Australia has reached over 3.4 million small-scale solar installations in 2023. The Australian government and its people strive for a greener future, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Are you getting on board with this trend? It’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest and most relevant solar information.
Keep reading as we explore the comprehensive guide to solar inverter trends for 2023 and beyond to get you clued up on the future of solar power!
What Is A Solar Inverter?
A solar inverter is like the currency exchange of your solar system. It turns the DC energy produced by your solar panels into AC energy. Why does it do this? Well, direct current (DC) energy is produced by your solar panels, but without a solar inverter, it is useless.
Your home’s systems and appliances, like kettles, lamps, and washing machines, operate using AC energy and can’t run using DC energy. A solar inverter can supply your home with power in two ways: by sourcing it from the grid or your solar panels.
When fitting your solar system, your installer will typically fit your solar inverter in an easily accessible location, such as a utility closet, attic, or garage – so you won’t be knocking walls down to get to it. If it breaks, you’ll need an expert to come and fix it, which will be easier if it’s accessible.
Solar Inverter Trends For 2023
What should you look for when choosing a solar inverter in 2023 and the coming years? Let’s take a look at the emerging trends in the solar industry!
Increased Adoption Of Off-Grid Inverters
In 2020, there were around 809 off-grid properties in Australia. However, in 2022, there were 1362. This shows an almost 70% increase in off-grid homes. We can expect this trend to continue in the coming years as household energy becomes more expensive and the throes of climate change come in full swing.
Off-grid living wouldn’t be possible without an off-grid inverter or solar battery. Off-grid inverters differ from traditional inverters, which allow you to switch between energy supplied by the grid and energy from your solar panels. On the other hand, an off-grid inverter allows you to tap into the power reserves stored in your solar battery. A solar battery can store the excess power from your solar panels, enabling you to use solar power when it’s dark or cloudy.
Cloud Monitoring
What if you could stay up-to-date with your solar panels’ performance from anywhere? One of the latest developments in solar inverter technology allows you to observe your solar panels’ production rates using a browser or mobile-based application.
If you encounter an issue with your system, you’ll know about it even when you drink with your friends. You’ll receive a mobile alert, allowing you to schedule repairs or return home as soon as possible to check your system.
The last thing you want is to be on holiday and return home to a large energy bill because your solar panels aren’t working properly. This is why cloud monitoring is becoming a sought-after feature in solar inverters.
DC Optimisers
A DC optimiser allows a solar inverter to be applied to different solar panel placements and orientations. It can benefit solar panels with shading and placement issues, optimising their current and voltage levels to account for the reduced energy. Increasing the efficiency and output of your solar panels is easier with a DC optimiser.
Micro Inverters
Recently, microinverters have been adopted to enable single-panel systems. They are typically employed to process and convert the DC energy produced by only one solar panel, which makes them excellent for single-panel devices like solar LED skylights and solar water heaters.
Applying a micro inverter to a multiple-panel system would give you a license to use several different brands of solar panels, improving your choice range.
Should You Invest In An On Or Off-Grid Inverter?
When constructing your solar system, you may wonder, ‘What’s the difference between on and off-grid inverters?’. To answer this question, you need to know what your priorities are. Do you simply want to reduce your home’s reliance on grid power, or would you like to completely eradicate it?
With an off-grid inverter, you’re immune to blackouts, energy price fluctuations, and more. However, if your solar system breaks, you’ll be in a pickle with no power! It’s a big choice to make. Most people choose an on-grid inverter, as it does not require a battery, which can be more expensive. If you’ve got the money, however, it’s definitely worth considering an off-grid inverter – making your home blackout-proof and almost apocalypse-proof!
Summary
Now that you know the latest developments and trends for solar inverters, you’ll feel like a pro when choosing solar system components. A solar system won’t work without one, so it’s best to know your stuff before browsing your options. If you’re interested in learning more about solar inverters, you can always rely on our team here at SolarBright to help you find the ideal solution for your home. Contact us today for friendly, helpful, and genuine advice!