Solar energy is hugely changing the way that the world gets power. There is increasing awareness of the depletion of conventional sources for energy and the consciousness towards sustainable solutions. All these make people look for the best alternatives. This often ends up in the search for the best solar inverter in India.
Now the best news is there are next generation solar inverters from leading brands in India helping people to realize their energy demands. There are extensive ranges of products that protect the solar system and deliver clean and affordable energy. However, the frequently asked question is how to improve the operating efficiency of these solar inverters? Besides buying the most popular solar inverter in India, it is also the time to get the maximum output from them.
A Look At The Inverter Efficiency
Typically the function of a solar inverter is to convert the DC generated power from the solar system to usable AC energy. In this process of conversion energy, there will be some level of energy loss. This means all the DC power will not get converted into AC energy. This ratio of output energy at the AC power to the input energy from the DC energy side is the conversion efficiency of a solar inverter in India.
In general, the solar inverter efficiency tells us how much amount of DC power is getting converted into AC energy to power the devices. Although there are numerous inverters that come with 93-96% of efficiency rates, still you can’t expect 100% efficient solar inverters.
The efficiency of a solar inverter has direct impacts on the overall energy production of the solar system. For example, if you buy an inverter that has 90% efficiency, you lose 10% of electricity. On the other hand, solar inverters with 97% efficiency will end up in only 3% loss. So, it is very important that you pay the necessary care and attention while buying an inverter. Never fail to give a glance on the specifications of your purchase of a solar inverter in India.
What Is The Role Of A Solar Inverter?
Generally, a solar power system contains solar panels, charging controllers, batteries and inverters. Among the others, solar inverters are a critical component of the solar system. The major function of the solar inverter is to convert the DC current of the solar panel into useful AC current. Typically, a solar inverter is located between the power grid and solar modules.
Although, the key role of a solar inverter in India is to transform the direct current to alternating current, still it does some other tasks.
Power Maximization
In common, the solar panel has a point on its performance curve. This is the one on which maximum power is produced, based on certain conditions. This point has the name as the ‘Maximum Power Point’. In addition, there is a feature for tracking maximum power point, ‘MPPT’. This feature can be explained as the process that continuously searches for this point and tries to maximize the produced power from the solar system.
Delivers safe system operation
There may be scenarios where there is an electric arc. In most cases, the cause behind this is due to system aging or material degradation. Inverters get shut down in such circumstances. Inverters are programmed to find out such kinds of electric arcs and immediately respond. Thus a solar inverter in India protects the system and ensures it operates safely.
Interface with the grid
In this advanced world, the inverters have become so smart. Yes, they moved further in the technology. Rather than the one way communication, now you can gain two ways communication regards to grid support functions. It is possible with advanced software in the solar inverters that serve as the interface between the grid and the inverter. Such a smart solar inverter in India can deliver functionalities such as frequency, voltage, controls and communications.
This feature allows conducting the functionalities of the grid in the most desired environment.
Power production report
Now it is easy for the installers to have an eye on the output of the solar power system. You can find Bluetooth or hardwired Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity in the innovative range of solar inverters. This helps to have control on some of the aspects such as details on power generation, diagnostics features, viewing error codes, etc. You can view such details both on your smartphone and on your desktop. Hence with the latest solar inverter in India, you can get to know and track all the important functions of solar panels.
How Long Can A Solar Inverter Last?
Here we have to speak about solar panels. Since they don’t have any moving parts, they can continue working for nearly 25 years. But, inverters are the most common parts of solar power systems that most probably fail first. Based on your purchase of the brand, a solar inverter may need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
When you buy a top quality solar inverter in India with long time warranties, especially for solar panels, it will last for long life cycles. In general, the lifetime of a solar inverter relies on its environment. In those areas where there are high temperatures, it may have adverse effects on the inverter lifetime. Hence it is ideal to install the inverter in the cool area where there is enough ventilation.
In addition, the type of the solar inverter in India you buy also determines its life period.
- The most common type of string Inverters typically comes with a 10 years lifetime. Despite the fact that they are comparatively less durable than others, still they are cheap and most used ones.
- Battery Inverters which have usually carry the task of flow of electricity from and to the pack of batteries have 10 years life.
- An expensive type, micro inverters give a life of 12-25 years. Though they are relatively expensive, they still come with a long service life span.
- Hybrid inverters tend to give a life period of 10 years.
Yes, it is very difficult to exactly say about the lifespan of a solar inverter in India. However, the average estimated life is around 10 years. The good news here is with recent advanced technologies, manufacturers are offering good warranties. These warranties are almost close to 25 years.
How To Expand The Efficiency Of The Solar Inverters?
Undeniably, one of the crucial points to remember is that the performance of a solar inverter majorly depends on how it perfectly suits the solar system. So, what are the factors that can affect the lifespan of a solar inverter in India?
- Its location
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Internal temperature of the solar inverter
- External environmental factors
- Input voltage and current of solar inverter
- Poor installation
Choose the right sizing solar inverter
Typically, solar inverters are designed in various sizes to handle different loads of power. Hence to get the most of an inverter, you should choose the right inverter that matches the solar system. For this, you should take into consideration the size of the solar system you are going to install. Calculate the overall power output of the system. Now select the right solar inverter in India that meets its range.
You have to consider both the minimum and maximum number of watts here for efficient function. It is good if you choose an inverter that handles maximum power output.
Internal temperature of the inverter
If you look at this aspect of an inverter’s internal temperature, it is one of the important things that affect efficiency. If there is excessive temperature, then it tends to reduce both the performance and life of the inverter components. Since an inverter by itself is a source of heat, and likewise it also produces heat, it is very common for higher internal temperature of a solar inverter in India. Hence it is very important that this heat dissipation happens in the proper way. So, the inverters are designed with natural cooling and air cooling.
Moreover, you can make sure for the optimal internal temperature through the following steps.
- Install the inverter in a well-ventilated area. In cases where you install it in enclosed space, ensure exhaust fans and air duct.
- Make sure the installation position is not directly facing the direction of the sun. In avoidable cases where you install the inverter outside, it is a wise idea to have the installation under solar panels or allow the components to stand above the inverter.
- Read thoroughly the manufacturer instructions of your solar inverter in India. And follow it for the right
Internal protection
It is very necessary that you protect the sensitive internal parts of the inverter against surges. You should make it sure that they are safe from lightning and static as well surges from happening due to overload conditions. Choosing inverters that contain sensing circuits that help in auto shutting while there is improper loading is good. If there is low DC supply voltage, it has to shut off.
Proper installation
Besides buying the best solar inverter in India, it is important that you pay care for proper installation. The MCS-accredited installer should carry out the installation. This saves you from big problems that may arise in future. Often seeking the support of qualified and professional installation services is appreciable. This helps in making sure that the inverter is properly sized in relation to the solar panels.
Check with the external environment
You should always take care to create an optimum environment for your solar inverter. Of course, a premium solar inverter in India is designed to meet IP65 outdoor protection conditions. They are also well-protected against rain, dust and fog. However, you should make sure that the solar inverter is installed in a sealed space. This becomes very important for conditions such as heavy dust or more polluted environments. In cases where there are possibilities for dust to fall off on the radiator, you may face impacts with heat radiation.
Furthermore, in areas where there are tree leaves falling down or sand flow, it also will affect the heat radiation function.
Determine the best location for the inverter
There are two ratings for the inverters – indoor or outdoor. Although the indoor inverters are low in cost, still they have less protection against adverse weather conditions.
Now in order to improve the efficiency of your solar inverter in India, you should decide the best location for the placement of it. When it comes to locate the indoor inverter choose a space that is away from direct sunlight. In conditions of direct sunlight, it often ends up in disruptions in the process of energy conversions. As a result, it can cause failures. Despite the fact that outdoor inverters can withstand extreme environmental conditions, they still keep them far from direct sunlight. This avoids achieving more heat and losing efficiency.
Cleaning and maintenance
In common, solar panels do not require any maintenance activities. This is because; they don’t have any movable parts. But as we mentioned earlier, solar inverters’ performance has impacts on solar panels. Hence for maximum solar energy, efficiency of inverters becomes essential. When compared with solar panels, a solar inverter in India is more sophisticated. If the dust particles come in contact, it will build conduction pathways on the circuit boards. Such conditions may result in circuit failures. So, regular cleaning and annual checkup plans are very important for improved efficiency of inverters. Dissimilar to the case of solar panels where self-cleaning is possible, solar inverters require professional hands.
As said, a solar inverter is the vital component of a solar power system. Moreover, it is sophisticated as well. Hence while you plan to buy a solar inverter in India, you should also have knowledge on how to get the most of its efficiency. We hope the above information will help you a lot in knowing and improving the efficiency of solar inverters. Look into the points and get into a better solar world with better efficient solar inverters.