Solar panels collect sunlight. But how does that sunlight turn into electricity? 

This is an important component of residential solar systems: solar inverters. Solar inverters convert the electricity generated by solar panels into electricity that can be used by home devices.

The definition of solar inverter and what it can do?

An inverter's main function is changing the electricity from direct current(DC) to alternating current(AC). Solar panels generate direct current electricity, which can't be used by the grid. An inverter ensures the power you generate is compatible with the grid by switching it to alternating current.

Advanced solar inverters(like Zlinkwd solar inverters) can disconnect your home from the grid in case of a power outage. Solar arrays without storage and a capable inverter will shut down when the grid goes down, but with the right technology, you can keep the lights on.

Types and Characteristics of solar inverters 

Inverters come in two types: string inverters and microinverters

String inverter

String inverters are the old guard of solar inverters. They convert DC to AC power for a group of solar panels (or a string, if you want to use or a string, if you want to stick with the jargon) in a centralized location. They are the cheapest choice, and since they are usually installed somewhere easily accessible (such as the side of your house), they are also relatively easy to repair if needed.

The disadvantage of string inverters is that they are more cumbersome than microinverters. Because a string inverter can process an entire group of panels at the same time, a drop in power generation from one panel can affect the performance of all panels. If one panel in the string of panels is obscured and the power generation is reduced, then the power generation of each panel in the string will be reduced. 

Microinverters

Microinverters perform the same DC to AC conversion, but at each individual panel. With microinverters at each panel, panel production is not chained to each other. If one is shaded,  another panel in full sun can continue generating electricity at full-sun levels.

Microinverters are more expensive, but better fits for partially shaded or complex roofs where panels face different directions or are set at different angles.

Because microinverters are connected to each panel, maintenance requires technicians to climb to the roof. This means that maintenance costs can be a little higher, although solar panel systems are usually quite low maintenance costs. The warranty period of micro inverters is usually longer than that of string inverters, up to 25 years, while the warranty period of string inverters is usually about 12 years.

A solar panel system might also use a string inverter with power optimizers. Power optimizers don't convert the electricity to alternating current. That still happens in one place at the string inverter. Instead, power optimizers make it possible for panels to produce independently of each other. If one is shaded, the others can carry on. More or less, power optimizers and microinverters accomplish the same job in different ways.

How to choose a solar inverter

Once you know whether a string inverter or microinverters are most suitable for your house, you want to make sure you're getting a good product. Within each category, there are a couple of useful points of comparison: warranty and efficiency.

Inverter warranties

While typical microinverter warranties are twice as long as the typical string inverter warranty, differences exist between products of the same group. A longer warranty might make one inverter a much better choice than another.

Efficiency

Efficiency is a measure of how much energy is lost (usually through heat) as the inverter does its job. Efficiency ratings should be readily available for any inverter on the market. Higher efficiency means less energy lost between the panels and your house.

And the most important is Zlinkwd can provide you the best service and the best products.

Before you shop, though, it's a good idea to brush up on some of the basics: solar panel types, net metering and, maybe, home backup batteries.