A inverter solar turns the DC electricity produced by your solar panels into AC electricity, which you can use to power your home. Without an inverter, you would simply have a bunch of raw DC power that could be used to run some motor-type appliances or light up your table lamp, but can’t be used by the grid.

Inverters also provide grid services by allowing your solar system to send energy directly to the grid or to store it in a battery for later use. This helps avoid the need to rely on your local utility for power, which can be costly and risky.

Understanding the Different Types of Solar Panel Inverters

Some inverters can even automatically send surplus solar energy to the grid, helping your household generate net energy credits. This can help you save money and reduce your environmental footprint, but be sure to check with your local utility for their rules about sending energy from your solar panels to the grid.

There are a few different kinds of inverters available, depending on your project goals and budget. String inverters are the most scalable option and make the most sense for systems 20 kW or more, while microinverters or power optimizers might be better suited for smaller projects.

When choosing an inverter, you will want to consider its efficiency and warranty. Most brands have warranties of five years, but you may want to look for an extended one if you plan on using it for a long time.