Most installations slightly oversize the inverter, with a ratio between 1.1-1.25 times the array capacity, to account for these considerations. The size of the solar inverter you need is directly related to the output of your solar panel array. The inverter’s capacity should ideally match the DC rating of your solar panels in kilowatts (kW).
Solar inverters are the brains of the operation when it comes to solar systems. The inverter is the central meeting point for the power coming from the solar panels, grid power in and out, battery power in and out, and sometimes a generator port.
A solar inverter can be undersized in two ways, buying a smaller inverter or increasing the number of existing solar panels. Undersizing the inverter results in more power clipping, meaning that the inverter discards excessive power generated by the solar panels. Determining the size of the inverter you need is determined by a few critical factors:
Derating Factors Derating factors are conditions that can reduce the output of your solar panels, such as high temperatures, shading, or soiling. To account for these factors, you may need to size your inverter slightly larger than the DC rating of your solar array.
Choose an inverter that has a surge watt rating equal to or greater than this value. As for voltage drop, check the wire length between your solar panels and the batteries. If the wire length is long, you may need to choose a lower voltage system (12V, 24V, or 48V) to minimize voltage drop.
For example, a 5 kW solar array typically requires a 5 kW inverter. However, factors like derating, future expansion plans, and the array-to-inverter ratio influence the optimal inverter size. Most installations slightly oversize the inverter, with a ratio between 1.1-1.25 times the array capacity, to account for these considerations.
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