Efficiency
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.
Max. input power
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.
Max. voltage
The maximum permissible voltage value at the converter input, expressed in volts.
Operating voltage range
The operating range of the inverter is usually located between the starting voltage and the maximum voltage. This interval is indicated in volts.
Parallel connection
The inverter has special connectors through which two or more devices can be connected to a single electrical network.
Parallel connection is used when one inverter is not able to pull the entire load from solar panels and the input power exceeds the capabilities of the device itself.
Control interfaces
Connection interfaces provided in the inverter design for solar panels.
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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.
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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.
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USB. A standard USB port is often used for configuring equipment via a wired connection to a computer or for inverter firmware updates.
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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.
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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.Rated output power
The inverter's rated output power, expressed in volt-amperes (VA). This is essentially the same as power in watts (W).
This parameter means the power that the device can provide to consumers for an unlimited time. It is necessary to choose according to this indicator so that the rated power of the inverter covers the power consumption of the expected load by approximately 15-20%. It is also worth considering that some electrical appliances (in particular, units with electric motors - vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, etc.) consume significantly more energy when starting up than after entering the mode. For such a load, it is also necessary to clarify the peak power of the inverter (see the corresponding paragraph) - it should be higher than the starting power of the load.
Output current
The maximum current in amperes (A) that the inverter, when operating, is capable of outputting without overloads or failures.
Output voltage frequency
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.
