DR Series - Inverter Producing a Modified Sine Wave

The inverter is one of the most important components of a solar energy system. It is necessary for the functioning of the entire system since the solar energy produces direct current which is unsuitable for the functioning of most appliances and tools.

The solar panels capture the energy of the sun and store it in the form of direct current. Since this is not appropriate for most electrical uses, an inverter must be used to convert the direct current (DC) into 50 hz to 60 hz alternating current (AC).

Inverters have different battery voltage inputs, with the most common ones being 12, 24 and 48 volts DC. Some models have different voltages. But solar panels do not use batteries. They feed directly into the inverter and these inverters usually have a voltage input of 48 volts or higher. Some can go up to 600 volts DC. The inverter basically runs the DC current into a pair of transistors which are turned on and off, effectively turning the DC into AC.

The inverter then puts out a wave that can be a square wave, quasi- or modified sine or true or pure sine wave. Certain appliances and tools will not function with a quasi-sine wave inverter and need the bigger true sine wave inverter. The true sine wave is identical to the output from the electric company but they are more expensive than other kinds of inverters. The true sine wave inverters also resulted in greater efficiency.

The DR Series inverters produce a modified sine wave. They are suitable for most appliances but not for laser printers, rechargeable or variable speed tools and appliances or copiers.