The inverter converts the electricity generated from the PV panels in to electricity suitable for your mains supply.
Location
Many installers locate the inverter in the loft because this makes the installation very easy. However, inverters work more efficiently in cooler and less dusty conditions. They will also last longer if installed somewhere cooler like a garage, cellar, ventilated cupboard or even on an outside wall. Cornwall solar panels will discuss with you where you'd like to have your inverter installed.
Sizing
Inverters need to be selected to match the PV solar panels that you have chosen and our PV Sol software will calculate the best inverter to be installed.
Micro inverters
Shading on one panel can greatly reduce the performance of all the panels connected in to that panel. Micro inverters are small inverters that fit behind the panels on the roof and as each PV solar panel has its own inverter this reduces the impact of shading. Micro inverters have several other benefits including,
- Increased output if panels are shaded
- Lower losses in cables
- Online monitoring system
- Proactive maintenance
- Faults do not affect entire installation
- 20 year warranty (most string inverters have 5 year warranties)
- No need to find a place for the inverter in your home
A selection of inverters:
Online Energy Reporting
Micro inverter performance monitoring on the web is available on some of our photovoltaic solar panel packages. An example screenshot can be seen below:
