Solar inverters are essential components of a solar panel system as they convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that your home can use. There are three main types of inverters:
- String inverters: These are the most common type and are typically used in traditional solar panel systems. They connect multiple panels in a series or “string” and convert their combined DC power into AC power.
- Microinverters: Microinverters are installed on each individual solar panel, allowing them to operate independently. They are known for enhancing energy production in partially shaded or challenging roof configurations.
- Power optimizers: Power optimizers are similar to microinverters but are installed at the panel level to maximize the energy output of each panel while still using a central inverter. They can also mitigate the impact of shading.