When people think of solar power, their thoughts naturally go to the roof top solar panels but the brains behind every efficient solar system is the solar inverter. At SolarTherm UK we know that even the most advanced solar panels can only perform as well as the inverter they are paired with. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing and maintaining your solar inverter.
Why Your Solar Inverter Matters
Your solar panels capture the sun’s light and generates DC (direct current) electricity. Your home runs on AC (alternating current) electricity. The solar inverter converts DC to AC, making your solar energy usable and ready to export surplus to the grid.
A high quality solar inverter also maximises the amount of energy harvested from your solar PV panels by ensuring they are always operating at their most efficient level. Choosing the wrong inverter can limit your energy production.
Sizing Your Solar Inverter Correctly
Inverters are rated in kilowatts (kW) while your solar array is measured in kilowatt-peak (kWp). It’s more efficient for your inverter to be slightly smaller than your panel capacity, ensuring your solar inverter operates closer to its maximum efficiency for most of the day.
At SolarTherm UK, our expert design team will design your system taking into account local factors such as weather, shading and roof pitch to ensure your solar inverter matches your needs perfectly.
Smart Technology and Monitoring
Modern inverters now come with built in internet connectivity, allowing you to monitor your system remotely via an app or web portal. You can easily track your generation, spot an issues early and even see your energy habits and see how they change over time. Monitoring helps you get the most out of your solar investment, changing your habits, settings and the way your use your electricity to maximise savings and support a more sustainable lifestyle.
Location is Everything
While it is possible to install your inverter in a loft, at SolarTherm UK we recommend locating your inverter in a cool, accessible area such as a garage or utility room. Not only does this protect your solar inverter from overheating on particularly hot days, but it future proofs your solar installation for future upgrades such as adding a solar battery. Having your solar inverter somewhere accessible also makes it easier for you to check the built in display for system updates.
Types of Solar PV Inverters
There’s no ones size fits all approach to solar inverters. The best inverter depends on your roof layout, shading and budget. Here’s the three main types of solar inverter:
- String Inverters
The most common and cost effective inverter, solar panels are connected in a string and all feed into one central inverter. A traditional string is perfect for a straightforward roof design where all panels have the same orientation and angle and there is no shading. Unfortunately, with a string inverter, if one panel experiences shading, the performance of the entire string can drop. Many strong inverters now include multiple MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers) allowing different strings to face different directions without compromising efficiency.
- Microinverters
Microinverters take things further by providing each panel with its own small inverter. This means each panel operates independently of the others, and shading or faults on one panel won’t affect the others. Microinverters are best for roofs with partial shading and complex layouts, featuring multiple orientations and pitches. The downside to microinverters is that they cost more to install, so unless your roof is particularly complex, it is usually not beneficial to install microinverters.
- Optimised Inverter Systems
These hybrid systems combine the best of both string inverters and microinverters. Each panel is fitted with a power optimiser, managing voltage and isolation any shading or fault issues. The optimisers feed into a central inverter which operates more efficiently because it receives a steady input. At SolarTherm UK we install the SolarEdge system, giving homeowners maximum performance, detailed monitoring and future proof flexibility.
The SolarTherm UK Advantage
At SolarTherm UK we don’t just install solar panels, we design complete, high performance systems that deliver long term value and reliability. Using advanced modelling tools, our expert design team ensure that your inverter is perfectly matched to your panels, location and energy goals.
Ready to Start the Solar Journey?
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
