Top Tips for Buying Solar Inverter

Setting up a solar power system for your home can help you save a substantial amount of money on your power use. While many people who set up this type of system focus on the solar panels, another item that you'll have to buy is a solar inverter. A solar inverter is a device that converts the energy from the solar panels into a usable format that can power appliances and other electrical devices. When you're in the market for a solar inverter, you shouldn't just buy the first one that you come across. There are a few questions that you should ask the salesperson at the store about a solar inverter before you buy.

What Type of Inverter is This?

While all inverters accomplish the goal of converting power into a usable form, they are not all the same. Some power inverters are pure sine wave inverters while others are modified sine wave inverters. Modified sine wave inverters are generally a little bit cheaper to buy. With a pure sine wave inverter, the power feed is a little bit more accurate and can be used safely with a number of different household appliances. While they can both get the job done, the pure sine wave inverter is of a little bit higher quality.

What Size Inverter is This?

The size of the inverter can also make a big difference in how your solar power system runs. To figure out how big of an inverter you need, add up the wattage for all of the appliances and devices that you plan on running on the system. Then get an inverter that is bigger than that so that you'll have a little bit of wiggle room. For example, if your home needs about 2700 watts to run properly, you might want to get a 4000 watt inverter just to be safe. That way, your system will be able to handle bigger amounts of power if needed.

What Size of Battery Does the Inverter Run With?

The battery that works with the inverter also plays a vital role in the solar power process. When buying an inverter, you need to find out how big the battery is that comes with it. If you already have a battery for your solar power system, you need to make sure that you buy an inverter that matches up well with the battery you have. If they are incompatible, you will have an inverter and battery that you can't use. Once the inverter converts the energy from the panels, it is stored in the battery until you use the power. Because of this, you have to be able to connect the battery to the inverter. Get the technical information on your system's battery before going shopping for an inverter. If you don't have a battery yet, your options are open and you can buy the battery to match the inverter that you buy. Once you've purchased the right inverter for the job, you are ready to get your system up and running.