Solar Energy Generation Systems – an overview by Specialized Solar Systems
INVERTERS
It is important to note that not all inverters have the same functionality. Although they all convert DC to AC, different inverters fulfil different main functions. There are two main differences in inverters – high frequency and low frequency. Generally, high frequency inverters cost less, but do not perform as well as low frequency units. It is important to note that inverters do not only convert DC to AC, but could also have the following functions:
Battery Charge
In order for your inverter to charge your batteries the charging amp should be a minimum of 5% of your battery amps. This could be supplied from the grid or generator.
Transfer Switch
This function allows the energy from the grid and/or generator to pass through the inverter directly into the load, additional to that of the inverter size.
Relay Switching and Programming
One could program the inverter to Start/Stop or sound an alarm. Please ask about this if necessary.
Full Programming of Functionality
Inverters can be fully programmable, with functions that include:
Activating a relay in the event the battery voltage is too low (to start a generator)
Bypassing energy from the grid or generator if a certain kW is consumed (a 2000VA inverter could bypass 5000VA from the grid)
Combining energy supply and substituting energy from different sources
Activating a relay in the event the battery voltage is too low (to start a generator)
Bypassing energy from the grid or generator if a certain kW is consumed (a 2000VA inverter could bypass 5000VA from the grid)
Combining energy supply and substituting energy from different sources
Activating a relay in the event the battery voltage is too low (to start a generator)
Bypassing energy from the grid or generator if a certain kW is consumed (a 2000VA inverter could bypass 5000VA from the grid)
Combining energy supply and substituting energy from different sources
Remote Management
Certain inverters only have monitoring displayed on a screen on the actual inverter, such as the following indicators:
Low battery
Overload
Charge condition
Please refer to your inverter manual for more detail.
Other inverters are able to transfer this information via a cloud platform. Only some inverters have the ability to change the programming remotely. Talk to your installer about what functionality you want programmed.
Inverter performance capacity is affected by ambient temperature, eg. a 2000VA inverter will deliver 2000VA at 25°C but possibly only 50% of this at 45°C. Your inverter instruction manual will give you this detail.
Low frequency inverters normally manage a higher indicative spike (when you switch on one electronic motor) than high frequency inverters. If, for example, the inverter is rated at 2000VA it could handle a 4000VA indicative spike. It is important to know what spike the inverter can manage. If the inverter cannot manage the spike, it will overload, even though the motor is rated lower than the initial inverter size.