Inverters

What is an Inverter?

An inverter allows you take Direct Voltage from your solar array, or any renewable source, and convert it into Alternating Current to run all AC appliances. Inverters can be used in conjunction with wind generators, solar arrays, micro-hydro turbines, batteries, and gasoline generators. The most common size of inverters used are between 1000 watts to 2500watts, which are typically installed in homes and RVs. There are larger inverters available, up to 11 kW (11 000 watts), which are used for large power systems. One important consideration is the surge factors of your AC appliances. This is important, as you need to choose an inverter that is going to be able to handle the short surge period when AC appliances are starting up. For example, fluorescent lights will use up to 4 times their operating current when turned on.

There are three main types of inverters: square wave, modified square wave, and sine wave. Square wave inverters are the most simplistic type of inverter but will only run a select few of your AC electronics. The next type of inverter is a modified square wave, which is exactly what its name suggests. Modified square inverter were created so most AC (~98%) appliances could be operated. Those AC appliances that still cannot be used are more sensitive electronic equipment like dimmer switches, laser printers, photocopiers, and many small rechargeable devices (laptops). Some appliances, when run off of a modified square inverter, such as a TV, will make additional noise in the way of a buzzing or humming.

Premium inverters are classified as pure sine wave and imitate grid power. This inverter allows you to run all appliances and sensitive electronic equipment without problems. This type of inverter also eliminates background noises that are associated with modified square inverters. Graphical representation of how each inverter operates: