Top Manufacturers of Solar Inverters Answer FAQ's

• What is a Solar Inverter? A solar inverter changes the DC voltage of collected solar energy and turns it into AC (which is commonly used in homes and businesses). It is a sort of filter between the energy collected and the appliance which uses it.
• Are they noisy? It will depend on the model. Some models do not require fans and thus, operate at a very low noise level.
• How does the inverter feed my energy needs? The inverter feeds into a cable connection that supplies the energy directly to an energy grid. They are sometimes referred to as grid-connected inverters.
• Are there different types of solar inverters? Each application is determined by the total energy needs of the facility. They come in smaller models that feature "plug and play" technology and others that will require professional installation.
• Where does the extra solar power go? If you have a solar energy system, you can actually generate income from the overage. First the power is used by the appliances in the system or your immediate energy grid and the excess is then feed into a public energy grid for consumption by others. You can be compensated for this contribution to the public grid in some countries.
• What will happen to my appliances if the energy grid is down? The inverter will cease to supply any further energy to avoid safety problems. Advanced models feature AIP devices that act like a shut off in the case of grid failure. They automatically return to a functioning state when the grid is restored. In some countries (Germany, France, Belgium and Greece) a different device labeled an ENS is a combination shut off and grid monitor. A local solar expert will assist with the proper selection.
• What if our building requires more than one inverter? Several models are available that allow 'daisy' chaining or connection to one another in sequence. This helps to cut down on installation costs.