Do You Need an Inverter to Use Solar Panels?
When installing a solar panel system, the most common question is: do you need an inverter for solar panels? The answer
Without an inverter, the energy generated by your solar panels would be completely useless for your home. As the saying goes, “when installing solar panels, there is no power until you connect to the inverter.” Not all inverters are created equal. The type you choose will fundamentally impact your system's performance, cost, and future-readiness.
Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy from a solar panel into alternate current (AC) energy appliances use. It's also important to note that solar batteries store DC energy. Before you can use the energy in a battery to power an appliance, it has to be converted to AC energy using an inverter.
The inverter is not just an accessory; it is the heart and brain of your solar power system. It dictates how efficiently you use your energy, whether you can add batteries in the future, and how resilient your home is during an outage.
Almost all household appliances such as fridges, wifi routers and TV's run on alternate current (AC), however. Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy from a solar panel into alternate current (AC) energy appliances use. It's also important to note that solar batteries store DC energy.
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