What is an on grid inverter?

An on grid inverter, also known as a grid-tie inverter, is a crucial component in a grid-connected solar power system. Its main function is to convert the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into the alternating current (AC) that can be fed back into the electrical grid.

How does an on-grid inverter work?

For an on-grid system, you will not be using batteries. Thus, unlike the off-grid systems, you will connect the inverter directly to the grid. Plug it into the main power switchboard to join the grid, which acts as the input wire. The other wire, which acts as the output wire, connects to the switchboard, which supplies the current.

How does a grid-tie inverter work?

The grid-tie inverter is configured to a solar meter which later connects to the mains. The meter is used to calculate excess energy from the inverter grid, later stored in a utility grid for future consumption.

How do grid-following inverters work?

Traditional “grid-following” inverters require an outside signal from the electrical grid to determine when the switching will occur in order to produce a sine wave that can be injected into the power grid. In these systems, the power from the grid provides a signal that the inverter tries to match.

What is a grid tied inverter?

Grid-tied inverters are the critical element in a grid-tied renewable power system. They’re most widely used in Photovoltaic systems. A photovoltaic solar system is the most efficient and popular form of renewable power. The term grid-tied means that the house is still attached to the local electricity grid.

How does a solar inverter synchronize with the grid?

Inverters convert the direct current (DC) generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used in your home. But that’s not all. Crucially for this discussion, inverters also synchronize this energy with the grid, which is why understanding ‘how does a solar inverter synchronize with grid’ is so important.