Guide to Choosing the Best Photovoltaic Inverter for Your System
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Introduction
The photovoltaic inverter is the heart of a solar system: it transforms the continuous energy produced by the panels into alternating energy that can be used at home or in the company. Choosing the right inverter is essential to maximize efficiency, reduce energy losses and ensure excellent performance over time. In this guide we analyze the main factors to consider to choose the perfect inverter for your needs.
1. Types of Photovoltaic Inverters
Inverters are mainly divided into three categories:
- String inverters : Ideal for systems with uniform exposure to the sun. They connect multiple panels in series and are an economical and reliable choice.
- Microinverters : Installed on each individual panel, they allow for optimizing production even in shading conditions or different orientations. Perfect for complex residential systems.
- Hybrid inverters : They allow you to manage both the energy produced and that stored in the batteries. Ideal for those who want a storage system to increase self-consumption.
2. Inverter Power and Sizing
The inverter must be chosen based on the power of the photovoltaic system. Some useful tips:
- The inverter power rating should be equal to or slightly less than the panel power to optimize performance.
- For systems with batteries, a hybrid inverter sized based on consumption and storage capacity is required.
- Quality inverters have an efficiency between 96% and 99% , minimizing energy losses.
3. Efficiency and Construction Quality
Choosing an inverter with high efficiency means reducing losses and maximizing the system's performance. Some aspects to consider:
- Maximum and peak efficiency : A good inverter has an efficiency above 98% .
- Cooling system : Inverters can be either actively cooled (fans) or passively cooled (without fans). The latter are quieter and less prone to failure.
- Overvoltage and fault protection : The best inverters have protection against short circuits, lightning and overtemperatures.
4. Monitoring and Connectivity
Modern inverters offer the possibility of monitoring energy production via:
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth : To check performance from your smartphone or PC.
- Cloud platforms : Some models allow you to view the plant's production and consumption in real time.
- Dedicated apps : Allow you to set customised parameters and receive notifications of any anomalies.
5. Brand and Warranty
Choosing an inverter from a reliable brand is essential to ensure high performance and long life. Here's what to check:
- Warranty Period : Quality inverters offer warranties of 5-10 years , extendable up to 20 years.
- Manufacturer reliability : Companies such as Zucchetti, Fronius, Huawei, Viessmann, SMA and SolarEdge offer advanced solutions and excellent support service.
- Availability of technical support : Good after-sales support is essential in case of malfunctions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right inverter means optimizing the performance of your PV system, reducing energy costs and ensuring a long system life. Carefully evaluate the type of inverter, efficiency, monitoring features and manufacturer support.
If you need advice on choosing the ideal inverter for your system, contact us on Ecogenera!
