Solar panel setup: The Inverter, the battery, and disconnect switch

Solar panels are relatively easy to maintain, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn't know about the whole system and how it is all connected to a grid. Even if it is not connected to a grid, it is important to know about the solar system. Here’s a quick intro to the power inverter, battery, and the disconnect switch components of a solar panel system.
 

The power Inverter in the solar system 

Your solar panel setup will also have an inverter (or multiple) that will be connected through wiring to the panels. The purpose of an inverter is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity formed at the panel site to alternating current (AC) for your home’s appliances to use.

There are three main types of inverter technologies available, including string, power optimizers, and microinverters. One inverter solution may be more suitable than the other depending on how your solar array is set up. String inverters, the original technology, will have the advantage of being the most cost-competitive option. But, power optimizers and microinverters are better for more complicated installations, such as those with panels facing multiple directions or panels that experience marginal shading. This is because they are module-level performance electronics (MLPEs). MLPE technology enables a solar panel system to produce efficiently as a whole even if one or a few panels are out of commission.

If you go with a microinverter solution, the inverters will be at the panel site. If you install a power optimizer or a string system, your inverter will be at the ground level. Historically, inverters have been placed both inside and outside of buildings. These days, it is more common to have an inverter on the outside of building so that servicing is easier (if required). In addition, some local towns or fire codes may require that the inverter is placed outside. If you’d prefer the inverter to be on the inside of your home for aesthetic reasons, it’s best to check with your installer to see if this is possible. Local installers should be aware of your town’s building and electrical codes that may impact your installation options.

In addition to being connected to your solar panels, your inverter is also connected to your existing electrical system through your breaker box. In some cases, electric panels will need upgrades prior to installing solar because of the increase in amperage of energy running through your home.
 

The solar system disconnect switch

Solar panel setups should also have a disconnect switch that will turn off the solar panel system. In fact, many solar panel systems have two disconnect switches: a DC disconnect (which disconnects the DC current between the solar panels and the inverter) and the AC disconnect (which will disconnect your inverter from the grid with grid-tied systems). Though most disconnect switches aren’t commonly used in the lifetime of a solar panel system, it’s necessary for most states for safety reasons. Professional installers will use the disconnect switch should they need to turn the system off to do repairs or maintenance.
 

The solar battery

Batteries are becoming increasingly popular to install with solar panel systems. Many property owners use batteries in grid-tied systems for providing back up power or for mitigating time-of-use (TOU) charges. Others elect to use batteries for the purpose of going off-grid.

Where a solar battery lies within your solar panel setup will depend on the type of battery. Some batteries will need to be connected on the DC-side of your system. With these batteries, the solar energy runs to the battery before conversion at the inverter. There are also batteries that are connected to the AC-side of the systems, post-inverter in the energy flow.

Batteries are certainly becoming a more popular component to a solar panel system, but they’re certainly not a requirement. If you’re installing a grid-tied system, rarely experience power outages, have a favorable net metering policy and don’t deal with time-variant electricity pricing, then purchasing a solar battery isn’t going to make economic sense. You can always talk to an installer about designing setting up your solar panel system so it’s ideal for a battery addition at a later date if it’s something you may consider in the future.

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.