Solar Power Inverters – How Does the Science Work?

solar power inverters

Shipments of solar inverters and optimizers are expected to increase, with 2022 seeing the highest sales in inverters that we’ve seen since 2019. From here on out, shipments are projected to steadily increase, reaching 150,000 shipments in megawatts alternating current worldwide in 2025; but, what are solar power inverters?

What Are Solar Power Inverters? 

Solar power inverters are a critical piece of equipment used in a solar energy system, and no system could function without one. They take power generated by the solar panels (DC, or direct current electricity) and convert it to a usable form of electricity (AC, or alternating current electricity). Inverters belong to a larger group of electronics called power electronics, which ensure that power flows properly, smoothly, and without damaging surrounding electrical equipment. 

Inverters rapidly switch the direction of a DC input back and forth to accomplish an AC output. The first inverters ever created were made in the 19th century and had spinning motors to change the direction of the current. The electrical switches are made out of transistors that don’t have moving parts, and they respond to outside electrical signals to direct the flow of electricity. 

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Solar Power Inverters


In household solar systems, inverters can have multiple functions. They convert solar (DC) energy into AC power, monitor systems, and act as a communications portal. If you have a hybrid converter, it can even operate without support from the grid if there’s an outage.  

Inverters can come in various forms; here are the three most popular ones for residential and commercial purposes:

  • Grid-tie inverters are connected to the power grid. If you generate more power than you create, the electric company may pay you for the power at the end of the year. However, if the power goes out, you’ll lose power too. 
  • Off-grid inverters aren’t connected to the grid, but to a battery, like the Tesla Powerwall, that stores the power until you need it.
  • Hybrid inverters are connected to the power grid and a battery backup. If there’s an outage, you will continue to enjoy power in your home. Excess power is fed into your grid so that the power company may pay you for the extra power at the end of the year. These hybrid inverters provide the best of both worlds, and many homeowners today choose to have them installed. 

Other types of inverters include: 

  • A central string inverter can be useful for large-scale plants or community solar projects.
  • String inverters connect a set of panels to a single inverter. (This cost-effective solution comes with drawbacks, though. If individual panels aren’t catching enough sunlight, the system may not produce efficiently) However, power optimizers are a solution to combat this type of system production loss.
  • Microinverters are small inverters that are placed on each solar panel. They’re more expensive and typically more effective than string inverters. 

Solar Companies in Texas

If you’re looking for companies to install solar panels, Texas has some of the best in the business. However, you must know what to look for on your hunt for solar companies in Texas so you won’t get burned (pardon the pun). The solar company you choose should have experience, use high-quality materials, and offer after-sales service to ensure your system functions at peak efficiency. 

Houston Solar Installers

Sunshine Renewable Solutions is one of the highest-rated Houston solar installers in the business. We are a residential and commercial solar company that prides itself on installations that don’t come with callbacks. 

We only hire certified and experienced technicians who are up to date on the latest solar systems and technology. Because we work with the best and only install reference-level equipment, you can be confident that your system will last for decades, requiring only standard maintenance. 

Please contact us with any questions regarding solar power inverters or to get the conversation started and learn how solar can help you.

Texas Plastic

Sunshine Renewable Solutions to Help Formosa Plastics of Point Comfort, Texas, Achieve Sustainability Goals

Formosa Plastics is a major producer of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride resins, which are widely used in various industries worldwide. Recognizing its role in environmental stewardship, Formosa Plastics sought to collaborate with a reputable sustainability consultant who can provide solutions to reduce its impact on the environment.

Sunshine Renewable Solutions is a leading sustainability consulting firm that specializes in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The company has a team of experts who help clients identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and implement sustainable practices through solar power.

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Sunshine Renewable Solutions proudly partners with a leading Texas-based plastic manufacturer, embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to fortify its commitment to sustainability.

By integrating solar energy solutions, we're revolutionizing their environmental impact. Our collaborative efforts aim to construct a robust solar infrastructure, harnessing renewable energy to power their operations efficiently.

Together, we're spearheading a transformative shift towards renewable practices, demonstrating how solar power can drive industrial progress while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Sunshine Renewable Solutions is honored to work hand-in-hand with this industry leader, fostering a brighter, greener future through the strategic implementation of solar energy solutions.

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Creating The Foundation

As the foundational step in our partnership, the construction of concrete piers for the solar panel structure marks a pivotal milestone in our solar energy initiative. These concrete piers serve as the bedrock of support for the entire solar infrastructure, providing stability and durability essential for the efficient functioning of the solar array.

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Precision And Accuracy Are Paramount

Our engineering team meticulously plans and designs the layout of the piers, ensuring they are strategically positioned to uphold the solar panel array's weight and withstand environmental factors such as wind and inclement weather. We adhere to industry standards and best practices to create a robust foundation that guarantees the longevity and resilience of the solar installation.

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A Solid Foundation

Environmental considerations are taken into account throughout the construction process, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy production to encompass responsible construction practices.

By establishing these concrete piers foundations, we are ready to start Phase 2, erecting the metal support bars. Enabling the subsequent installation of solar panels will power the plastic manufacturer's operations while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Slide
Follow The Build

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

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