What is a solar panel inverter?

A solar panel inverter is a key part of any solar system. It converts the electricity your panels generate into power your home can actually use. Without one, your solar setup won’t work.

In this guide, we’ll explain what an inverter does, how it works, the different types available, and how long they last.

Jump to:

• What is a solar inverter?
• What is the difference between a solar panel and a solar inverter?
• How does a solar inverter work?
• Does a solar inverter need mains power?
• What are the types of solar inverters?
• Can a solar panel run an inverter without a battery?
• What is a hybrid inverter?

What is a solar inverter?

A solar inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which powers your home.

Inverters are necessary in any solar panel system because most home appliances use AC power, not DC. Without an inverter, the energy your panels collect can’t be used to run your appliances.

What is the difference between a solar panel and a solar inverter?

Solar panels collect energy from sunlight and generate DC electricity, whereas solar inverters convert that DC electricity into usable AC electricity. In short:

• The panel captures the energy
• The inverter makes it usable in your home or business

How does a solar inverter work?

A solar inverter works by taking the DC electricity from your solar panels and converting it into AC electricity through internal circuits. The inverter monitors the power flow and decides whether to send energy into your home, the solar battery storage, or the electrical grid.

This is known as conversion efficiency. A good inverter does this quickly and with very little energy loss.

Does a solar inverter need mains power?

Whether a solar inverter needs mains power depends on the type of inverter you have. Grid-tied inverters (the most common kind in UK homes) do require a connection to the mains, as they need to synchronise with the electric grid to work safely. Off-grid and hybrid inverters can work outside of the grid, as they rely on battery storage to supply power when there isn’t enough daylight.

What are the types of solar inverters?

There are several different types of inverters, each for different setups:

String inverters

String inverters are the most common inverters in home solar systems. They connect a “string” of solar panels to a single inverter.

Central inverters

Central inverters are similar to string inverters but are built for much larger systems. You’ll typically find them in commercial or industrial installations like solar farms. They can handle higher capacity and manage several panel arrays at once, making them perfect for large-scale energy production.

Off-grid inverters

Off-grid inverters are designed for properties that aren’t connected to the national grid. They work alongside battery storage to supply continuous power, day and night. They’re often used in remote locations and are built to manage solar input and stored energy without needing to rely on other sources of electricity.

Power optimisers

Power optimisers are installed on each individual solar panel and are usually paired with a string inverter. Their main benefit is improving system performance when panels are facing different directions or are partially shaded. By managing the output of each panel independently, they help reduce the energy loss you’d get with a standard string system.

Can a solar panel run an inverter without a battery?

Yes, solar panels can run an inverter without a battery. In fact, most grid-tied solar systems work this way. The panel generates power during the day, the inverter converts it, and any excess energy is sent to the grid. However, without a solar battery (and emergency power supply), you won’t be able to store energy for use at night or during a power cut.

Thinking about going solar but not sure where to start? Speak to the team at Grant Store today – we’ll make sense of it all and help you get the best setup for your space. Get in touch now!

What is a hybrid inverter?

A hybrid solar inverter combines solar energy conversion and battery system management in one unit by:

• Converting DC to AC for your home
• Storing excess power in your battery
• Sending extra power back to the grid (if connected)

It’s a great option if you want more control over your energy use and plan to add battery storage, either now or in the future.

Find your perfect solar setup with Grant Store

Solar doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right inverter, you can power your home, cut costs, and reduce your reliance on the grid – and Grant Store can help you get it right from day one. Start now with your free quote!