Solar Inverter

The electricity generated by solar panels through photoelectric effect is direct current or DC. The various household appliances need alternating current or AC to operate. This is where a solar inverter comes in the equation. A solar inverter transforms the DC output of the solar panels into AC for powering the appliances. In domestic households, alternating current is used to run appliances such as TV, microwave oven, refrigerator, etc. Thus, a house powered by solar panels require a solar power inverter.

Types of Solar Inverters

These are the common types of solar energy inverter used in homes and other properties.

1. String inverter- A series of solar panels is known as a string. If a house has 30 solar panels, then there are 6 strings with each string having 5 solar panels. A string inverter converts DC power received from a string of solar panels into AC. Multiple strings mean multiple string inverters with each string inverter getting power from a single string. The maximum input DC power rating of a string solar panel inverter can be 2-30kWp. String inverters are suitable for small properties with energy requirement less than 1 MW.

2. Micro inverter- Micro solar inverter is installed on an individual solar panel. This type of inverter converts DC into AC at the panel itself which eliminates the need for a string inverter. Micro inverters ensure that even if some solar panels are not performing well, the performance of other solar panels remain unaffected. This is a suitable solar inverter for home use as well as for commercial applications.

3. Central inverter- Central solar panel power inverter is a large inverter which is connected to many strings of solar panels instead of a single string of solar panels. Multiple strings of solar panels join together in a combiner box which conveys the DC output power to the central inverter. Central inverters are suitable for large solar panel installations.

4. Battery backup inverter- Battery backup inverter or solar panel battery inverter uses energy from a battery to operate. This type of inverter has an onboard charger to maintain the battery charge. Excess energy is transferred to the utility grid. Battery inverter provides AC power for critical loads during utility power outage.

5. Off-grid inverter- Off-grid inverter is also known as standalone inverter. This type of inverter takes DC power from a battery source. The solar inverter battery is charged by the solar panels. Battery chargers are also present in many models of standalone solar inverters. The battery chargers use AC sources to charge the batteries.

6. Grid tie inverter- Grid tie inverter is integrated with the electricity grid and provides power to it. Grid tie inverter shuts down automatically whenever there is a power outage in the utility grid.

Any of the above mentioned types of solar inventors can be used as solar inverter for home. However, there are some factors that need to be considered before purchasing a solar inverter system for home.

• The maximum capacity of the inverter is an important factor. The maximum capacity must be as per energy requirements.
• Battery capacity and the loads that can be supported in the event of an outage.
• Operating temperature and warranty.

Cost of Solar Invertors

Budget is also a major factor when purchasing a solar power inverter for home or commercial use. The solar inverter price in india depends upon various factors such as type of inverter, load capacity of the inverter, brand of the inverter, single phase or three phase inverter and the number of strings that can be fixed to the inverter.

The solar invertor cost in case of an off-grid solar inverter varies according to model, voltage rating and phase. Some of the prices have been listed here.

• 500VA single phase solar inverter with 12V rating costs about Rs 3500
• 1100VA single phase solar inverter with 12V rating costs about Rs 6000
• 5.5KVA single phase solar inverter with 96V rating costs about Rs 45,000
• 15KVA three phase solar inverter with 360V rating costs about Rs 120,000
• 20KVA three phase solar inverter with 360V rating costs about Rs 140,000

The solar inverter price list for on-grid solar inverters is as follows.

• 2KW single phase solar inverter costs about Rs 25,000
• 4KW single phase solar inverter costs about Rs 37,000
• 5KW three phase solar inverter costs about Rs 65,000
• 10KW three phase solar inverter costs about Rs 90,000
• 20KW three phase solar inverter costs about Rs 130,000

The solar inverter price is heavily influenced by the brand of the inverter. Both domestic and international brands of solar inverters are available in India. The solar power inverter price in case of foreign brands is more as compared to domestic brands. The difference between solar panel inverter price is because foreign brands of solar inverters have very high efficiency of about 98% while domestic brands can only achieve 90-95% efficiency. In foreign brands, Chinese solar panel inverter cost is cheaper as compared to American brands.

Thus, the factors affecting the solar system inverter price and your own specific requirements need to be analysed thoroughly before deciding to buy solar inverter. 

Solar Inverter Price List