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SMA Solar Inverter

Solar energy is more important nowadays when producing electrical energy in a way that uses clean and green energy types. When the sun shines on the solar panels (PV system), electrons in solar cells start to flow, which produces direct current (DC) energy. This is where solar inverters come in. The energies used in the main grids, our homes, buildings or industrial facilities use alternating current (AC) energy. Solar inverters, thus, converts DC power from solar cells to AC power which we then use in our homes and facilities.

Solar Inverters, What Are They?

There are microcontroller-based power electronic circuits using semiconductor components in solar inverter structure. They could be mono-phase or three-phase types. They are generally produced in the power range of 1,5 kW to 3 MW in accordance with the application. Angle of the sun beams change during the day that causes an irregular energy production as a result of absorption of light by solar cells. Solar inverters use an algorithm technology known as “Maximum Power Point Tracker” (MPPT) which controls electrical production according to the angle of the sun beams falling on the cells so as to avoid irregular production. MPPT algorithm used in high technology solar inverters makes energy production possible, efficient and regular. PV plants today are rated at 1000V, which is considered low voltage in IEC and ANSI standards, but in fact, the IEC standard covers up to 1500V in the low voltage category. Solar inverters operating voltage ranges from 350V to 1500V DC input voltage.

What Kind of Applications Are Solar Inverters Used?

Solar inverters can be used in all type of application such as on-grid or off-grid. In on-grid systems, solar energy is connected to the grid whereas the energy in off-grid systems is not. When there is sun shining during the day, electrical energy is supplied by solar cells with the inverter as much as possible in an on-grid system. When there is no sun because of cloud blocks or during night time, power supply to the load is done by grid. If there isn’t any grid system where solar power plant is located, load uses the power from solar cells as a grid. When there is no sun, energy stored batteries supply power to the load.

What Are the Types of Solar Inverters?

There are three main different types of solar inverters: micro, string and central. Micro inverters are mostly used for small application as off-grid system such as home applications. String inverters are the most commonly used in home and roof application or commercial solar power plants up to 1 MW. Each solar photovoltaic array is directly connected to string inverter in this type. Central inverters are for applications such as large arrays installed on buildings, industrial facilities as well as field installations which have more than 1 MW power. Central inverter is a kind which is connected from a combiner box that collects all DC solar arrays. They are basically very large type of string inverters. They are generally used and preferred for power plants more than 1 MW and the power transform to high voltage for on-grid systems according to the application.

Solar inverters are one of the most important components in solar power plants. It is very important to choose correct inverter in the application by considering structure of solar cells, power capacity, land and shading geography, altitude, temperature and service capacity of inverter producer for maintenance, repair and commissioning.

SMA is one of the best inverters, and VEKMAR is a distribution partner. We can help you for your solar projects range of roof application to large power plants with our expert engineering team.