The main function of a photovoltaic inverter is to convert the direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current used by household appliances. All electricity generated by solar panels must be processed by the inverter before it can be output. The uses of photovoltaic inverters can be divided into: on grid inverters and off-grid inverters. So what is the difference between these two inverters?
On Grid Inverter
An on-grid inverter converts solar power DC which is constantly varying and feed it into the mains power supply. It synchronises its output voltage and frequency to the mains power supply it is connected to. As the power of the solar increases, so does the output but it can do this at leisure.
The biggest feature of the on grid inverters is the high system power and low cost.On grid inverters are generally used in large-scale photovoltaic power station systems. Many parallel photovoltaic strings are connected to the DC input of the same centralized inverter. Generally, three-phase IGBT power modules are used for high power and field-effect transistors are used for low power. At the same time, DSP conversion controllers are used to improve the quality of the generated electric energy, making it very close to a sine wave current.
The biggest difference of the on grid inverter is that it does not have any battery storage. The DC power generated by the solar panels is directly converted into AC power through the inverter and directly connected to the public power grid. However, there is a certain threshold, that is, it must comply with the relevant regulations and policies of the local power grid, otherwise it cannot be provided to the grid.
Key features of on-grid inverters include:
1.Grid Synchronization: On grid inverters are equipped with advanced synchronization mechanisms that enable them to match the phase and frequency of the utility grid. This synchronization ensures smooth power flow between the renewable energy system and the grid.
2.No Battery Storage: Unlike off-grid solar inverters, on-grid tie inverters do not require battery storage systems. They rely solely on the utility grid for power regulation and stability. This characteristic simplifies the installation and reduces the overall cost of the renewable energy system.
3.High Efficiency: On grid inverters are optimized for high efficiency and performance under grid-connected conditions. They minimize power losses during the conversion process, ensuring maximum utilization of renewable energy resources.
An off-grid inverter is one of the key components in a solar electric system. Off-grid inverters allow the DC power generated by solar panels to be converted into AC power that can be used for household appliances, and the excess power can be sent back to the grid or stored in batteries.
Off-grid inverters are generally complete system solutions using modular components, consisting of a few manageable building blocks: inverter, solar charge controller, automatic generator starter module, and system control board.
As the name suggests, an off-grid inverter is a system that is disconnected from the public power grid. The direct current generated by the solar panels is first stored in a battery, and then transmitted from the battery to the off-grid inverter for inversion into alternating current, which can be used directly for the load or returned to the battery for storage. It is more suitable for remote areas without power network coverage, such as deserts, plateaus, and deep forests, and can provide electricity needs anytime and anywhere.
Key features of off-grid inverters include:
1.Battery Compatibility: Stand-alone inverters are compatible with battery storage systems, allowing them to store excess energy generated by renewable sources for later use. Batteries serve as an energy reservoir, supplying power during periods of low renewable energy generation or high electricity demand.
2.Voltage and Frequency Regulation: Self-sufficient PV inverters are equipped with voltage and frequency regulation mechanisms to ensure stable and consistent AC power output. These features are essential for maintaining the integrity of electrical appliances and equipment connected to the off-grid system.
As a leading Energy&Electric company,Gospower provide energy storage battery,hybrid and off grid inverters and power supply products for 18 years of experiences. If you are exploring solar solutions, reach out to us at Info.solar@gospower.com to discuss your options.
