Wondering how does a solar inverter work? It does play a fundamental role in harnessing solar energy. Solar
inverters transform the direct current (DC) generated by PV solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is
the format used by household appliances. This article will shed light on solar inverter working principle, the
different types available on the market, sizing considerations, and maintenance and precautionary measures to
ensure optimal functionality of your solar inverter.
What Is a Solar Inverter?
What is a solar inverter and how does it work? Let's start first with the "what" question. A solar inverter is an
important component of a PV solar power system. It's essentially a device that transforms the energy output from
solar panels into a usable form of electricity, allowing it to be utilized within your home or workplace. In other
words, this critical device operates as a bridge between the photovoltaic system and the energy consumption
devices in the house or grid.
Solar inverters are pivotal because solar panels generate direct current (DC), which most home appliances can't
use. The primary role of the inverter is to convert this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity.
This AC form is compatible with the vast majority of home and office appliances and can be seamlessly fed into the
electric grid.
How Does a Solar Inverter Work?
Now, how does a solar power inverter work? By first taking in the direct current (DC) output from your solar
panels, the output is then transformed into alternating 120V/240V current (AC). Being decisive because the
appliances in your home operate on AC, not DC, hence this conversion is necessary to make the solar energy
collected by your solar panels practicable for daily use.
The sun casts its light on your solar panels, which is absorbed by semiconductor layers within the solar or
photovoltaic (PV) cells. This absorption of light energy stimulates the movement of electrons, leading to the
generation of an electric current, also known as DC. The inverter captures this DC, processes it through a
transformer and delivers it as AC to the property's electrical system. The inverter ultimately "fools" the
transformer into thinking that the DC is AC by controlling two or more transistors that switch on and off at high
speed, feeding varying sides of the transformer.
Types of Solar Inverters
Here are three main types of solar inverters that are commonly used:
String Inverters
These are the most common types of inverters for residential use. There's usually one string inverter per solar
installation. They are named as "string inverters" because a "string" (or series) of solar panels are connected to
the inverter. The main advantage of this type of inverter is its affordability and reliability, though it's not as
efficient if individual panels are shaded.
Microinverters
Microinverters are smaller devices placed on individual panels. They convert the DC power from the panel into AC
right where it's generated. This optimizes each solar panel individually, offering better energy returns,
especially in shady conditions. They offer improved energy yield from solar panels and often come with individual
tracking software to allow problems with a single panel to be identified quickly.
Hybrid Inverters
Hybrid (or multi-mode) inverters are a less common type, allowing you to connect batteries to your solar energy
system. They interact with the linked batteries through "DC coupling," meaning both the solar panels and the
batteries use the same inverter and the DC from the panels charges the batteries via a DC charger. The solar
hybrid inverter working principle is designed for PV systems with a battery backup, therefore offering an
requisite feature for off-grid systems or when the primary electric supply is interrupted.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size Inverter
1. Match the Inverter Size with Panel Output: The inverter size should be able to handle the
maximum power the solar power system can produce. If your solar power system is a 3kW, you'll require 3kW panels
and a similarly-sized 3kW solar inverter.
2. Plan for Future Expansion: If you plan on expanding your solar system in the future, consider
a larger inverter than your current solar system requires.
3. Consider the Solar Inverter Efficiency: If your system is to be connected to the grid, choose
an inverter with an efficiency of at least 93% (transformer-based) or 95% (transformerless). These thresholds are
critical for optimal use of the power generated by the PV system.
4. Consult with Professionals: Reach out to solar energy consultants or installation companies
for suitable sizing recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
Maintenance and Precautions for Solar Inverters
1. Check for Weatherproofing: Review if the solar inverter is weather-proof or under a covering
that doesn't fully protect it from weather. It may be necessary to consider buying a weather-proof cage to enhance
inverter longevity.
2. Review Solar Inverter Display: Checking the solar inverter display often can alert you to
operational issues in a timely manner. Information provided on the display may include system power production
times and levels, daily energy production, and overall energy production since installation.
3. Ensure Warranties: It's crucial to have a warranty for your solar inverter. While
grid-connected inverters usually have a life expectancy of 10-25 years, warranties typically last 5-15 years with
an opportunity to extend it at a cost. The longer the warranty, the better, as it provides additional protection
against failure.
4. Regular Maintenance: Ensure consistent maintenance to the solar inverter to keep it
functioning optimally, which includes soft cleaning with a dry cloth and engaging a professional for periodic
technical maintenance.
5. Professional Check-ups: Have a qualified technician perform comprehensive checks periodically
to maintain the optimal performance and longevity of your solar inverter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how does a solar inverter work is critical for utilizing solar energy effectively and
optimizing your renewable energy system. By selecting the right type and size of solar inverter, adhering to
maintenance guidelines, and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure your solar power system operates
efficiently and provides you with sustainable energy for a long time to come. With FusionSolar by your side, stay
enlightened and harness the true power of this eco-friendly technology!
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions on how does a solar inverter work.
Can a Solar Inverter Operate Independently of a Battery?
Yes, a solar inverter can operate independently of a battery. In a grid-tied solar system, the inverter directly
converts the generated solar power into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used by the connected
appliances or fed back into the grid without needing a battery for storage.
How Long Will TV Run on an Inverter?
The duration a TV will run on an inverter depends on the inverter's capacity and the power consumption of the TV.
To calculate the runtime, divide the inverter's battery capacity (in watt-hours) by the TV's power rating (in
watts). The resulting value will give you the approximate number of hours the TV can run on the inverter before
the battery is depleted.
What Is the Typical Lifespan of Solar Inverters?
The typical lifespan of solar inverters ranges between
Harnessing the sun's power to meet our ever-increasing energy needs has propelled the significance of
comprehending how solar cell works. This article will go into the core aspects of solar cell works, exploring
their fundamentals, the different types of photovoltaic solar cells, the conversion process behind producing
electricity, and the crucial role of silicon. Additionally, we'll explain how solar panels function as a system
and evaluate the costs associated with implementing this clean, renewable energy source. So, what are you waiting
for? Let's get started!
What Is Solar Cell?
A solar cell, also regarded as a photovoltaic (PV) cell, is a specialized semiconductor device that can convert
sunlight directly into electricity. It harnesses the energy of light (photo) and transforms it into electricity
(voltaic)—a process known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are the most basic building blocks of solar
panels, which are commonly used in a variety of settings, including power stations, satellites, and residential
buildings.
Solar cells are made out of specially prepared materials called semiconductors. Silicon, known for its efficient
photovoltaic conversion properties, is currently the most commonly used semiconductor material. The very important
function of a solar cell is to allow light to knock electrons loose, thereby allowing them to flow freely and
generate electrical current.
Types of Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Solar cells come in several types, primarily differentiated by the materials and processes used to create them.
1. Monocrystalline Silicon (c-Si): These solar cells are made from a single silicon crystal,
offering the highest efficiency levels among all photovoltaic technologies. They are known for their uniform dark
appearance and are relatively more expensive due to their manufacturing process.
2. Polycrystalline Silicon (mc-Si): These solar cells consist of multiple small silicon
crystals. They have lower efficiency in contrast with monocrystalline cells but are generally more affordable,
making them a famous choice for residential and commercial applications. These cells have a distinctly blue or
multi-colored appearance due to the light scattering from multiple crystals.
3. Thin-film (TFPV): Thin-film solar cells are made by placing/depositing a very thin layer of
semiconductor material onto a glass, plastic, or metal substrate. Some common types of thin-film solar cells
include Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), Amorphous Silicon (a-Si), and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS). These cells
have lower efficiencies compared to crystalline silicon cells but are lightweight, flexible, and less expensive,
making them suitable for a variety of applications.
4. Multi-junction (MJ): Multi-junction solar cells are composed of multiple layers of
semiconductor materials, with each layer designed to capture a specific wavelength of light. This increases their
efficiency significantly, making them ideal for high-performance applications like space and aerospace. However,
they are more complex and expensive to manufacture.
Photovoltaic Conversion Process
How solar energy works? The photovoltaic conversion process is fundamentally about light interacting with the
atoms of a semiconductor material. In a solar cell, when light photons strike the material, enough energy is
imparted to dislodge electrons from the material's atoms, creating an electron-hole pair.
Solar cells are strategically built with an electric field that forces these loose electrons to move in a
specific direction, generating an electrical current. This electric field corresponds to a voltage, and the
product of this voltage and the current gives the power (or wattage) a solar cell can produce. This is how light
(a form of energy) is converted into electricity.
Role of Silicon in Solar Cells
Silicon plays an elemental role in the function of solar cells due to its unique chemical properties.
Structurally, a silicon atom has 14 electrons arranged in three different shells and needs to share 4 electrons
with other atoms to stabilize itself. This characteristic makes silicon suitable for sharing and receiving
electrons, a property directly learning itself about the conversion of light into electricity.
In a more advanced context, silicon in solar cells is generally "doped" or machinated with impurities to alter
its conductivity. For instance, silicon can be doped with phosphorus (N-type silicon), which creates an excess of
free electrons, or with boron (P-type silicon), which created an abundance of "holes". These free electrons from
N-type silicon, under the influence of the electric field, power through to the P-type silicon giving rise to
electric current.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
How a solar panel works? A PV solar panel is a collection of solar cells electrically connected together and
mounted in a frame — a solar array. Each solar cell generates a relatively small amount of electricity, but
collectively, the power generated by multiple cells adds up.
When sunlight hits a PV solar panel, energy is absorbed by the solar cells and used to loosen electrons from
silicon atoms, causing them to move and generate electrical current. That's how solar panel works. The current, in
combination with the cell's voltage, defines the amount of power that the solar cell can produce.
The electricity produced by a PV solar panel is direct current (DC). However, most modern homes require
alternating current (AC) power. Therefore, the power a solar panel generates must first pass through an inverter
to transform it from DC to AC for everyday use. The practical efficiency of converting solar light into usable
power varies with different technologies, with the top commercial panels having an efficiency of around 30%.
How Much Does Solar Cell Cost?
The cost of solar panels in South Africa can vary greatly based on brand, size, type, and installation expenses. A
single solar panel can range from R1,800 (for 360 watts) to R4,200 (for 550 watts). For a typical 3kW solar panel
system, you may expect to pay between R45,000 and R70,000. If you're interested in a 5kW solar system off grid,
the cost can range from R70,000 to R110,000.
These prices also depend on the region and installer. Despite their significant upfront cost, solar panels
present substantial long-term savings by cutting down or completely eliminating reliance on grid electricity.
Bear in mind that the overall cost also includes lifespan and maintenance expenses. Solar panels, appropriately
installed and maintained, can function for up to 25 years or more, generating steady energy savings throughout
their lifespan.
Conclusion
To conclude, understanding how solar cell works is crucial for using the sun's power and transitioning to more
sustainable energy solutions. With various types of photovoltaic solar cells and the essential role silicon plays
in solar panels' efficiency, the investment in solar energy becomes increasingly appealing. As the modern trend
shifts towards greener practices, the lowering costs of solar cells will make this clean energy technology even
more accessible, bringing us closer to a more eco-friendly future. At FusionSolar, we're dedicated to bolstering
this transition, driving society closer to a cleaner, brighter future.
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions on how solar cell works.
What Is the Process of How Solar Cells Work?
Solar cells (photovoltaic (PV) cells) convert sunlight directly into electricity through a process called the
photovoltaic effect. Initially, solar cells absorb photons from sunlight, which then energize the electrons in the
atom. Next, the energized electrons move from a state of low energy to one of high energy, leaving behind "holes."
Both the holes and the high-energy electrons then move towards respective terminals resulting in an electric
circuit.
What Are the Fundamental Principles behind Solar Cells?
The fundamental principles behind solar cells are anchored in the photovoltaic effect and semiconductor physics.
Essentially, solar cells rely on the principle of p-n junction semiconductor where the junction created between a
p-type (positively charged) and n-type (negatively charged) semiconductor material facilitates electron movement
and creates an electric field.
How Does a Solar Cell Generate Electricity?
How solar PV works? Solar cells generate electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. This
starts with photons from sunlight hitting solar panels that are made up of smaller units—solar cells. Each cell is
made of semiconducting material usually silicon-based, layered with a positive and a negative layer. When photons
are absorbed by the cell, electrons are knocked loose from their atoms. These free electrons are captured and
channeled, creating an electrical current, which is then used as electricity. This entire process occurs without
any moving parts, releasing no greenhouse gas emissions once installed.
