The central role: Understanding why solar inverters are the brains of a solar system

In the world of solar energy systems, inverters are often referred to as the brains of the operation. These essential components play a pivotal role in converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which powers household appliances and can be fed back into the grid. 

While inverters may not be as visible as solar panels, their significance within a solar energy system as a whole cannot be overstated. In this guide, we'll look at the critical functions, importance, and capabilities of solar inverters, shedding light on why they are the central intelligence in solar energy systems.

Introduction to solar inverters

At the heart of every solar energy system lies the inverter, silently working to ensure that the electricity produced by solar panels is compatible with your home's electrical system and the utility grid. Solar panels generate electricity in the form of direct current (DC), a type of electrical flow that moves in one direction with a constant voltage. However, most household appliances and the utility grid operate on alternating current (AC) electricity, where the direction of electrical flow periodically reverses.

Without inverters, the DC electricity generated by solar panels would be unusable for powering household appliances or feeding into the grid. This is because AC electricity is more versatile and efficient for long-distance transmission and use in homes and businesses. Solar inverters bridge this gap by converting the DC power generated by solar panels into AC power, making it accessible and usable for a variety of applications.

Solar inverters use sophisticated electronics and circuitry to transform the characteristics of the electricity, adjusting voltage levels and waveforms to match the requirements of AC power. This enables seamless integration with the utility grid, allowing homeowners to offset their energy consumption with solar-generated electricity or even sell excess power back to the grid.

Other essential functions of solar inverters

Solar inverters perform several crucial functions beyond their primary role of converting DC to AC power. One such function is voltage regulation, which is vital for maintaining the stability and safety of the electrical system. In certain situations, voltage levels within the electrical system may fluctuate and exceed acceptable limits. This can occur due to factors such as variations in solar irradiance, changes in load demand, or disturbances in the utility grid. In such cases, inverters play a critical role in monitoring and adjusting voltage levels to ensure they remain within safe operating limits. By regulating voltage, inverters help protect appliances and equipment connected to the system from potential damage and ensure consistent and reliable operation.

Synchronisation and ground fault detection 

Another important function of solar inverters is synchronisation with the grid. When solar energy is generated and consumed onsite, the inverter synchronises its output with the frequency and phase of the utility grid to facilitate seamless energy transfer. This synchronisation ensures that the solar energy generated by the system can be efficiently used to power the home's electrical loads and, if excess energy is generated, can be safely exported to the grid for use elsewhere.

Ground fault detection is a crucial safety feature integrated into solar inverters, designed to identify and mitigate potential electrical hazards within the system. This technology works by continuously monitoring the flow of electrical current throughout the solar energy system. In a properly functioning electrical circuit, the current flows in a closed loop, with the same amount of current entering and exiting the circuit. However, in the event of a ground fault, where an unintended connection occurs between an electrical conductor and the ground, the current can flow along an unintended path, bypassing the intended circuit.

Ground fault detection systems utilise sensors or detectors to monitor the current flow within the system. When a ground fault occurs, it creates an imbalance in the current flow, with more current flowing out through the ground connection than returning through the intended circuit. The ground fault detection system detects this imbalance and triggers an alarm or shutdown mechanism to isolate the fault and prevent potential hazards, such as electric shocks or fires.

Once a ground fault is detected, the solar inverter typically interrupts the flow of electricity to the affected circuit or section of the system. This helps prevent further damage and allows for prompt inspection and repair by qualified technicians. 

Anti-islanding, and other compliance and safety features 

Safety is paramount in solar energy systems, and solar inverters incorporate various safety features to protect both the system and its users. One crucial safety feature is anti-islanding protection, which is designed to prevent solar systems from feeding electricity into the grid during power outages. This is important because if solar panels continue to generate electricity during a blackout, it can pose a risk to utility workers trying to repair the grid. Anti-islanding protection ensures that the solar inverter shuts down when it detects a loss of grid power, effectively isolating the system from the grid and eliminating the risk of backfeeding.

Solar inverters also provide protection against electrical faults such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. In the event of a fault or irregularity in the electrical system, the inverter can quickly detect and respond to mitigate the issue, preventing damage to the system and ensuring the safety of both the equipment and its users.

SolarEdge incorporates some extra safety features into residential inverters to further mitigate risks and ensure peace of mind for homeowners. With features such as SafeDC™ and arc fault protection, SolarEdge systems minimise electrical hazards and maintain safety standards. Furthermore, SolarEdge Sense Connect is an industry-first innovation that identifies abnormal thermal events in the Power Optimiser connector to prevent electric arcs from forming. All of these safety systems ensure homeowners enjoy a solar inverter with rigorous safety protocols.

Setting the PV Safety Benchmark

Setting the PV Safety Benchmark

Maximising energy production

In addition to their fundamental functions, solar inverters play a crucial role in maximising energy production from solar panels. By optimising the performance of solar panels, inverters ensure that homeowners get the most out of their solar energy systems, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. String inverters typically use 2 to 4 trackers inside the inverter to track the maximum power point of the string. Conversely, SolarEdge has trackers on every single panel, allowing it to operate independently making it more resilient to shading, soiling, mismatch and other factors. 

The SolarEdge Home Hub Universal Inverter is the ultimate home inverter for managing solar production, battery storage, backup applications, EV charging and smart energy devices. It is the market leader in inverter efficiency at 99% and comes with a 12 year warranty that can be extended to 25 years. 

It also comes with panel-level monitoring and advanced safety features such as SafeDC™, sense connect and arc fault protection.  Available in 3-10kW power ratings, the SolarEdge Home Hub Universal Inverter offers unmatched flexibility for the needs of any household. Click here to learn more about this inverter.

System monitoring and control

Solar inverters also serve as the central monitoring and control hub for solar energy systems, collecting data on energy production, system performance, and potential issues in real-time. This data allows homeowners and solar professionals to monitor the health and efficiency of their solar installations, diagnose any issues promptly, and take corrective action as needed. The ability to monitor and control solar systems remotely provides peace of mind and ensures that the system operates at peak performance. 

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Remote monitoring and management

Advanced solar inverters like SolarEdge’s Residential range offer remote monitoring and management capabilities through the mySolarEdge software, allowing homeowners to track system performance, and receive firmware updates remotely. This remote access provides invaluable insights into system operation and performance, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their solar energy systems. Our monitoring platform also tracks PV performance at the level of individual solar modules, and allows remote system maintenance, keeping your system operating at peak efficiency and reliability.

Compatibility with energy storage systems

With the increasing popularity of energy storage systems, solar inverters are becoming increasingly compatible with battery storage solutions. This compatibility enables homeowners to integrate battery storage with their solar installations, allowing for enhanced energy management and backup power during grid outages. Solar inverters facilitate the seamless integration of energy storage, enabling homeowners to maximise the benefits of their solar energy systems and achieve greater energy independence. When you add a SolarEdge Home Hub Universal Inverter to a SolarEdge Home Battery, you can oversize your system by up to 300%. 

The bottom line

By prioritising quality inverters and consulting with solar professionals, you can maximise the efficiency and reliability of your solar installations, ultimately reaping the benefits of clean, renewable energy for years to come. Whether you're considering solar energy adoption or looking to optimise your existing solar system, understanding the central role of solar inverters is essential for making informed decisions and achieving your energy goals. 

SolarEdge is a market leader in residential solar that can withstand harsh Australian conditions. Got questions? Get in touch with us now or find a trusted solar installer near you.