What Is a Solar Inverter and Why Do You Need One?

If you’re considering converting to solar energy, you’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have switched over the past decade. From environmental benefits to cost-saving perks, it’s no surprise that solar energy is so popular. 

When researching solar systems, you’ve probably come across many industry terms. One of these might be ​“solar inverter.” But what exactly does it do? In short, a solar inverter is a vital piece of equipment that transforms the sun’s energy into usable electricity for your home. 

To help explain this process, let’s review:

• How solar energy is converted to electricity
• What a solar inverter does
• Why you need the right-sized inverter

To reap the highest return on your solar investment, it’s crucial that you install the right sized inverter for your home. Keep reading to learn more about this less frequently discussed topic and why you need one to go solar.

How Solar Energy Is Converted to Electricity

Before we examine what solar inverters are, it’s important to understand how solar systems work in the first place. A standard solar system is made up of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Most PV panels consist of silicon, a semiconductor material that helps create an electric current. When particles of sunlight (or photons) hit the panels, one of the following effects occurs:

Absorbed photons interact with the semiconductor material (or silicon) by knocking off atoms, which generates electricity. More specifically, they create a direct current.

DC to AC Power

It’s common knowledge that solar panels generate electricity. However, many people don’t realize that this electricity isn’t compatible with your home. In the United States, the electricity that powers our homes and flows out of sockets is called alternating current (AC) power. Solar systems, however, create direct current (DC) power.

The main difference between AC and DC power is the direction of the current. DC power flows in one direction, while AC power switches directions. To enjoy solar energy, you must first convert your system’s DC power to AC power. That’s where solar inverters come in.

What a Solar Inverter Does

Why You Need the Right-Sized Inverter

There are three possible outcomes when choosing an inverter: 

The worst possible result is an undersized inverter. When the solar inverter is too small, the extra DC power is simply ​“clipped off,” meaning lots of energy is wasted. If it’s oversized, on the other hand, you’ll end up spending more money on an inverter you don’t need. The only time it makes sense to get an oversized inverter is if you plan on expanding your solar system in the near future. 

Ideally, you want a solar inverter that’s correctly sized for your system because inverters function best when operating near their maximum capacity. In other words, inverters are most efficient when they match the needs of your solar system. For example, a solar energy system that’s six kilowatts should be paired with a 6,000-watt inverter. To determine the right size, you must check the DC rating of your solar system. 

Do you need help determining which solar inverter is right for your needs? Photon Brothers can help. After examining your roof, energy requirements, and budget preferences, we can craft a custom solar system designed specifically for your needs. And, because we only use advanced solar technology, you can trust that the final result will be high-quality. Our top-notch solar systems are paired with elated-efficiency inverters, helping reduce long-term costs and fulfill your energy needs for years to come.