Inverters
are appliances that convert DC current into AC current. They are essential
components of residential or business photo voltaic systems, depending on the
system configuration. When used with a grid-tied solar PV system the inverter
converts the DC power coming from the solar panels and passes the AC power
either to the existing load center (circuit breakers) where it is used by your
home's AC appliances, or if not needed, it sends the electricity out to the
grid which is also based on AC current. When an inverter is used as part
of an off-the-grid home the inverter takes the DC current either from the solar
panels or from the batteries which also use DC current.
Now, an inverter runs on a battery that acts as a power backup.
Several factors define the selection of a battery.
It in fact depends on the number of functions the inverter is expected to do.
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) - To understand this feature it helps to remember that the total number of watts of electricity that conductors put out is a function of volts multiplied by amps. For any given solar panel, for instance, there is a point at which the optimal combination of volts and amps will produce the most electricity. This is called the maximum power point. This power point changes throughout the day. Modern inverters will account for this and adjust the voltage so that it is always at the maximum power point. This will ensure that we get the greatest amount of electricity possible from the solar panels.
- Ground-fault Protection (GFP) - Regulations require inverters to have protection from electrical shocks and so have a type of circuit built into them that cuts the current in microseconds should it detect a ground-fault or loss of current.
- AC/DC Disconnects - Many inverters provide built-in disconnects for either the DC current coming into the unit or for the AC current coming out. These disconnects are needed if you are going to safely work on the solar panels or should you ever need to replace the inverter.
- LCD Displays - Many inverters now come with very informative digital LCD displays. Most will show you the current amount of power being provided by the solar panels, the daily and cumulative energy production, PV array voltage and current and utility voltage and frequency. One new feature we have seen popping up on some inverters is a calculation of the amount of carbon dioxide you are off-setting by generating your own electricity instead of getting it off of the grid.
- Communication Ports - Because inverters now provide digital read outs it is possible to pass this information via communication ports either to a laptop or to a remote display. Some of the newer inverters use wireless displays which means that you can place a remote display unit in a convenient location in your home and see how the system is performing without having to go down into your basement or wiring closet to read the data off of the inverter itself.
These
common functions require the battery
to last long. Buying inverter batteries is a tiring and time consuming task. This is so
because of the fact that one has to compare several batteries (and their
several features) before finalizing the right one. This results in wastage of
time and additional costs (in going to the store). Most of us live a very busy
life these days and finding time for tasks like these is very difficult. For this, SF Sonic manufactures inverter batteries that allow
you to draw in as much current as you need. Besides these high performance
powerhouses, SF Sonic also manufactures automotive batteries too. SF Sonic demonstrates the process of battery manufacture in its website and
also provides for online purchase of batteries easy, should you know your
battery type. For those who don’t, numerous stores located pan India make life a little
easier and convenient.
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