Setting up solar panels is only the first step of generating clean energy by harnessing the power of the sun. Solar panels convert solar energy into electricity. This electricity can be used to run all the lights, fans and other appliances of your home. However, it can do so only when the sun is shining brightly outside. On days when its cloudy or at night, the solar inverter will be inept at running appliances. Thus, to be efficient, solar panels must be converted to a solar inverter battery. Here are a few tips to choosing the perfect solar inverter and battery for you.
Choosing the right type of solar inverters
Solar inverters can be categorized under two categories based on the type of energy output it gives.
- Pure Sine Wave Inverters
- Pure sine wave inverters are the most efficient inverters. They produce energy in the form of a continuous sine wave. This can be used to run lights, fans and all other appliances including microwave ovens and laptops. Pure Sine Wave Inverters are often more expensive than other inverters.
- Modified Sine Wave Inverters
- These inverters produce energy in a wave made up of multiple smaller square waves. Thus the energy output is not constant. It may be used to run lights and fans but cannot be used to run sensitive appliances. Even the appliances that do work on energy emitted by modified sine wave inverters may be less efficient than normally.
The Right Battery Capacity
The duration of time a solar inverter can provide power backup depends on the capacity of the solar inverter battery. The capacity of a battery is expressed in Amp Hours or Ah. This can be calculated by multiplying the power requirement for your house with the number of hours you need power backup and dividing the product by the battery voltage.
Thus Battery capacity= power requirement * backup duration / battery voltage.
Internal protection
A surge in power or an overload can damage the inverter and the battery. Hence, the inverter must be designed with components that protect against such instances. A sensing circuit can be very helpful as it senses possible problems and automatically shuts down the inverter. For example, if the voltage supplied to the inverter is less than normal, it will automatically switch to power from the battery. This is important as otherwise the battery will be slowly discharged
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A solar inverter battery and inverter are ideal for every home. While the initial costs may be a little high, it does help save money in the long run. With solar inverters, your dependence on the main power grids is drastically reduced. Thus, you will be able to save money on your electricity bills. The power you generate through a solar inverter is beneficial not only for you but also for your neighbours. A solar inverter system that is connected to the main power grid will also help lower power wastage. This is because the power has to be transported over shorter distances.
