Hybrid inverters are essential part of solar power systems. They are types of DC to AC inverter that has the ability to operate on two or more different input voltages and output voltage levels, making them hybrid. These inverters can combine the best features of both micro-inverters and central inverters to create a more powerful system with increased safety and reliability. In this post, I will explain the working principles of hybrid inverters, their benefits and how you can choose the best one for your photovoltaic systems.
Working Principle of a Hybrid Inverters
Hybrid inverters use varied voltages to create a powerful combination of efficiency and safety. While micro-inverters are great at maintaining high efficiency, they have one major flaw. They have low voltage isolation, meaning they can not be connected to the same buss bar as a central inverter. This means that if one or more micro-inverters fail, the entire solar power system goes down. Central inverters, on the other hand, have high voltage isolation, but tend to have low efficiency. Hybrid inverters solve these issues by combining both micro-inverters and central inverters. Essentially, hybrid inverters have low voltage isolation, but have the ability to shut off when there is a failure.
Benefits Of Hybrid Inverters
- Safety
One of the major benefits of hybrid inverters is their ability to provide high voltage isolation. This protects the rest of the solar panels in the system in case of a failure in one or two inverters. Not only does it protect the rest of the system, but it also ensures that the inverters operate at their peak performance.
- Power quality
Hybrid inverters ensure that the power quality stays consistent. This will help avoid problems with devices connected to the solar power system, such as refrigerator and washer.
- Efficiency
Hybrid inverters are great at maintaining high efficiency. This is due to the fact that the inverters are only handling a small load, so they do not have to work as hard to produce enough energy.
- Cost effectiveness
Hybrid inverters are also cost effective. They provide the benefits of a central inverter and a micro-inverter, but at a lower price. They are more efficient, so they do not need as many inverters. And they have low voltage isolation, which means they can be connected to the same buss bar as central inverters.
How to Choose the Best Hybrid Inverter
- Determine the number of panels in your system
First of all, you need to know how many panels you have in your system. Once you know the number of panels in your system, you can pick the appropriate hybrid inverter.
- Choose the best AC output voltage
Once you know how many panels you have in your system, you can choose an AC output voltage. It is important to choose an AC output voltage that matches the voltage at which you will connect your system to.
- Select a hybrid inverter with the right number of parallel strings
Hybrid inverters come in different configurations. A parallel string is a group of panels connected together. Make sure to select a hybrid inverter that has the right number of parallel strings for your system.
- Check the open circuit voltage (OCV)
This is an important factor to consider when choosing a hybrid inverter. The open circuit voltage measures the voltage at which the solar panels produce the most power.
- Make sure the hybrid inverter is UL listed
This is very important to ensure the safety of your system. Make sure that the hybrid inverter you are considering is UL listed.
Conclusion
Hybrid inverters are the most efficient and cost effective way of powering your home with solar energy. They are a combination of micro-inverters and central inverters, and they provide a number of benefits compared to both of these systems. You can use hybrid inverters to connect a small solar system to your home’s electricity grid, or you can use them to power a large, off-grid system. By following the steps which I have explained in this post, you will be in a better position to choose the best hybrid inverter for your photovoltaic systems.
