Inverters

The heart of any solar system is the inverter, the box that houses the DC/AC inverter module along with the associated electronic controls and all the circuitry to perform its particular functions.   There is always an AC feed-in port and at least one AC-out port.  Essentially there are four types of inverters, described more fully under their respective articles. 

1. Grid-Tie inverters have no facility for connecting batteries and are totally dependant on the mains connection for their operation. May have one or two MPPT solar energy inputs and a grid 230V input. The AC output into the household c/breaker board is derived from a combination of the two sources. This is the most efficient system for daylight supply, I.e for charging an EV and/or daytime home industry.  

2. Hybrid inverters are the all-in-one package, housing the DC/AC inverter module, MPPT input(s), battery input ports and AC in and output ports.  This is the common inverter used for grid connected household applications. 

3. Inverter/Chargers are mainly used in off-grid situations.  They house the DC/AC module, a mains transfer switch and a 230v mains charger.  No MPPT input ports as the solar energy charges the batteries directly via discrete solar charge controllers.  They are typically compatible with either lead-acid or lithium battery banks. Under certain circumstances may be suitable in an on-grid situation. 

4. Microinverters are small units attached individually to each solar panel.  Primarily suited to situations where shade and/or roof alignment issues makes it difficult to gain sufficient collective energy to feed a single inverter. So, the power feed down from the roof is already AC and feeds straight into the c/breaker board.