Solar Power Inverter
The majority of modern devices run on 220 volts AC, the Power Inverter will be the heart of your Solar Energy System. It not only converts the low voltage DC to the 220 volts AC that runs most appliances, but also can charge the batteries if connected to the utility grid or a AC Generator as in the case of a totally independent stand-alone solar power system.
Square Wave power inverters
This is the least expensive and least desirable type. The square wave it produces is inefficient and is hard on many types of equipment. The square wave it produces is inefficient and is hard on many types of equipment. These inverters are usually fairly inexpensive, 500 watts or less, and use an automotive cigarette lighter plug-in. Do not even consider one of these types of power inverters for a home system.
Modified Sine Wave Power Inverters
Modified-sine wave power inverters produce a power wave that is sufficient for most devices. Modified Sine Wave inverters are usually better in typical solar applications when electric motors are not involved. It produces an AC waveform somewhere between a square wave and a pure sine wave. Modified Sine Wave inverters, sometimes called Quasi-Sine Wave inverters are not real expensive and work well in all but the most demanding applications and even most computers work well with a Modified Sine Wave inverter. Because the current is not alternating perfectly, the stepped waveform of the modified sine wave inverter causes the inverter to generate an irritating buzz However, there are exceptions. Some appliances that use motor speed controls or that use timers may not work quite right with a Modified Sine Wave inverter. And since more and more consumer products are using speed controls & timers,
True Sine Wave power inverters
True sine wave inverters are very efficient and have a very accurate waveform to the true sine wave. This inverter circuit can convert 12 volt DC voltage into AC voltage of 220 volts with a Modified Sine waveform or better known as the “Modified Sine Wave Inverter. A True Sine Wave power inverter produces the closest to a pure sine wave of all power inverters and in many cases produces cleaner power than the utility company itself. It will run practically any type of AC equipment and is also the most expensive. True sine wave inverters are a little pricier than modified sine wave inverters because of the reduced noise and their strong compatibility with certain devices, such as electric motors. This is the better option if you value silence, or want optimal performance from electric motors, such as those found in an electric water pump. Many True Sine Wave power inverters are computer controlled and will automatically turn on and off as AC loads ask for service.
Grid Tie Power Inverters
A “grid-tie” solar system is one that ties into the power grid, pulling electricity from the grid when needed, then pushing excess electricity back into the grid when the local customer isn’t using the full capacity being generated by PV panels (photovoltaic). If you are connected to normal Utility company power and just want to add some Free Sun Power electricity to reduce your electric bill and you do not need a totally independent system, it is possible that a Grid Tie power inverter will suit your needs. With a Grid Tie power inverter, whatever electricity that your solar panels produce will reduce the amount supplied by the utility company, in effect lowering your bill. And, if you are producing more power than you are using, you can actually sell the extra power back to the utility company. As long as the grid stays up, it’s a clever solution because it reduces or even eliminates the customer’s electric bills while generating “clean” energy.
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