Alternative sources of energy are growing in popularity. Better technology and a greater conscientiousness regarding the environment mean that green energy solutions like solar are becoming increasingly viable. If you live in an area like Lake Havasu City, AZ where you get a lot of consistent sunlight, you should look into solar panel services.
Though solar energy might seem simple, the conversion process of turning sunlight into energy is anything but. There are many components that make up a solar panel energy system, an inverter and charge controller among them. Before seeking solar panel services, it would be helpful to know what a solar inverter actually is. Read on to learn more.
What is a solar inverter?
Solar inverters make solar power possible. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, while the electrical grid runs on alternating current (AC) electricity. A solar inverter converts the solar panel electricity from DC to AC, allowing it to be used on the electrical grid.
What’s the difference between direct current and alternating current?
Direct current electricity flows in one direction continuously, while alternating current, as the name suggests, flows both to and from any electrical devices. There are several devices that are known as power adapters that can alter and regulate the flow of electrical current. A solar inverter is one of these power adapter devices.
How does a solar inverter work?
There are several different types of solar inverters with various intricacies, but we’ll focus on the general function of these devices. The solar inverter serves not only as a go-between regarding stored solar energy and its dispersal to the devices it’s powering, but it also regulates the amount of voltage that is being used and sent out.
This is because of the vast differences in voltage between direct current and alternating current. Direct current voltage is usually 12, 24 or 48 volts, while alternating current is 120 to 240 volts, and it operates at 60 Hertz. Many solar inverters will implement a step-up transformer to account for the change in voltage. You won’t be able to power a well pump or a generator with direct current, and a solar inverter serves as an electrical converter so you can use higher voltage and alternating current to power your devices.
Where does a charge controller fit in?
There’s a lot going on inside a solar inverter. It’s akin to a miniature world with all the energetic activity going on inside of it. A charge controller is a programmed device that is dedicated to helping the solar inverter generate and distribute power efficiently. How does it know the most efficient way to divvy out power? It uses the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm.
The controller is set up to follow the MPPT algorithm, which, as the name suggests, has been calculated to generate the maximum amount of power from the solar panel array. The charge controller also serves a regulatory function, preventing the solar array from becoming overpowered and making sure the battery it’s hooked to is charged properly and maintains its charge.
Call for solar panel services today
While this can admittedly be a lot to take in, if you’re looking for solar panel services in Lake Havasu City, AZ, reach out to the team at Mohave Solar. We’d be happy to work with you and answer any solar power-related questions you may have!