Comparison Must PV18-3024 VPM vs Must PV18-3024 PRO

— Autonomous inverter. Voltage and current converters that are not connected to an external electrical network. They are supposed to be used as part of autonomous photovoltaic systems - such inverters generate electricity, which is spent exclusively for the needs of the household. It can be consumed directly by household appliances or accumulated in batteries. This type of inverter is often referred to as off grid.

— Network inverter. Inverters operating synchronously with the external power supply network. They are designed to convert solar energy into alternating current with the parameters of the general network. Grid-connected inverters are used in battery-free systems - all generated energy is used for own consumption, and the excess is transferred to the network at a “feed-in tariff”. To do this, some indicators of generated electricity are adjusted, in particular, amplitude differences are eliminated, the network frequency is equalized, etc. Grid inverters are also known as on grid.

— Hybrid inverter. Battery-grid inverters are unique hybrids of autonomous and network converters. Actually, this is where the name hybrid comes from. Inverters of this type work with battery chains, and excess electricity is sent to the general network. This ensures the energy independence of the system based on solar panels with the ability to use the energy accumulate...d in the batteries without disconnecting from the network. For example, if DC power is prioritized, power is primarily supplied from batteries, and any energy shortages are supplied from the external grid. This comes in handy in case of bad weather conditions or insufficient power generated by solar panels. If electricity is generated in excess, the excess energy is released into the general network at a “feed-in tariff”.

Inverter efficiency for solar panels.

The efficiency indicator is the percentage ratio between the amount of energy that the device delivers to the load and the energy consumed from the solar panel. The higher this parameter, the more efficient the operation of the device and the lower the losses during conversion. In modern inverters for solar panels, efficiency values of up to 90% are considered average, and above 90% are considered good.

The maximum allowable input power from solar panels, expressed in kilowatts (kW). Let us remember that 1 kW contains 1000 W.

When selecting an inverter based on this indicator, they are based on the total power of the solar panels involved in generating electricity. Moreover, it often makes sense to select models with an inverter input power slightly less than the maximum power of solar panels - for example, if they are shaded part of the time or for other reasons do not receive enough sunlight during the day. The power of the solar battery should not exceed the power of the inverter by more than 30%. However, for some inverters the excess can be only 10%, while for others it can be up to 100%. It is better to clarify this point in advance.

The maximum amount of direct current in amperes that the inverter can convert. If the solar panel produces a current exceeding this value, the inverter simply does not use it. This is often justified when connecting an inverter to high-power solar panels - the maximum input current of the inverter is reduced to acceptable values so that moderate-sized wires can be used to transmit energy.

The rated DC input voltage that the inverter receives from the solar panels during normal operation. The indicator is expressed in volts.

The maximum permissible voltage value at the converter input, expressed in volts.

Connection interfaces provided in the inverter design for solar panels.

- RS232. A specialized communication interface used to directly connect the inverter to a computer. As a rule, the interface provides the ability to monitor solar generation systems around the clock using a local network. Also, the RS232 connector can be used to communicate several inverters with each other, or, less often, for software updates or service testing.

- RS485. A connector often used to connect several inverters to a central hub, which, in turn, connects to a computer. This connection can be useful for setting up a solar generation system or sending monitoring data over the network.

- USB. A standard USB port is often used for configuring equipment via a wired connection to a computer or for inverter firmware updates.

- LAN (RJ45). The presence of a LAN connector (RJ45) in the inverter design. Such ports are standardly used for wired connections in computer networks using a twisted pair cable.

- Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi communication module for wireless connection of the inverter to a computer, laptop or mobile phone. Using specialized software, you can receive monitoring data from the inverter directly “over the air” - transmitting information over a Wi-Fi network eliminates the...fuss with wires.

— Bluetooth. Option to wirelessly pair the inverter with smartphones, tablets or laptops via Bluetooth. Thanks to data synchronization, the user will be able to monitor equipment performance and remotely control the inverter within range of the Bluetooth wireless network.

The frequency value of the output voltage generated by the inverter for solar panels. Typically, it is adjusted to the standard power system frequency of 50 Hz (hertz). However, there are inverter models that can produce a voltage frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz (in some regions of the planet the second option is used in everyday life). Maintaining the specified frequencies is necessary for the correct operation of the electric motors of the equipment connected to the inverter.