How To Size an Inverter: Solar Inverter Sizing Explained
The size of your solar inverter will depend on the size of your solar array or system. You’ll need to calculate the wattage of your solar array and then find an inverter that is compatible with that wattage. Most solar inverters are rated in kilowatts (kW), so you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing an inverter that is equal to or greater than the wattage of your solar array.
In order to get the most out of your solar panels, it is important to size your inverter correctly. This can be a bit confusing for those who are new to the world of solar, but don’t worry! We’re here to help.
In this blog post, we will explain how to size an inverter for your home or business. We’ll also discuss some of the factors you need to consider when making your decision. So let’s get started!
What Is an Inverter and What Does It Do?
An inverter is a device that converts DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current). Solar panels produce DC power, but most appliances in your home or business run on AC power.
The inverter will take the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and convert it into AC so that it can be used by your appliances.
Be aware that not all inverters are created equal. There are three main types of inverters:
String Inverters
A string inverter is the most common type of solar inverter. It is typically used with rooftop solar panels.
With a string inverter, all of the panels in a string are connected to each other and to the inverter.
String inverters are less expensive than other types of inverters, but they are also less efficient.
Central Inverters
A central solar inverter is typically used with large solar arrays, such as those found at solar farms.
With a central inverter, all of the panels in an array are connected to each other and to the inverter.
Central inverters are more expensive than string inverters, but they are also more efficient.
Microinverters
Microinverters are the newest type of solar inverter on the market. They are used with both rooftop and large solar arrays.
With a microinverter, each panel in an array has its own individual inverter.
Microinverters are more expensive than other types of inverters, but they are also the most efficient.
How Do I Know What Size Inverter I Need?
There are a few factors you need to consider when making sure to get the right inverter size:
• How much power do you need
• The type of solar panels you have
• The number of solar panels you have
• The climate where you live
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:
The Amount of Power You Need
This is the most important factor to consider when sizing an inverter. You need to make sure your power inverter is powerful enough to meet your needs. The power rating of an inverter is measured in watts.
To give you an idea of your power needs, here are wattage estimates for some common household appliances and electronic devices:
- Refrigerator: 400-800 watts
- Game consoles: 50-100 watts
- Television: 60-120 watts
- Microwave oven: 600 – 1200 watts
- Space heater: 1500 watts
- Air conditioners: 1200-1500 watts
As you can see, the wattage needed for appliances and equipment can vary greatly. That’s why it’s important to know how much power you need before purchasing an inverter.
The Type of Solar Panels You Have
Solar panels come in different types and sizes. Some are more efficient than others. Solar inverter sizing will also be affected by the type of solar panel you have. As a general rule, monocrystalline panels are more efficient than polycrystalline panels.
The Number of Solar Panels You Have
The inverter size you need will also be affected by the number of solar panels you have. This is because the more panels you have, the more continuous power they will produce.
The number of solar panels in your solar system will also dictate the maximum power output (MPO) of your inverter. The MPO is the highest amount of power an inverter can produce at any given time.
How Do I Calculate What Size Inverter I Need?
There are a few different methods you can use to size your inverter. The most common method is called the “peak sun hour” method.
To use this method, you need to know the average amount of sunlight your area receives each day. This information can be found in a solar insolation map.
Once you have this number, you need to multiply it by the number of panels in your system. This will give you the peak sun hours for your system.
For example, let’s say you live in an area that receives an average of four hours of sunlight each day. And you have a solar system with 12 panels.
In this case, use the following formula and multiply 12 by four to get 48 peak sun hours. This means your system can produce up to 48 watts of power at any given time.
Why Is It Important to Size Your Inverter Correctly?
The main factor you need to consider when sizing an inverter is the wattage of your solar panels. The wattage of your solar panels will determine how much power they can produce.
You will need to choose an inverter that is able to handle the maximum output of your solar panels. The inverter size is usually expressed in watts (W).
For example, if you have a solar panel with a maximum output of 1000W, you will need an inverter that is rated for at least 1000W.
If you choose an inverter that is too small, it will not be able to handle the full output of your solar panels and you will not be able to get the most out of your investment.
On the other hand, if you choose an inverter that is too large, you will be wasting money on an inverter that is more than you need.
The bottom line is that it is very important to choose the right size inverter for your needs because solar inverters are not cheap.
What Is Inverter Stacking (using Multiple Inverters)
If you have a very large solar system, you may need to use multiple inverters. This is called “inverter stacking” and it’s basically just using two or more inverters to increase the power output of your system.
For example, if you have a powerful solar generator powering your entire house during a power outage, you may need to use two or more inverters to get the job done.
Inverter stacking is also a good option if you want to have a backup inverter in case one of them fails.
Keep in mind that when using multiple inverters, you will need to make sure they are compatible with each other.
Inverter stacking is more common with off-grid solar systems because they often need to produce more power than grid-tied systems.
If you are not sure if you need to stack multiple inverters, it’s best to consult with a professional before making a purchase.
Does Battery Capacity Have Anything to Do with Inverter Sizing?
Inverters are vital components of any renewable energy system, allowing DC power to be converted into AC power that can be used to run appliances and electronics.
When sizing an inverter, one of the key considerations is battery capacity.
A battery with a higher capacity will be able to store more energy, which means it will be able to power the inverter for a longer period of time.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to size an inverter, you can be sure to choose the right one for your needs. Be sure to take into account the factors we discussed in this article so that you don’t waste money on an inverter that is too big or too small.
