Using a battery inverter can be a great way to increase the amount of self-consumption for your solar system. These devices convert the DC energy produced by a battery to AC electricity. This power is then used by appliances. Some inverters are designed to charge the batteries directly, while others come with battery chargers. Battery chargers provide backup power, which means you don’t have to run a generator when the power is out. You can also use an inverter to control the power from your solar system.
Battery inverters are typically used in small to medium size off-grid power systems. These systems use a combination of batteries and inverters to store and convert solar power into AC power. They also come with a microprocessor-based circuit that regulates the charging process. They allow for a smaller initial surge of power, which reduces the load on the battery and extends the life of the battery.
These systems also allow for the distribution of extra solar power to the home when necessary. As a result, the battery can be used after the sun sets. Battery inverters are also designed to work with a variety of different sources of power. For example, some 12 volt inverters connect directly to the cigarette lighter port of a car. They can also be purchased with battery chargers, which are helpful for people who have shore power.
These inverters also come with a variety of battery protection technologies, which prevent damage and deep discharges. For example, a battery inverter may include separators that prevent a short circuit between the positive and negative plates. Other inverters will include LED lights that allow you to monitor the status of the battery. Some inverters will include a remote control module that lets you operate the system from afar.
When installing a battery inverter, you need to be sure that you place it indoors. It should also be protected from direct sunlight. It’s also important to have ventilation in the area where the battery is placed. Also, make sure to install the inverter as far from heat sources as possible.
If you are building a hybrid grid-tie system, be sure to choose an inverter with a high maximum discharge rate. Many appliances, such as a refrigerator or chest freezer, draw a high initial surge of power when they turn on. Some appliances can draw as much as twice their rated wattage when they start up. This means that the inverter must be able to handle the peak surge.
Inverters should also be able to handle a high peak surge. Many industrial applications, such as power tools, need brief bursts of power during use. These appliances draw between 500 and 750 watts of peak surge.
You can also configure your battery inverter to use parallel batteries. This will increase the power and runtime of the system. Ideally, the batteries should be of the same size and voltage as the inverter. For example, two 12V car batteries can run an average household refrigerator for two days.
