A GTI or grid-tied inverter is connected to solar panels for converting direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC). A grid system works without batteries and grid-tied inverters can. Contact online >>
A GTI or grid-tied inverter is connected to solar panels for converting direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC). A grid system works without batteries and grid-tied inverters can...
A grid-tied inverter, also known as a grid-connected or on-grid inverter, is the linchpin that connects your solar panels to the utility grid. Its primary function is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity...
A grid-tied solar system is connected to the local utility grid. This system comprises solar panels, an energy meter, and one or multiple inverters. The solar panels convert the sun''s rays into direct current (DC)...
If you''re on the market to switch your home''s energy sources to solar, you''re most likely overwhelmed with the vast amounts of information available on solar energy.
That information isn''t always easy to understand, and sometimes people just want to know the best options available so they can make the right choice for their home.
We''re here to help you choose a solar inverter that will meet your needs, whether you''re installing a full array, a single panel, or expanding a solar panel kit.
Here at Ecavo, we are most concerned with caring for our planet and remaining as green and eco-friendly as possible.
Therefore, the first thing we looked for in the solar inverters we tested is if they''re eco-friendly.
For this specific hybrid solar grid-tie inverters test, we paid attention to the price and the following criteria as we ranked.Wattage Output
The wattage is a key piece of information that you need to look out for when shopping for your solar grid tie inverter.
To prevent the loss of energy, make sure that the watts of the inverter equal the watts of the solar panels.
We recommend getting a high-wattage inverter with a series of high-wattage panels to maximize your energy production.Peak Efficiency
The peak efficiency will determine the maximum efficiency the grid tie inverter can achieve when working in ideal environments.
For a grid tie system to meet its rated power, it must have an input that exceeds its output if its efficiency rating is below 100%.
Most solar grid tie inverters are in the range of 90-96% efficiency. Overall, the higher the percentage, the better the inverter verter Types
Several types of grid tie inverters vary in price and function and offer flexibility to those with renewable energy functions.
Here''s a breakdown of the different types of solar inverters.Off-Grid Inverters
An off-grid inverter operates independently of the local public utility system, unlike on-grid solar inverters.
They have a unique capability of converting sunlight into DC electricity and storing it in a set of batteries.
When the inverter is being used, it uses DC electricity to produce AC electricity, providing energy to the entire home.
A micro inverter is the smallest grid tied system on the market, both in size and function. This is because they can support just one solar panel at a time.
This is perfect for those living in a tiny home, like a trailer.
They can be hooked up to the local public utility system and used independently because of the unique energy storage capabilities of the batteries.
They can store energy for future use, so you can still be comfortable in your home when you''re off-grid.String Inverters
If you''re looking for the least expensive option, string inverters would be your best bet. Staying true to its name, a string inverter supports several solar panels stringed together.
While they''re great in the right conditions, a single panel can shut down your whole system if it fails or is shaded.
They should only be used in full, direct sunlight that is unobstructed to prevent unintentional failure.
To learn more about how a solar inverter works, check out this article from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. In rating the best inverter, we gravitated more towards hybrid-type inverters.
They have the best efficiency and tend to be eco-friendly with their capability of capturing solar power and saving it for later use.
This is efficient and ensures that future needs are met in the event of bad weather. Outback Power Skybox Grid-Tie Hybrid Inverter
Although this energy system comes with a fairly high price tag, we believe that it will contribute to lower energy costs and your overall household budget in the long run.
According to the manufacturer, "energy management is based on time-of-use and demand charge rate structures to reduce energy costs."
If you live in a place like California where blackouts occur, or utility prices fluctuate depending on the time of use, this grid tied inverter will suit you the best.
It has an option to also be hooked up to a backup solar generator to be prepared for an unexpected blackout.
One of the key selling points for the Skybox is its hybrid configuration.
While most grid tied inverters only continuously feed a power supply to a household or public grid, the Skybox can store backup power for later use.
It works with any regular 48V battery bank and has an input for a backup generator.
The grid tie inverter is easy to install because the inverter, remote control, load center, and PV inputs are packaged in a single primary console.
This eliminates the need for complicated wiring, connection between boxes, or mounting multiple units.
Although the cost is a bit more affordable, it is important to note that the panels connected to this grid tie inverter must only be used in full, direct sunlight to prevent a system shutdown.
However, if you live in a generally sunny climate like California, this shouldn''t be a challenge for you.
What We LikedHigh efficiencyAllows for future expansion Records and tracks data
What We Didn''t LikeAccommodates only 1 solar panel at a timeWatts & Efficiency
When we initially checked this solar power system out, we immediately noticed the relatively low wattage of 289W, which was explained by the microinverter.
Because it supports only one solar panel at a time, we found that most housing structures may need multiple panels to fully power their home through solar.
The upside of this setup is that each panel has its own inverter and won''t be affected if another panel has gone out.
If you decide to later expand your solar system, you will have that option by purchasing more panels and grid tied solar inverters.
Check out this article to learn more about the benefits of microinverters.
What We LikedPerfect for small homesCan expand to a bigger size in the futureLow costEasy installation
What We Didn''t LikeThe inverter cannot connect with a battery backWatts & Efficiency
As a budget-friendly option, the Eco-worthy Auto Switch Inverter is a steal. It offers buyers the opportunity to expand their solar arrays in the future by stacking inverters.
As a standalone, the inverter can only handle 1,000W, just enough for small homeowners with a few solar panels.
The model comes with a standard range of features and options. During our inverter test, we found out that it will support only 24V DC input.
When we attempted to use something with a lower input, the unit didn''t charge.
We immediately understood that while it can''t accommodate many homes, it does provide a great option for those who have smaller homes and wish to expand in the future verter
This solar power system is a string inverter that connects a series of solar panels together to deliver energy.
This type of grid tied system isn''t an option for everyone because it needs to be placed in direct, unobstructed sunlight at all times to prevent accidental failures.
This will work out well for those of us who live in sunny states like California or Arizona.
What We LikedHigh wattage and efficiency Can be controlled via a smartphone appIncludes comprehensive data collection and analysis
What We Didn''t LikeVery large and not as easy to installWatts & Efficiency
With its high wattage that produces 7700W and high efficiency, the Sunny Boy 7.7-U.S. grid tie inverter is a great option for large residential solar arrays.
This much power can easily service a household and produce an excess to feed back into the grid.
The Sunny Boy 7.7 includes up to 2,000W of secure power supply. Multiple units of independent MPPT inputs can accommodate different panel stringing options.
The advanced technology used in this grid tie inverter is built to keep energy flowing, even in the event of sunlight obstruction.
This will give you a reliable supply of solar energy to meet all your needs verter Type
The inverter is a string type that requires constant, direct sunlight.
We don''t hesitate to recommend this grid tie inverter because of its SMA OptiTracTM Global Peak technology, which prevents energy loss due to shading.
A huge selling point is that this grid tie inverter is the only one on the market that connects to smartphones.
We enjoyed this feature immensely during our tests as it sped up installation. It also gives great accessibility and control at your fingertips.
The overall winner for the best solar inverter is the Outback Power Skybox Grid-Tie Hybrid Inverter.
Using cutting-edge technology, Outback delivers an inverter that produces high wattage levels and peak efficiency.
We were impressed with the lasting quality, ease of use and installation this grid tie system required.
This determines the rating of protection devices, such as breakers and fuses.Where Do You Live?
Energy regulations vary from city to city. Some governments may even offer a tax credit to offer the cost of converting to solar power.
For those living in the US, there is an available federal tax credit program which you learn more about in this article from energy.gov.
Where you live is also important because some solar energy systems require protection from elements like rain, snow, dust, and ice.
We recommend seeking out weatherproof grid tie systems that meet the NEMA 3R/4X standards.Do You Want The Option To Store Backup Power?
Hybrid inverters are the way to go if you need to store solar power for future use or as an emergency backup.
Typically, they are more expensive, but they come built with the latest technology that allows for you to build a power supply and use off-grid.
If you''re concerned about power outages, this might be a good selection for you. Do You Want The Option To Expand Your Solar Array?
If you want to gradually expand your solar array, your best option would be the microinverter.
About Grid tie solar inverters
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Grid tie solar inverters have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Grid tie solar inverters for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Grid tie solar inverters featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
