How Solar Inverters Are Synchronized With the Grid

 

When a solar panel produces DC energy, it goes to the inverter to convert that into usable AC power. If the amount of energy produced is too much for the inverter to handle, the power will be clipped.

There are several types of solar inverters including central inverters, microinverters and DC optimizers. To learn more about your options and which one is right for you, consult a qualified installer.

Monitor Your Energy Production

Using an app or website, you can see how much power your solar system is producing. Monitoring systems like Enlighten, from microinverter manufacturer Enphase, offer module-level monitoring and analysis of your solar panel system.

Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by household appliances. Any excess electricity is sent back to the utility grid or stored in a solar battery.

When evaluating an inverter, look for peak efficiency and weighted efficiency numbers. These numbers indicate how well an inverter performs under different conditions. The higher the peak efficiency number, the better. In addition, an inverter’s operating temperature also impacts its performance. A cooler operating temperature allows an inverter to work more efficiently. It also means that the inverter is less prone to breakdowns and other problems. If you’re considering a string inverter, ask about its integration with power optimizers. This will allow you to monitor each individual panel in your solar system for easy troubleshooting and maintenance.

Communicate with the Utility Grid

Whether a solar-plus-battery storage system or a traditional string or central solar inverter, your solar power system is a part of the grid and needs to be properly synchronized with it. Your inverter performs several tasks to accomplish this.

One method is called frequency-watt control, which allows an inverter to change its power output if the grid frequency changes. If the grid frequency drops, your solar inverter will decrease its production, which can help stabilize the power grid. If the grid frequency rises, your solar inverter will increase its production.

Additionally, your grid-tied solar inverter is designed to quickly disconnect from the grid if the grid goes down. This helps prevent backfeeding, which can harm line workers who are sent to fix the problem. It also prevents your solar inverter from sending more energy into the grid than your home or business can use at that time. This is a critical safety feature of any grid-tied PV system.

Perform Ongoing System Performance Checks

Keeping a close eye on your solar inverter display will help you detect any issues that might be impacting your energy production. The displays often feature alphanumeric codes, which convey everything from simple functional states to error warnings. Deciphering these codes will allow you to identify and resolve problems in a timely fashion.

The display will also show you how much power your panels are generating on any given day. The longer daylight hours in summer will result in a higher power output, while the shorter days of winter will naturally reduce it. Tracking these fluctuations will help you optimize your system for seasonal performance.

Many inverters can also feed excess solar electricity into the grid when the battery bank is full or your household can’t consume all of the power being generated. This allows you to earn net metering credits and reduce your utility bills.

Feed Excess Power into the Grid

As mentioned earlier, solar inverters Sydney synchronize with the grid and if you have a grid tied system, any electricity that is not used or consumed will flow back into the power lines. This helps to offset grid electricity purchases and reduces your energy costs.

However, this is only possible if your system has been correctly sized. If your system is over-producing, the excess electricity will be fed into the grid and your neighbours are likely to consume this energy first.

Hybrid inverters with battery charging are the best choice for homes & businesses looking to maximize self-consumption & backup power. These inverters integrate with your battery storage and provide advanced monitoring. You can also benefit from net metering, which is a great way to lower your energy bills by receiving credits for the electricity you generate and send back into the grid. However, this type of on-grid inverter is more expensive than regular ones. You should weigh up the start-up cost versus potential savings over time.