Why Do Solar Cells Need An Inverter?

By Kami Turky

Last Updated:

Jumping into solar power can cut down your energy bills, but getting started involves some know-how, especially about a critical piece called the inverter. 

So, why do solar cells need an inverter? 

Simply put, solar panels produce electricity is direct current (DC), which isn’t what your fridge or lights need. 

They run on alternating current (AC). 

That’s where an inverter comes in—it changes DC into AC, making sure the energy from your panels can be used in your house or business.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the maze of different inverters, explain how they fine-tune your solar system’s performance, and give you tips on picking the right one for your setup. 

Key Takeaways

  • Different types of inverters serve specific needs: Central inverters for large-scale operations, string inverters for homes, power optimizers for efficiency, and hybrid inverters for battery integration.
  • Solar cells need an inverter to convert their DC output into AC, making the electricity usable for household appliances and the grid.
  • Inverters work at the photovoltaic (PV) cell level, where sunlight activates electrons to create DC electricity.
  • Inverters monitor and manage electrical safety, automatically shutting down during issues like overloads to protect the system.

What Are Solar Inverters & How Do They Work?

Solar inverters are crucial gadgets in the solar power setup, transforming the electricity from your solar panels into something your home can use. 

Here’s the scoop: your solar panels generate what’s called direct current (DC)

It’s straightforward and flows in one direction, which is fine and dandy but not what your home’s gadgets and the larger grid need. 

They run on alternating current (AC), which dances back and forth. This is where the inverter steps in to bridge the gap.

This process starts deep inside the solar panels with these tiny things called photovoltaic (PV) cells. 

Made from stuff like crystalline silicon or gallium arsenide, these cells are smartly built to push electrons around when sunlight hits them, creating DC electricity. 

But to get this power to light up your home or send it back to the grid, it needs a bit of a makeover into AC.

Enter the inverter, armed with its arsenal of transistors. 

These aren’t your ordinary switches; they flip on and off at breakneck speeds, mimicking the natural flow of AC. 

This rapid flipping is what changes the steady stream of DC from your panels into the rhythmic pulse of AC that powers everything from your fridge to your TV.

Related article: What Is Negative Grounding In Solar Inverter?

Why Do Solar Cells Need Inverters?

As I mentioned earlier, solar cells need inverters because they produce electricity as direct current (DC), which isn’t what most of our home appliances and business equipment use. 

However, they need alternating current (AC)–so, the job of an inverter is to take that DC and flip it into AC. 

Without this step, the electricity from your solar panels wouldn’t work with pretty much anything in your house or the larger grid. 

Besides just making the electricity useful, inverters are also like the guardians of your solar system. 

They keep a close watch for any signs of trouble, like electrical overloads or short circuits. 

If they spot too much current zipping through, they’ll shut everything down to prevent any damage to your solar panels or, worse, your home’s electrical gadgets. 

Once the coast is clear, they’ll kick things back on.

Related article: How Do Solar Cells Work?

What Are the Different Types of Inverters?

1. Central Inverters

Central inverters are the big guys in the solar inverter world, perfect for major operations like industrial complexes and massive solar farms. 

These units are huge, kind of like giant metal cabinets, and they’re built to handle a lot of juice—anywhere from 500kW up to 2.5 MW

This means fewer pieces to put together and manage, which can cut down on the headache of setting up a complex electrical system.

But, it’s not all smooth sailing. 

Setting up central inverters can hit your wallet hard, not just because of the inverters themselves but also due to the pricey extra gear like combiners and DC wiring you’ll need. 

They also require more upkeep than smaller systems; more parts and more complex tech mean more things that can need fixing. 

And if a central inverter does go down, the impact is big—lots of power and a large area can be affected, which isn’t ideal.

2. String Inverters

String inverters are pretty much the go-to for most home solar setups. 

They’re handy because you can pop them onto a wall or sit them on the ground, and they’re not too heavy—tipping the scales at just 120 to 160 pounds. 

But don’t let their light weight fool you; these guys are pretty robust when it comes to what they can do.

They’ve been around the block for quite some time, using tried and tested technology that’s reliable. 

The way they work is by connecting groups of solar panels into “strings.” 

Each string feeds into one inverter that takes all that DC power from your panels and flips it into AC power, which is what your home uses. 

This setup is great for a few reasons: it’s modular, meaning it’s easy to expand or adjust; it doesn’t cost a fortune to get going; and it’s flexible enough to fit different types of installations.

One of the best things about string inverters is just how modular they are. 

If you need more power, you can just add more strings and inverters without too much hassle. 

And if an inverter goes down, you can swap it out without the whole system taking a hit, which means less downtime and fuss.

You can also throw in some combiner boxes, which help by cutting down on how many wires you need between your panels, making everything a bit neater and more efficient.

String inverters can handle anything from small rooftop setups to larger projects like carports or ground-mounted systems, supporting anywhere from 36 to 125 kilowatts

This makes them a solid choice not just for homes but also for smaller commercial spaces.

Related article: Can You Connect an Inverter Directly to a Solar Panel System?

3. Power Optimizer + Inverter

Power Optimizer + Inverter setups blend the classic approach of string inverters with a neat twist: a power optimizer attached right to the back of each solar panel. 

These little gadgets are all about boosting each panel’s output by tweaking the DC voltage before it hits the inverter.

Here’s the cool part: if one panel starts acting up—maybe it’s a bit shaded or gets dirty—it won’t bring down the whole team. 

Each panel works its best, no matter what the others are doing. 

This not only cranks up your system’s efficiency but also simplifies troubleshooting. 

Got a problem? 

You can quickly figure out which panel is the troublemaker because each one is its little boss.

But, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. 

This setup does cost more. 

You need a power optimizer for every panel, which can add up, especially if your solar array is large or you’re considering adding more panels down the line. 

Plus, every new panel will need its optimizer, so what looks like a cheaper option at first could end up costing more as you expand.

Maintenance is another thing to think about. 

These optimizers are up on the roof, attached to the panels. 

So, if you need to check on them or swap one out, you’re climbing up there. 

That’s fine if you’re okay with heights and your roof isn’t too tricky, but it’s something to consider.

Related article: How to Read Solar Inverter Specifications?

4. Hybrid Inverters

Hybrid inverters, also known as ‘multi-mode inverters,’ add some serious flexibility to your solar power system. 

They’re not common everywhere yet—places like Australia are just starting to catch on—but globally, they’re making a splash because they can hook up with batteries and solar panels, all through one unit.

So, what’s the deal with them? 

Well, they use something called ‘DC coupling.’ 

This means the same inverter that’s managing the power from your solar panels also handles charging your batteries. 

The energy from the panels can power your home directly, and any extra gets stashed away in the batteries for later use.

But, there’s a catch—hybrid inverters can be pricier than your standard string inverters because they’re high-tech and do more jobs at once. 

They also need to be installed just right to ensure everything works seamlessly, especially the battery part. 

5. Microinverter

Microinverters are like the solo artists of the solar inverter world.

Instead of one big inverter handling everything, each solar panel gets its little inverter mounted right on the back. 

This setup means that each panel converts DC to AC power all by itself. 

The cool part? 

If one panel gets shaded or isn’t pulling its weight, it doesn’t drag down the rest. 

Each panel is independent, which simplifies troubleshooting—no more guessing which panel is the troublemaker!

These guys are compact, about the size of a big book, and they clip directly onto each panel. 

This means every panel can be fine-tuned to work at its best, even if some panels get less sun than others or the roof has uneven shading

However, all this tech does come at a cost. 

Microinverters are the priciest option out there when it comes to inverters because each panel needs its own. 

And since they’re up on the roof with the panels, you’ll be climbing up there whenever you need to do some maintenance or just check things out.

6. Solar Inverter Charger

Last but not least, there’s the Solar Inverter Charger, which is a bit of a game-changer.

Unlike your standard inverter that just flips DC to AC, this one goes the extra mile by recharging your battery banks with power from the grid, or what’s often called shore power.

It’s like having a backup plan that ensures you’re always prepared.

What sets these inverters apart is their smart charging capability. 

They constantly watch over your batteries’ charge levels, topping them up as needed but careful not to overdo it. 

This is important if you live somewhere where the sun isn’t always shining or if you’re living off the grid entirely.

Related article: Can Solar Panels Work Without Inverter?

FAQs

Can Solar Panels Work Without an Inverter?

Solar panels can work without an inverter but only to power devices that accept DC electricity directly, not typical household AC devices.

Why Do Solar Panels Need Inverters?

Solar panels need inverters to convert their DC electricity into AC electricity, which is the standard form used by most home and office appliances.

Why Do Solar Cells Need an Inverter?

Solar cells need an inverter to convert the DC electricity they generate into AC electricity, making it compatible with the grid and home appliances.

Why Is an Inverter Needed?

An inverter is needed to transform the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity, necessary for everyday electrical devices and grid compatibility.

Conclusion

As promised, we’ve broken down why solar cells need inverters and how these nifty gadgets help turn sunlight into electricity you can use in your home or business. 

Here’s a handy tip: When you’re picking an inverter, don’t just think about the price tag. 

Consider what it can handle in terms of energy output and how it might fit with any upgrades you might want to make down the road. 

Still got questions or need a bit more help figuring out the best inverter for your setup? 

Drop a comment below or give us a shout—we’re here to help guide you through your solar journey!

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Kami Turky

Kami is a solar engineer with nearly a decade of experience in researching, testing, and reviewing various solar products.He has also provided technical consultation to several organizations on the best ways to incorporate solar energy into their operations.When he’s not busy helping others find the best solar solutions, Kami enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and exploring the natural wonders of his home state.

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