What is a solar inverter and how much do they cost?
A solar inverter is the component that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), so you can use it to power home appliances. They’re essential in solar panel set-ups, and tend to cost anywhere between £500 and £3000, depending on the type of inverter.
If you’re new to the world of renewable energy, you may be surprised to find out that you’ll need to invest in a solar inverter to use your solar panels. But what exactly is a solar inverter, and why do you need one? Let’s delve into solar panels, their purpose and how much they roughly cost to help you budget for your solar PV system.
What does a solar inverter do & how does it work?
Solar panels don’t work without an inverter. Traditional power stations, hydroelectric plants and wind farms generate alternating current (AC) power, but solar energy generates direct current (DC) power. This means that most household appliances use AC, so the energy generated by your panels will need to be converted. That’s where the inverter comes in, making it an essential part of your solar energy system.
There will be some DC-powered items in your home, such as computers and gaming consoles, but these have their own transformer built into the plug to convert the AC power to DC.
But this isn’t all that solar inverters do. They also:
- Maximise energy output
- Monitor your solar panels’ efficiency and electricity production levels
- Feed electricity to the grid
- Send DC energy to battery storage
- Detect faults in the system
How do solar inverters convert DC power from panels into AC power for home use?
Solar inverters convert DC power (which flows one way) into AC power (consistently changes direction) which your devices require by rapidly switching DC on and off through electronics, based on Pulse Width Modulation. Next, the signal is smoothened out into a clean wave, and then is synced up to match the grid’s frequency and voltage to ensure safe use for homeowners.
What are the different types of solar inverters available on the market?
Yes, there are three types of solar inverter and each works in a slightly different way.
String inverters
The most commonly used inverter for domestic solar panelling, a string inverter can link to around 5-10 panels at once, equalising their performance. However, this means that all panels will only work as well as the least efficient panel, so any damage or shade affecting a panel’s performance will then affect the output of the others. This is when it would be worth considering an optimiser, but we’ll come onto that later.
Micro inverters
Micro inverters attach to each individual panel rather than to a group of panels, making them more efficient and allowing all panels to work to their full potential. However, this inverter type is much more expensive than a string inverter and is very rarely, if at all, used in domestic installations.
Hybrid inverters
A hybrid inverter includes both an inverter and a converter. The inverter is essentially a string inverter that converts DC energy to AC energy, but if your panels are used to charge a battery array, this will require a DC supply. The converter then kicks in to regulate this high voltage and amperage, avoiding damage to the battery.
Solar Optimisers
To negate the need for expensive micro inverters, an optimiser can be added to a system which uses a string or hybrid inverter. If a panel isn’t performing at its best and dragging down the performance of the others, you can hook it up to an optimiser to boost its output, which will in turn give the other panels a boost. You’ll only need this for one or two panels, not every single one.
Are solar panel optimisers worth it?
Yes, solar panel optimisers are definitely worth it, especially if your panels are partially shaded due to nearby trees, buildings or even your chimney. They’re also designed to ensure your solar panel array is as efficient as possible at all times. You may also find that certain optimisers offer safety features like panel level shutdown which isolates a singular panel if a fault was to occur, preventing the entire system from going down.
Can a solar inverter break?
Solar panel inverters can break, but it’s rare. Modern inverters have been designed in a way that protects them from a lot of issues, so unless they’re blown off the roof or struck by lightning, they’re safe from harm. Like all electrical products, the components will degrade over time, but that either takes years (sometimes decades) or will be covered by our lengthy warranty. So don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in the event of any mishaps.
How much do solar inverters cost?
While some inverters may seem better than others for certain tasks, this is usually reflected in the price. Here’s what you can expect to pay for your inverter:
- Hybrid inverters: you can buy these for between £1,500 and £3,000 depending on the size of your system.
- Micro inverters: these £100 to £150 units might look like a bargain at first, but it adds up once you start buying replacements.
- String inverters: a string inverter costs between £500 and £1000, depending on the size of your system. You may need to get a power optimiser to get the best results, and these can cost £40 per unit.
How long do solar inverters last?
How long your solar inverter lasts depends on its type:
String inverters: 10-15 years
Micro inverters: 15-25 years
Hybrid inverters: 10-15 years
DC optimisers: 20-25 years
Are solar inverters safe?
Generally, yes. They’re known for their reliability and built-in safety features like automatic shutdown. However, this is dependent on how well they’re installed and if they’re used correctly. There are some risks to take into account, including overheating.
Can you repair a solar inverter?
Yes, it’s possible to repair a solar inverter, especially when common faults arise like failed elements, display issues or overheating. A solar inverter is an essential piece of equipment when purchasing a solar panel array, maximising energy output and acting as a reliable source of intel when faults occur. If you found this article helpful, discover our article on the best rated solar inverters.
What is the standard warranty period for most solar inverters?
The warranty periods for each type of solar inverter are as follows:
String inverters: string inverters usually come with a 5-10 year warranty.
Micro inverters: with Wickes Solar, you get a 30-year warranty on micro inverters.
Hybrid inverters: hybrid converters can last for 15 years and usually come with a 10-year warranty.
Does a higher upfront cost for a solar inverter necessarily lead to better long-term performance and savings?
Not necessarily, but due to the further investment, you’ll likely reap the rewards of higher quality, longer warranties and extended performance.
