functionalities, influencing not only how your solar system performs but also how you can interact with it. Whether it’s monitoring energy production in real-time or integrating battery storage for later use, the right inverter can greatly enhance your solar experience.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Inverter

The following factors need to be taken into consideration when selecting an inverter:

• Energy Needs: Assess your daily energy consumption to match the inverter size to your system’s requirements, ensuring optimum performance.
• Roof Characteristics: Consider size, angle, and shading as some inverters are better suited for complex roof layouts.
• Future Expansion or Battery Storage: Choose an inverter that allows for easy expansion and is compatible with other components you might add later.
• Budget: While cheaper options are tempting, consider long-term performance and potential energy savings.
• Warranties and Reliability: A good warranty can provide peace of mind for this long-term investment.
• Monitoring Features: Advanced features can allow you to track your system’s performance in real-time.
• Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known, reliable brands to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
• Single vs Multiple Inverters: Opt for a single inverter for a simpler, cost-effective setup. For more complex arrays or shaded areas, multiple inverters offer increased flexibility and performance.
• Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Inverters: Single-phase is suitable for smaller homes, while three-phase is ideal for larger properties or commercial settings. Ensure the chosen phase type is compatible with your electrical system.

Types of Inverters

The following three inverters are common in Australia:

Standard Inverters
These are the most basic type, converting DC power from solar panels to AC power for your home. They are generally more affordable but lack some of the advanced features found in other types.

• Best For: Small homes with moderate energy consumption and straightforward roof layouts.
• Size: Standard Inverters: For single-phase, sizes usually range from 1 kW to 10 kW per inverter. For three-phase, sizes start at 5 kW and can exceed 50 kW for commercial or industrial applications.
• Advantages: Cost-effective and easy to install.
• Disadvantages: Efficiency can be compromised by shading or underperforming panels, though multi-string configurations can help mitigate this.

Hybrid Inverters
These inverters can manage both solar panels and battery storage, making them ideal for homeowners who are considering or already have a solar battery system.

• Best For: Growing families and energy-savvy homeowners interested in battery storage.
• Size: Single-phase hybrid inverters commonly range from 3 kW to 10 kW. Three-phase hybrid inverters start from 5 kW and go upwards, often exceeding 50 kW for larger installations.
• Advantages: Versatile, managing both solar panels and battery storage. Future-proofing your system.
• Disadvantages: More expensive and compatible with only certain types of batteries.

Microinverters
Installed directly on each solar panel, microinverters allow each panel to operate independently, improving efficiency in cases of shading or different panel orientations.

• Best For: Properties with multiple areas of shading, or those interested in real-time system monitoring.
• Size: These are generally used in single-phase residential systems and have per-panel capacities ranging between 250 and 400 watts. While there’s no strict upper limit for system size, their cost-effectiveness decreases for larger installations.
• Advantages: Each panel operates independently. Enhanced monitoring capabilities.
• Disadvantages: Higher upfront cost and more complex installation.

Common Australian Home Scenarios and Recommended Inverter Types

Some examples of which inverter to pick based on common Australian home setups:

The Budget-Conscious Small Homeowner
You own a small home with moderate energy consumption and a straightforward roof layout.
Recommended Inverter: A standard inverter is usually sufficient, cost-effective, and simple to install.

The Tree-Covered Property
Your property has multiple areas of shading throughout the day due to trees or other structures.
Recommended Inverter: Microinverters or optimisers would be the best choice to mitigate the impact of shading on system performance.

The Growing Family Home
You have a medium-sized home but anticipate your family and energy needs will grow.
Recommended Inverter: A hybrid inverter can offer the flexibility to add battery storage or more panels as your needs change.

The Large Property or Commercial Space
You own a large property or a small-to-medium-sized business with higher energy requirements.
Recommended Inverter: A three-phase inverter will provide the capability to handle greater electrical loads more efficiently.

The Energy-Savvy Homeowner with Battery Storage
You are keen on maximising your solar energy usage and have invested in or are considering a battery storage system.
Recommended Inverter: A hybrid inverter would be ideal as it manages both solar panels and battery storage, allowing you to store excess energy for later use.

The Regional or Remote Homeowner
You live in a regional or remote area where grid reliability might be an issue or grid access is limited.
Recommended Inverter: A hybrid inverter with battery storage can provide an added layer of security, allowing you to store excess solar power for use during outages or periods of low solar generation.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right inverter is a crucial step in setting up an efficient, cost-effective solar energy system for your home or business. Each type of inverter comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed carefully against your specific needs and objectives.