Definition of Solar Power Inverters

A solar inverter is a crucial element in a solar energy system. The solar power inverter is an electrical inverter that converts the direct current energy (DC) into alternating current (AC) for use either in a home or on an energy grid. The inverter is often the most expensive component of solar energy system.
Solar inverters are a critical components in solar power systems. In a solar energy system energy from the sun is gathered in photovoltaic cells (PV) that consist of semiconductor layers made of crystalline silicon or gallium arsenide. These layers are arranged in panels consisting of positive and negative layers. When the sun shines on the panels, light is absorbed and energy is transferred into the photovoltaic cell. Electrons in the light move from one layer to the other and produce an electric current. This current is direct current energy (DC). Depending on the type of system, it can either be stored for later use or sent directly to the inverter.

For regular consumer use, alternating current (AC) is required. The inverter works by running the direct current through two transistors that are rapidly turned on and off and feeding two sides of the transformer. In this way the direct current which runs in a direct line is converted into alternating current. Alternating current consists of a true sine wave (on an x-y graph a sine wave moves from zero up to a positive point then back down through zero to a corresponding negative point. Each of these cycles is called a hertz.) The current moves up and down in a smooth wave like motion consisting of 60 cycles or hertz per second.