A solar inverter is one of the crucial components of a solar PV system. The inverter is a device that converts the power generated by the solar panels into usable power for our homes. The power generated in the solar panels is Direct Current (DC) to be usage with in a household it has to be converter to Alternating current (AC), this is the job of the inverter and is usually considered the most complex part of a solar PV system.
Solar Inverter Installation in Perth WA in 2023
Types of Solar Inverters
There are many types of inverters based on the way that are connected and how they function. But before we dive into that it is important to note that in Australia all inverters should be Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved and should meet Australian standard AS4777.
String Inverters:
These are the most common type of inverters and are generally the simplest and the least expensive option. A string (or several strings) of solar panels can be connected to one inverter. The inverter is usually installed near the switchboard or a secured yet high traffic area. One of the downsides of this inverter is, Because the panels in a string are connected in series to each other, if one panel falls into shade, or it’s heavily soiled, or fails outright, then the output of the whole string is diminished, usually to the level of the shaded panel.
In other words, if one panel drops to 50% output for some reason, the whole string of panels drops to 50% output. You can effectively lose most of the output from a whole string this way. But this is unlikely if there’s no shading problem, you keep the system well maintained and pay attention to the system’s performance so that you detect any problems early.
Some famous Brands Are: Fronius, Goodwe, Huawei, SMA, ABB, Sungrow, Growatt, SolarEdge
Hybrid Inverters:
These inverters are also string based, however they have the added capability to connect a storage battery to the solar system without the additional components called retro fit adapter. These inverters also have the capability to keep running in the event of a blackout. Even though hybrid inverters are usually more expensive than a string inverter, but in the recent months the price of hybrid inverters have fallen and are now competing with string inverters.
Brand examples: Huawei, Fronius, Goodwe, SMA/Sunny Boy, SolarEdge
Battery Inverters:
If you already have a solar system and you’re happy with your current inverter(s), but now you want to add a storage battery, then rather than swap out the inverter for a hybrid model, you could connect the battery in via a dedicated battery inverter. Battery inverters do the job of turning the stored battery power into AC power for your household circuits, and of course also deliver solar power to the battery for storage.
Brand examples: Enphase, SMA/Sunny Boy, Selectronics, Sonnen
Power Optimizer: option to deal with shading issues
Power optimizers are not inverters but can be fitted to a system with strings of panels and a string inverter. They have a similar effect to microinverters in that an optimizer attached to a solar panel will ensure that, should that panel become shaded, soiled, or fail in some way, the panel won’t affect the rest of the string’s output. They will add to the cost of the installation, though generally less than a full microinverter installation.
You can go for an integrated same-brand installation (inverter and optimizers) such as from SolarEdge, which also allows for software monitoring of the whole system.
Some solar experts say, that a good installer may recommend installing optimizers only on the panels that really need them, i.e. the panels most prone to shading – a cost-effective way to improve system performance.
Brand examples: SolarEdge, Huawei
What size do I need?
The size of the inverter you need will depend on your usage of power. This can be found out from your electricity bill and your solar expert, designer should explain you how much power you require to generate to achieve the savings you are looking for.
The size of the inverter is rated in kilowatts (kW) and is the maximum amount of solar-generated power that the inverter can manage.
The inverter’s maximum output capacity must be at least 75% of the solar array capacity.
Or, expressed another way, the array capacity can be up to 133% of the inverter capacity.
This rule is laid down by the CEC, and solar PV systems must follow their rules to qualify for STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates, the financial incentive scheme or “rebate” that applies to solar panel systems).
Solar Inverter Warranties
In 2023, Most of the inverter brands are providing warranties for 10+ years in Perth WA. Your inverter should last at least five years – and will usually have paid for itself in that time – but ideally should last 10 years or more.
Inverter warranties are typically five years, but look for warranties of 10+ years to cover the likely lifespan of the unit. For example, SolarEdge offers 12-year warranties and Fronius offers a five-year warranty with a free extra five years if you register the product online.
Extended warranties are often available but you will usually pay extra. We don’t usually recommend extended warranties for most products, but for peace of mind they may be worth considering in the case of your inverter, especially if you can negotiate one for low cost.
For consumers who have a problem with their inverter but can’t get help from the original installer, for example because the installer is no longer in business. The good news is that nearly all brands have stated that they’ll assist consumers in these cases and will support direct warranty claims.
Glen Morris from the Smart Energy Lab in Victoria points out that as long as your system (including the inverter) has already paid for itself, as it usually will after about five years or so, it’s not necessarily a disaster if your inverter fails outside its warranty period. While it’s certainly inconvenient to go without solar for a while, and to pay for a new inverter, you’re likely to get a better, more sophisticated inverter for the money than you could a few years previously.
Best Solar Inverter Features in 2023
Know your inverter:
Once it’s installed, familiarize yourself with your inverter. It will usually have a display and some indicator lights on it; get to know what these mean.
Whether you opt for smart software monitoring or just a visual check on the inverter’s indicator panel, it’s a good idea to periodically check in on your solar system. You’ll spot any problems early, and it will help you shift your electricity consumption to make maximum use of your own solar power. You don’t want to find out the hard way from an electricity bill that your system has been under-performing and you’ve been using grid power instead of solar!
Indicator panel and lights:
If the inverter has a display panel, this can show a range of data such as current power production, long term data and more.
Indicator lights will typically show whether the system is running normally, whether there’s a fault, whether the system is currently feeding power to the grid, and so on.
Have a look at the display/indicators from time to time, say monthly, to make sure there are no errors or warnings needing attention.
Monitoring systems
Many inverters and optimizers offer more sophisticated monitoring options. This is often done by a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth link to your home router. Your system’s performance is logged and can be accessed via an app or a website. You can see how your system performs across the day and across seasons, track power fed into the grid and more.
Note that if the inverter or optimizer brand goes out of business, the monitoring system might no longer be supported. Another good reason to go with major brands.
If the inverter doesn’t have a smart monitoring function, you could consider paying for a third-party monitoring system, such as Solar Analytics. These systems may involve ongoing fees for the service, but can deliver comprehensive reporting in return.
(source: https://www.choice.com.au/home-improvement/energy-saving/solar/buying-guides/solar-inverters)
Solar Inverter Repair in Perth WA
Solar inverters are an essential component of any solar power system. They are responsible for converting the direct current (DC) energy generated by solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity that can power your home or business.
Over time, solar inverters may experience issues that can impact the efficiency and performance of your solar power system. Some of the most common issues that solar inverters may experience are:
- Faulty wiring
- Overheating
- Component failure
- Software or firmware issues
When these issues arise, it’s important to have access to reliable and efficient solar inverter repair services. Fortunately, there are many reputable solar inverter repair companies in Australia that specialize in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of solar inverter issues.
Typically, solar inverter repair services will start with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to identify the root cause of the issue. Once the issue has been identified, the repair technician will work to repair or replace any faulty components, reprogram any necessary software or firmware, and conduct extensive testing to ensure that the solar inverter is functioning optimally.
Some solar inverter repair companies also offer ongoing maintenance and support services to help ensure that your solar power system continues to operate at peak performance over the long term.
If you are experiencing issues with your solar power system, it’s important to contact a reputable solar inverter repair company as soon as possible to minimize any potential downtime or loss of energy production.
Solar Inverter Price in Year 2023
The price of the solar inverter is mostly depends on its size and brand. According to the size of solar inverter the price can vary from $1000 to $15000.
If you need to buy solar inverter for replacement purpose or for new solar power system, contact us now.
2023 Discount Offers Available
Top Solar Inverter Brands of 2023
Solar inverters are an essential components of solar power system. there are many famous solar inverter brands in Perth WA, some of them are mentioned here.
- Fronius
- Goodwe
- Huawei
- Sungrow
- Growatt
- Solis Inverter
- SMA
- SolarEdge
- Sonnen
Solar Inverter FAQ
- What does a solar inverter do?
An inverter is a device that converts the Direct Current (DC) power generated by solar panels into Alternating Current (AC) power, which can be used to power our homes. This process is considered to be the most complex part of a solar PV system. The inverter’s primary function is to convert the DC power produced by the solar panels into usable AC power that can be used in households.
- What type of system is best for me?
If you are in search of a less complex solar system and do not have any shading on your roof, a string-based system may be suitable for your needs.
- What size system should I put?
The size of the inverter required for your solar PV system depends on your power consumption needs. Your electricity bill and a consultation with a solar expert or designer can help determine how much power you need to generate in order to achieve the desired level of savings. They can explain to you the power requirements and recommend an appropriately sized inverter for your system.
- Why do I need a power optimized system?
Although power optimizers are not inverters, they can be integrated into a solar PV system with strings of panels and a string inverter. These devices function similarly to microinverters in that they can protect the performance of a string of solar panels by ensuring that the output of the string is not affected by shading, soiling, or individual panel failure. While adding power optimizers to a system will increase the installation cost, it is typically less expensive than installing a full microinverter system.
- What are the warranties on inverter?
Your inverter should last at least five years – and will usually have paid for itself in that time – but ideally should last 10 years or more.
Inverter warranties are typically five years, but look for warranties of 10+ years to cover the likely lifespan of the unit. For example, SolarEdge offers 12-year warranties and Fronius offers a five-year warranty with a free extra five years if you register the product online.
- What happens in case my inverter has some issues?
Most inverters come with manufacturer warranties, and if your inverter is still under warranty, your retailer should be able to replace it at no cost to you. Extended warranties are also often available for purchase, but they typically come at an additional cost. If you encounter a problem with your inverter and are unable to get assistance from the original installer, such as if they have gone out of business, many brands offer support for direct warranty claims. It’s good to know that in these cases, nearly all brands have committed to helping consumers and ensuring that their warranties are honored.
- Do I really need a monitoring system?
If you choose to have an optimized solar PV system, monitoring can be a valuable tool to help you keep track of your system’s performance. By logging data that can be accessed through an app or website, you can monitor your system’s performance throughout the day and across different seasons, track power fed into the grid, and more. It is worth noting that if the manufacturer of the inverter or optimizer goes out of business, the monitoring system may no longer be supported. This is another reason to opt for reputable brands that are less likely to go out of business and can offer ongoing support for their products.