The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Hybrid Inverter Supplier

Designing and installing a solar power system is a complex process, and choosing the right solar inverter requires technical expertise.

With over 10 years of experience as a supplier of solar power system kits, ADNLITE shares insights on selecting the perfect solar inverter for your needs.

What is the Working Principle of a Photovoltaic Inverter?

A photovoltaic (PV) inverter, also known as a power conditioner, is a critical component in solar power systems. It converts the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which can be used by household appliances or fed into the electrical grid.

1. Conversion of DC to AC:
   • The inverter uses power semiconductor devices, such as Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), to perform the switching actions necessary to convert DC to AC.
2. Voltage Transformation:
   • After converting DC to AC, the inverter uses devices like transformers or reactors to step up or step down the voltage. This ensures the output voltage matches the requirements of different applications, whether for residential, commercial, or grid-connected systems.
3. Filtering and Regulation:
   • The AC output is passed through filtering circuits and regulation mechanisms to improve the quality of the power. This process ensures the output meets grid standards, minimizing issues like harmonics and ensuring stable operation.

Structure of a Photovoltaic Inverter

A photovoltaic (PV) inverter consists of several key components, each playing a crucial role in the conversion of solar energy into usable electrical power. The main parts include the DC input section, inverter chip, AC output section, control circuitry, and cooling system.

DC Input Section

• Solar Panels: These convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

• DC Circuit Breaker: Protects the inverter and solar panels from overcurrent, ensuring safety and reliability.

• DC Fuses: Provide additional protection by preventing potential damage from overcurrent conditions.

• DC Contactor: Controls the flow of electricity from the solar panels, enabling or disabling the output as needed.

Inverter Chip

The inverter chip is the core component of a photovoltaic inverter.

The inverter chip consists of several key elements, including power semiconductor devices, driver circuits, and control circuits.

Power Semiconductor Devices:

• IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors): These are the primary switching devices used in the inverter chip. They handle high voltage and current levels, enabling efficient conversion of DC to AC.
• MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors): Used in lower power applications, MOSFETs provide high switching speeds and efficiency.

Driver Circuit:

• This circuit controls the switching of the IGBTs or MOSFETs. It ensures that the power semiconductor devices operate correctly and efficiently, maintaining the desired output frequency and voltage.

Control Circuit:

• The control circuit manages the overall operation of the inverter chip. It processes input signals, such as the voltage and current levels from the solar panels, and adjusts the switching patterns of the power semiconductors to produce a stable AC output. The control circuit typically includes:
  • Microcontroller/Processor: Executes the control algorithms and manages the real-time operation of the inverter.
  • Sensors: Measure input and output parameters (voltage, current, temperature) to provide feedback for the control system.
  • Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Controller: Generates the control signals for the driver circuit to regulate the switching of the IGBTs or MOSFETs.

Understanding the AC Output Side of a Photovoltaic Inverter

The AC output side is where the converted electricity is outputted from the photovoltaic (PV) inverter. It is comprised of several key components, each playing a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of AC power.

1. AC Contactors
   • Function: AC contactors are used to control the output of AC electricity. They act as switches that can connect or disconnect the AC output from the inverter to the electrical grid or local loads.
2. AC Fuses
   • Function: AC fuses are designed to protect the inverter and connected devices from overcurrent conditions. They provide a safety mechanism that prevents damage to the electrical system by breaking the circuit if the current exceeds safe levels.
3. AC Filters
   • Function: AC filters remove noise and interference from the AC output. This ensures that the electricity supplied is clean and meets the required quality standards for use in homes and businesses.

Control Circuit of a Photovoltaic Inverter

The control circuit is a critical component of a PV inverter, responsible for the precise monitoring and regulation of the inverter's performance.

1. Components:
   • Microprocessors: Serve as the brain of the control circuit, processing data and making real-time decisions to control the inverter's operation.
   • Sensors: Monitor various parameters such as voltage, current, and temperature, providing necessary data to the microprocessors.
   • Displays: Show the status and performance metrics of the inverter, allowing for easy monitoring and troubleshooting.
2. Functions:
   • Monitoring: Continuously tracks the operational status of the inverter, ensuring it is working correctly and efficiently.
   • Control: Adjusts the output voltage and frequency to match the requirements of the electrical grid or local loads, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery.

Heat Dissipation in Photovoltaic Inverters

Efficient heat dissipation is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of a PV inverter. The heat dissipation system includes various components designed to manage and dissipate the heat generated during operation.

1. Heat Sinks
   • Function: Heat sinks are metal components designed to absorb and dissipate heat away from the inverter's internal components. They increase the surface area exposed to air, enhancing the cooling effect.
2. Cooling Fans
   • Function: Cooling fans actively move air across the heat sinks and other heat-generating components, further aiding in heat dissipation. They ensure that the inverter maintains an optimal operating temperature, preventing overheating and potential damage.

Types of Solar Inverters

When selecting solar inverters for your project, it's crucial to understand the different types available and their applications. Solar inverters can be categorized based on their connection to the grid, the phase of their AC output, and their power capacity. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Based on Grid Connection

1. Off-Grid Solar Inverters
   • Description: These inverters operate independently of the grid and are typically used in remote areas where grid access is unavailable. They store excess energy in batteries for later use.
   • Application: Ideal for standalone solar systems.
   • ADNLITE Recommendation: We recommend using Growatt inverters for off-grid systems to ensure high quality and reliability.
2. On-Grid Solar Inverters
   • Description: These inverters are connected to the grid and allow excess solar power to be fed back into the grid, earning credits or payments through net metering.
   • Application: Commonly used in residential and commercial solar installations connected to the grid.
   • ADNLITE Recommendation: Growatt inverters are our preferred choice for on-grid systems.
3. Hybrid Inverters
   • Description: These inverters combine the functionalities of both on-grid and off-grid inverters. They can store energy in batteries and also feed excess power back to the grid.
   • Application: Suitable for areas with unreliable grid power, providing backup during outages.
   • ADNLITE Recommendation: For hybrid systems, we typically recommend DEYE inverters for their superior performance and reliability.

Based on AC Output Phase

1. Single-Phase Inverters
   • Description: These inverters are designed to provide power to single-phase electrical systems, which are common in residential applications.
   • Application: Primarily used in homes and small businesses.
2. Three-Phase Inverters
   • Description: These inverters are designed for three-phase electrical systems, which are standard in industrial and commercial applications.
   • Application: Used in larger installations, such as industrial plants and large commercial buildings.

Based on Power Capacity

1. Micro Inverters
   • Description: These small inverters are attached to individual solar panels. They convert DC to AC at the panel level, improving system efficiency and reducing the impact of shading.
   • Application: Ideal for residential installations where panel-level optimization is needed.

1. String Inverters
   • Description: These inverters are connected to a series (string) of solar panels, converting DC from multiple panels to AC. They are cost-effective and widely used.
   • Application: Suitable for residential and commercial installations.

1. Central Inverters
   • Description: These large inverters handle the DC to AC conversion for an entire array of solar panels. They are typically used in large-scale solar farms.
   • Application: Best for utility-scale projects due to their high capacity.

Essential Parameters for Solar Inverters

To ensure you purchase the correct solar inverter for your project, understanding the inverter parameters is crucial. We've written a comprehensive guide on this topic, which you can access by clicking the link below:

The Most Comprehensive Guide To Grid-Tied Inverter Parameters

This guide covers all the essential parameters you need to know when choosing a grid-tied inverter for your solar power system.

Top Solar Inverter Brands for Reliable Solar Power Systems

To ensure your solar power system operates reliably and efficiently, it's crucial to use branded inverters. High-quality solar inverters require advanced technology and expertise, which small manufacturers often lack. For an in-depth look at the best brands, refer to our article:

Top 10 Solar Power System Inverters Brands

Call to Action

ADNLITE is an authorized dealer of major inverter brands such as Growatt and DEYE. We also distribute top solar panel brands like JA, CANADIAN, and LONGI.

Contact ADNLITE for a free solar power system proposal. Let us help you choose the best components for your solar projects at competitive prices.

For more information, please visit Hybrid Inverter Supplier.