When you’re thinking of switching your business to solar power, the inverter should be the first thing you think about. After all, you need to have a robust system in place that will transform that PV-generated (photovoltaic) energy or battery-stored DC power into good old AC power that will, well, power your home in a clean and eco-friendly way. Even though choosing a solar inverter might seem like a complicated task, keep in mind that you can make the best choice for your business and its future if you simply take the time to read up on your best options.
And that’s exactly what we’re going to be doing today. Let’s talk about everything solar inverters, and how you can choose the ideal inverter for your needs that will allow you to save energy, run your business on clean power, and help safeguard the environment. Here’s what you need to know.
Know the different types of inverters
As with anything in life, you don’t have a single option – that would be way too simple. Instead, solar inverters come in three main categories, all of which have their unique advantages and potential drawbacks. The standard in the solar industry is the string inverter, which is widely used in the residential and commercial sectors. The main advantages of the string inverter is that it usually comes at an affordable price while boasting high efficiency. That said, keep in mind that it’s not well-suited for shady areas, and that the entire grid can go down if one string fails.
Next is the central inverter, which is designed for large-scale applications in the commercial sector primarily. This system produces a lot of noise and is pretty bulky, which doesn’t make it suitable for a home.
And lastly you have the innovative micro-inverters that are designed to convert DC power to AC power directly from the solar panels on the roof. The main advantage of this system is that it ensures solar panel efficiency even if one panel goes down or is obscured from direct sunlight. They do require more maintenance, though, so keep the running expenses in mind.
Check the battery capacity
One of the more important considerations when purchasing a solar inverter is the battery capacity. Why is this so important, you ask? Because you never know when power outages can occur, and when your solar panels may malfunction for any reason, be it environmental damage or something else – meaning that you need to be able to keep your business powered until the system is back online. That’s why the battery capacity matters, as it will tell you how much energy the solar inverter can offload and how much energy can be stored in the case of a power outage.
Choose a zero-carbon model
There are many different manufacturers and inverter models on the market today, and while it is important that the model is able to accommodate all of your business needs, you shouldn’t forget about its potential energy waste and carbon emission. Nowadays, though, you can find zero-carbon models like the modern SMA inverter that doesn’t have any negative impact on the environment, making your solar system truly green across the board.
It’s important that the model is certified as zero-carbon, and that the manufacturer has a proven track record of product quality, reliability, and durability. What’s more, be sure to check the warranty of the model, as the manufacturer should guarantee that the product will function as promised for at least several years. Typically, you will want to get an inverter with a minimum ten-year warranty.
Check the protection features
Many buyers don’t think about the physical protection features installed in the inverter, but the reality is that the model you choose needs to be durable enough to withstand the standard wear and tear, and of course, unforeseen scenarios such as natural disasters. What’s more, make sure that the inverter has adequate temperature protection, reverse polarity protection, and power surge protection as well.
Read all of the reviews and testimonials
And finally, you need to do your own research and scrutinize every manufacturer and their product offering to find the right model for your needs. However, it’s not enough to just trust the words of the manufacturer, as you want to make sure that other customers have had a positive experience. You can check out the reviews and testimonials on the manufacturer’s website, but you should also delve deeper by researching honest opinions from unbiased sources and review sites.
What’s more, consider going to relevant forums and opening a topic on different types of manufacturers, which will attract people who already bought their inverters, and incentivize them to share their experience. Once you have gathered all of the necessary information, you can choose the best inverter for your current and future needs.
The inverter is one of the most important parts of a well-functioning commercial solar system, so you need to know exactly what you’re getting. Use these tips to make the right decision and get yourself an inverter that will help you run a greener and sustainable business.
