Choosing an Inverter For Solar Panels

The inverter is the heart of your solar system – it turns DC power from the panels into AC power that can be used to power appliances. But it also performs several other functions and there are many factors to consider when selecting one for your solar power system, including warranty, price, expected life and monitoring functionality.

All the electricity produced by your solar panels goes through the inverter – it’s a hard-working component that requires regular maintenance and care. So it’s worth spending time researching inverters to find the best fit for your home and budget.

Choosing the right inverter for your solar panel system will depend on a variety of factors, including the location and shade patterns on your roof. In general, string inverter systems are most efficient for unshaded panels on a single plane, while microinverter and optimizer systems are best for shady or irregular-shaped panels. A reputable solar installation company will be able to help you make the right choice for your specific circumstances.

Clipping occurs when a solar panel array produces too much power for the inverter to handle. It’s a good idea to size the solar array a little bit larger than the inverter system’s max AC power rating, as this ensures that most of your solar generation capacity will be utilized.

While there are many options for solar inverters, look for a name brand that’s backed by a robust warranty and has high customer satisfaction ratings. The top brands in our research include Enphase, Fronius and SMA.