In the field of photovoltaic energy, investors They play a fundamental and necessary role. However, its inappropriate choice may result in malfunction or even damage to our facilities. It is vitally important to consider several factors when selecting the right solar inverter to ensure optimal performance. In this article, we will explore four of the many factors to consider.
Maximum inverter efficiency
The peak efficiency of an inverter is basically the measure of how well it converts direct power from solar panels (direct current, DC) into usable electricity in homes and businesses (alternating current, AC) when it is operating at its rated capacity, i.e. That is, at its maximum power. It is expressed as a percentage and represents the proportion of energy that is actually converted effectively..
As in other photovoltaic actors such as the panel efficiency, we can use this percentage to see if these elements are of high quality. Typically, most quality inverters claim at least 97% efficiency.
In the case of the Auxsol inverters that we distribute at Pebblex, the three-phase grid connected inverter This rate is 98,6%, ensuring a very high percentage of energy conversion from the panels.
It is important to differentiate between European efficiency and maximum efficiency. European efficiency is calculated using a weighted average with different loadings and is usually a more representative factor. In the case of Auxsol products, values greater than 98% European efficiency are achieved.
IP Graduation
In most situations, inverters will be sheltered from weather conditions, although in specific circumstances, it may be necessary to expose them.
Generally, most inverters offer an IP65 rating, which protects them against rain and dust. However, Auxsol's IP66 models take this protection to the next level, being able to withstand continuous jets of water, which not only increases safety but also reduces maintenance costs. by providing an extra layer of protection, both indoors and outdoors.
Inverter rated power
A determining factor when selecting a solar inverter is power. For example, if we have a photovoltaic solar energy system in our offices with a capacity of 100 kWp, we will need inverters that can handle that power to make the most of the energy generated.
In the case of having solar inverters with a capacity lower than that generated by the photovoltaic modules, the excess energy will be lost, and a part of our solar panels will not contribute to the total generation.. On the other hand, using an inverter with excessive power can result in unnecessary electrical consumption since, the higher the power, the greater the consumption an inverter requires, as well as a higher initial investment. However, in some cases, it may be strategic to have a higher power inverter if you plan to expand the capacity of the installation in the future.
Monitoring system
Having a good monitoring system with inverters is a key factor to know our installation well.
Most inverters include, as a base, a monitoring system with the inverter itself. These systems allow us to detect anomalies or productivity problems in the facilities, facilitating the complete maintenance of our facility.
They can also help us when it comes to knowing consumption patterns, knowing how much factors such as rain, cloudy days, dirt, etc. affect us. to the production of the panels.
Auxsol's cloud monitoring platform provides a wide range of solutions, ranging from accurate data acquisition to infographic visualization and intelligent analytics. It facilitates real-time updating of data in various dimensions and offers the ability to remotely configure solar inverter types.
Other factors to consider
As we have noted previously, choosing the right solar inverter involves considering numerous additional factors. Among them are the characteristics related to the Maximum Power Points (MPPT), MPPT inputs, starting voltage, maximum voltage, as well as single-phase or three-phase configuration. In future posts, we will delve into these and other aspects, to help you select the perfect inverter for your needs.
At Pebblex we are experts in High Performance Photovoltaics
We help you with your high-performance photovoltaic and energy storage projects, carrying out the entire turnkey process or supplying you with the material and engineering if you are an installer.
