Inverters

An inverter is the key component of any solar power system; without it, the panels would be unable to supply the home with electricity. It is the inverter that converts the direct current from the solar panels into the standard alternating current required to power household appliances. The reliability and cost-effectiveness of the entire system depend entirely on choosing the right inverter.

What is an inverter and what does it do?

Solar panels and batteries generate direct current (DC). However, virtually all household appliances run on alternating current (AC), which is why an inverter is required – a device that converts DC to AC at a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of 220 V or 380 V. Without it, a solar power system would be unable to power standard household appliances. The inverter also regulates power, protects the system from overloads and monitors the battery charge. And modern models perform a number of additional tasks:

• MPPT controller – tracks the panels’ maximum power point and increases output by 20–30% compared to PWM technology.
• Monitoring via Wi-Fi or GSM – output data is available in real time via the mobile app.
• Protection against overvoltage, short circuits and overheating.
• Automatic switching between solar, batteries and the mains.

These features make the inverter the central component of any solar installation.

Solar inverter: how it works and why you need one

The principle behind a solar inverter is simple: a built-in controller reads the voltage from the panels, converts it into alternating current via power transistors, and feeds it into the home’s electrical system. As long as there is sunlight, this process continues uninterrupted.

If the system is connected to batteries, the inverter manages their charging: when there is insufficient sunlight, it automatically connects the batteries or the external grid; when there is a surplus, it feeds the excess back into the grid, provided a ‘green’ tariff is in place.

For Ukrainian conditions, there is another important consideration: a solar power station inverter with a backup power function continues to operate during a power cut, supplying the load from the batteries.

Types and classification of inverters for solar power stations

Our catalogue features three main types of inverters for solar power stations. The choice depends on the system’s configuration and the tasks it is designed to perform. Specifically:

• Grid-tied inverter. Operates only when connected to the mains grid – it shuts down completely if disconnected, in accordance with safety regulations. The main advantage is high efficiency of up to 98.6% and the ability to sell surplus energy at the green tariff rate. No batteries are required, which reduces the cost of the system.
• Off-grid inverter. Operates without a grid connection – powered solely by solar panels and batteries. The built-in MPPT controller and charger are combined in a single unit.
• Hybrid inverter. Combines the capabilities of grid-connected and off-grid systems, operating with panels, batteries and the external grid simultaneously. In the event of a grid outage, it instantly switches to backup power without any interruption in supply.

If you’re unsure which type to choose, Altek’s experts will help you decide free of charge.

How to choose an inverter for solar panels

Before ordering an inverter for a solar panel, you need to determine a few key parameters:

• Power. Add up the power consumption of all appliances that will be running simultaneously. Choose an inverter with a 20% margin above the peak load.
• Battery voltage. Stand-alone and hybrid inverters are designed for a specific battery voltage. The higher the system power, the higher the operating voltage.
• Load type. A pure sine wave is essential for motor loads: pumps, boilers, refrigerators, compressors. All Altek models generate a pure sine wave.
• Phase configuration. A single-phase 220 V inverter is required for a private house or flat. For premises with a three-phase supply, a three-phase inverter is required, for example, the Asterion 30K series.
• MPPT charge current. This parameter determines how many panels can be connected to the inverter. The higher the input voltage of the MPPT range, the greater the flexibility when designing the panel configuration.

If you’re unsure which model to choose, Altek’s experts will help you find the right one for your needs, free of charge. Simply get in touch, describe your situation, and we’ll find a solution.

Where can I buy a solar panel inverter in Ukraine?

Get in touch! Altek has been operating in the renewable energy sector for over 17 years and is one of Ukraine’s leading manufacturers and importers of solar equipment. You can purchase a solar inverter on our website, complete with an official warranty and nationwide delivery. The benefits of buying from Altek:

• Over 30 inverter models in our catalogue – grid-connected, off-grid and hybrid;
• Official manufacturer’s warranty on all equipment;
• Delivery to Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa and other cities in Ukraine;
  free technical consultation before purchase;
• the option to order a comprehensive turnkey solar power plant project.

To check the price of a specific model and order a solar panel inverter, please visit our catalogue or contact an Altek manager directly.