Do You Need an Inverter to Use Solar Panels? Here''s What You
When installing a solar panel system, the most common question is: do you need an inverter for solar panels? The answer is—yes, most of the time. But the "why" and "when"
An inverter is necessary when you are using solar panels in a hybrid system for your home. Its primary role is to convert the DC voltage generated by the solar panels and batteries into AC power for home appliances.
Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy from a solar panel into alternate current (AC) energy appliances use. It's also important to note that solar batteries store DC energy. Before you can use the energy in a battery to power an appliance, it has to be converted to AC energy using an inverter.
Almost all household appliances such as fridges, wifi routers and TV's run on alternate current (AC), however. Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy from a solar panel into alternate current (AC) energy appliances use. It's also important to note that solar batteries store DC energy.
How you connect a solar panel to an inverter will depend on the type of solar system you are running and the devices being powered. If your solar system is powering DC 12-Volt appliances and AC 120-Volt or 220-Volt appliances, you cannot connect the inverter directly to the battery and then to the main circuits.
PDF includes complete article with source references for printing and offline reading.
Download detailed specifications for our distributed PV energy storage systems and liquid cooled ESS containers.
Calle de la Energía 24
Madrid 28045, Spain
+34 911 224 722
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM CET