Inverters are the key device used in solar power. The function of the inverter is to transfer the direct current ( DC) produced by the solar panels into the alternating current (AC) powering all household appliances. Two common types of solar inverters are grid-tie inverters, off-grid inverters, and battery backup inverters. Each type of inverter is utilized in each different situation and considered the heart of a solar energy system.
Grid-tie inverters are made for use with the utility grid, hence the name grid-tie. This is a good choice for people who either want to cut down their electric bill or can't afford to buy enough equipment to install a full scale off-grid system. Since grid-tie inverters are integrated with the power grid, they are programmed to shut down during power outages for safety reasons.
They do not provide backup energy in the event of a blackout.
Off-Grid inverters (also known as stand-alone inverters) are not tied to the power grid at all. Houses with off-grid systems are completely self sufficient. Instead of tying into the power grid, the solar energy is stored in batteries. These batteries are usually charged by solar energy. However, they can also be powered by wind turbines, hydro turbines or generators.
A backup battery inverter is a type of grid-tied inverter. It can perform the usual feat of taking the energy from batteries and converting it to useable AC power, but it can also send the excess energy stored by the batteries back into the utility grid. If your home's renewable energy power system is using a backup battery inverter you can actually sell your excess power back to the local power utility.
Without solar inverters, all the Photovoltaic cells in all the solar panels in all the world wouldn't do us any good.
Comprehending Inverters through A Simple Guide