SOLAR
INVERTE
RS
Basics, Working, Best
Practices, Applications
Presentation by T S
Yeswanth
WHAT WE
WILL TALK
ABOUT
1.Why a Solar Inverter? 7. Do’s & Don’ts
2. What’s Inside a Solar 8. PCS
Inverter? 3. Manufacturing & 9. Batteries
Quality Testing 4. Protection 10.Micro-Inverters
& Features 11.Auxiliary Systems
5.Types of Inverters 12.Applications
6.Feston 13.Future Technologies &
Products Growth
a. OnGrid 14.References
b. Hybrid
WHY A SOLAR INVERTER?
The Problem:
> Solar panels produce electricity as (DC), but our
direct current appliances, and the grid run homes,
on alternating current (AC).
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> Next
cco innnsystems
,o vveerrtt with
DDCCbatteries
ttoo AACor
C—grid
—tthconnection
haatt’’ss tth,hwe
ee ffiirrsstt
must decide:
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e ..r. e s h o u l d t h e p o w e r g o —
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iinnttoo tthhee hhoommee,, tthhee bbaatttteerryy,, oorr tthhee ggrriidd??
>
HHoowwddoowweemmoonniittoorraannddccoonnttrrooll aallll ooff tthhii
ss??
The
We need a central control
Th unit
solartoinverter
manage Answer
energy
solves : system
flowissues
both and : it converts DC to
performance. e
acts AC and intelligent hub of the system, enabling safe,
as the
efficient, and smart energy use.
WHAT’S INSIDE AN INVERTER?
A solar inverter uses power electronics to convert DC to AC through high-speed switching and
pulse width modulation (PWM), producing stable AC output.
1 DC Input: Solar panels generate DC electricity
when exposed to sunlight.
2 Inversion Process: The inverter takes this
DC input and uses electronic switches (like
transistors) to rapidly turn it on and off,
creating a pulsed signal.
3 Signal Shaping: This pulsed signal is then
passed through filters and transformers to
smooth it into a clean, usable AC waveform
—typically a sine wave.
4 Output: The AC power is now ready to be
used in your home, stored in batteries (via
hybrid systems), or sent to the grid.
WHAT’S INSIDE AN
INVERTER?
1
2
DC Inverter
Input Process
3 4
Signal AC
Shaping output
DID
YOU
K N O
Modern inverters also include: W ?
> Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): To extract the most energy from solar
panels. & Protection: To ensure safety, efficiency, and system
> Monitoring
MANUFACTURING & QUALITY
TESTING
1. Design & Engineering: Circuit 1. Electrical Testing: Verifying DC-AC
design, PCB layout, and thermal conversion, waveform quality, and
management planning. efficiency.
2. Component Procurement: Sourcing 2. Load Testing: Testing inverter under
electronic components (ICs, capacitors, various loads (light, nominal, and full
transistors, etc.). load).
3. PCB Assembly: Mounting components 3. Thermal Testing: Ensuring safe
onto PCBs via SMT (Surface Mount operation under high temperatures or
Technology) or THT. prolonged use.
4. Enclosure & Integration: Assembling 4. EMI/EMC Testing: Checking
PCBs into the inverter casing with compliance with electromagnetic
cooling systems, connectors, and interference standards.
displays. 5. Safety & Protection Testing:
5. Firmware Installation: Loading control Verifying response to faults like
software and system logic into the overvoltage, short circuits, and reverse
Did you
know?
Feature MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is a
feature in inverters that continuously adjusts
Protectio
s
High Efficiency (≥97%)
the voltage to extract the m a x i m u m
> possible power from solar panels.
> n
Overvoltage /
> Multiple MPPTs Undervoltage Protection
for optimized power
> Overcurrent / Short
tracking
> Circuit Protection
Grid Synchronization
> Overtemperature
for seamless
> MPPT Protection & Auto
integration
Shutdown
> Anti-Islanding Protection
Remote Monitoring
> Smart EMS
(Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS485) Anti-islanding is a safety feature that
> Ground Fault
Integration and data automatically shuts down the inverter
w h e n the grid goes down, preventing
Detection & Protection
logging
> Battery Support (for unsafe backfeed of electricity.
> Reverse Polarity
hybrid inverters) Protection
>
> Modular & Scalable Surge Protection
Design for larger Device (SPD) Built-in
installations
Anti-Islanding
TYPES OF INVERTER
Type Description Grid Connection Battery Support Ideal For
Works with the
grid; exports excess Homes/
On-Grid Yes No
power and shuts businesses with
down during reliable grid
outages
Operates
independently from Remote areas with
Off-Grid No Yes
the grid using no grid access
batteries for
energy storage
Combines grid
connection and Locations
Hybrid Yes Yes
battery storage for needing backup
flexible energy + grid tie-in
management
TYPES OF INVERTER
Off-Grid
System
On-Grid
System
Hybrid
System
HYBRID
INVERTERS
A hybrid solar inverter is a smart energy conversion device that combines the
functionality of a traditional solar inverter with a battery inverter.
Principle
Converts solar DC to AC
>
> Charges/discharges battery
> Switches between solar,
battery, and grid sources
Daytime Evening/Night (no solar): Grid
>
:
Solar energy powers the > Load is powered by > outage:
Acts an offline
load. the battery. like toUPS,
battery
> Excess power charges
the battery or is fed to > If battery depletes, the switchin backup
the grid (if allowed). grid supplies power. g
HYBRID
INVERTERS
Key
Features
Backup Priority Peak Shaving Applicatio
Ensures power during Lowers peak demand by using stored ns
grid outages. energy. > Residential homes with
Self-Consumption solar + battery systems
ToU Optimization
Uses solar energy locally Schedules battery use for tariff savings. > Remote/off-grid areas
to cut grid use. Smart Management needing stable power
Grid/Off-Grid Flexibility Optimizes use of solar, battery, and > Commercial buildings for
Works with or without grid. energy cost optimization
grid connection. > Telecom towers, data
centers, farms, etc.,
where backup is essential
MICRO INVERTER
A micro inverter is a small, module-level inverter attached to each individual solar
converting DC to AC directly at the panel level. panel,
Key
> Independent operation per
Features
panel (no single point of
failure)
> Maximizes output even in
shaded or mismatched
> Integrated MPPT for each
conditions
panel
> Easy to scale and
monitor
Applications
> Residential rooftop
systems
> Installations with partial
shading or varied panel
orientation
MICRO HYBRID INVERTER
A micro-hybrid inverter combines the benefits of a micro inverter with limited energy storage
support, allowing basic battery backup for essential loads during grid outages.
Key Features
> Converts DC to AC at panel
level
> Supports battery charging/discharging
(typically small scale)
> Offers limited backup during
power cuts
> Integrated MPPT and basic
EMS
Applicatio
ns
> Small homes or cabins needing
>
partial backup
Areas with frequent but short
power outages
PRODUCT
S 97.5% 20A 550V 4.8K
ON-GRID Max.Efficiency Max DC Max DC g
Input Current Input Voltage Weight
1 MPP tracker, Zero export String
Max, efficiency up application, VSG intelligent
1Φ STRING INVERTER
to 97.5% application monitoring
(Optional)
FE- 1.5 / 2.2 / 2.7 / 3 /
3. 3 /
3.6 / 4 -1P-OG
Wide output Anti-PID Low start-up
voltage function voltage of
range (Optional) 80V
PRODUCT
S 97.5% 20A 600V 7.7K
ON-GRID Max.Efficiency Max DC Max DC g
Input Current Input Voltage Weight
1 MPP tracker, Zero export String
Max, efficiency up application, VSG intelligent
1Φ STRING INVERTER
to 97.5% application monitoring
(Optional)
FE- 3.6 / 4 / 4.6 / 5 /
5. 2 /
6 / 6.2 -1P-OG
Wide output Anti-PID Low start-up
voltage function voltage of
range (Optional) 80V
PRODUCT
S 98.3% 20+20A 1100V 11K
ON-GRID Max.Efficiency Max DC Max DC g
Input Current Input Voltage Weight
2 MPP tracker, Zero export String
Max, efficiency up application, VSG intelligent
3Φ STRING INVERTER
to 98.3% application monitoring
(Optional)
FE- 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 10 /
12
-3P-OG
Wide output Anti-PID
voltage function
range (Optional)
PRODUCT
S 98.5% 13+26A 1100V 15K
ON-GRID Max.Efficiency Max DC Max DC g
Input Current Input Voltage Weight
2 MPP tracker, Zero export String
Max, efficiency up application, VSG intelligent
3Φ STRING
to 98.3% application monitoring
INVERTER (Optional)
FE- 15 – 3P-OG
Wide output Anti-PID
voltage function
range (Optional)
PRODUCT
S 98.6% 26A 1100V 20K
ON-GRID Max.Efficiency Max DC Max DC g
Input Current Input Voltage Weight
2 MPP tracker, Zero export String
Max, efficiency up application, VSG intelligent
3Φ STRING INVERTER
to 98.6% application monitoring
(Optional)
FE- 18 / 20 / 25 – 3P-
OG
Wide output Anti-PID
voltage function
range (Optional)
PRODUCT
S 2 27.2A 6000W 51.2V
HYBRID No. of Nominal Output Output Battery Nominal
MPPT Current Power Voltage
1 MPP tracker, Zero export String
Max, efficiency up application, VSG intelligent
1Φ HYBRID
to 97.5% application monitoring
INVERTER (Optional)
3-6 KW
Wide output Anti-PID Low start-up
voltage function voltage of
range (Optional) 80V
PRODUCT
S 2 30A 20kW 800V
HYBRID No. of Nominal Output Output Battery Nominal
MPPT Current Power Voltage
1 MPP tracker, Zero export String
Max, efficiency up application, VSG intelligent
3Φ STRING
to 97.5% application monitoring
INVERTER (Optional)
10 – 20 KW
Wide output Anti-PID Low start-up
voltage function voltage of
range (Optional) 80V
BEST
PRACTICES
Do’s Don’ts
✅ Keep the inverter clean and ❌ Don't expose the inverter to direct
dust-free sunlight or moisture
✅ Ensure proper ventilation around the inverter
Check indicator lights and
❌ Don't block air vents or cooling
✅
monitor performance ❌ fans Don't ignore warning or
regularly ❌ fault signals Don't attempt
✅ Schedule periodic professional
inspections (yearly) ❌ complex repairs yourself
✅ Keep firmware/software updated (if Don't overload the inverter beyond its
applicable) ❌ rated capacity
✅ Ensure tight electrical
connections Don
❌ 't leave cables loose or corroded
✅ Install surge protection devices
(SPD) Don't connect to the grid without
✅ Follow manufacturer's manual and ❌ proper synchronization
safety guidelines Don't place near flammable or heat-
BEST
PRACTICES
Do’s Don’ts
Green SP Yearly Maintenance Red Grid Synchronization
Signal D Alert
Firmware Overloading
Improper
Update Wiring
PCS (POWER CONVERSION
SYSTEM
A ) System (PCS) is an integrated system that manages the conversion and
Power Conversion
flow of electrical energy between different components such as batteries, the grid, solar PV, and
loads.
Key Features Major
> DC to AC Conversion: For Inverter/Converter
Components
discharging battery power to the Modules
grid or loads. Control System (DSP or PLC-
> AC to DC Conversion: For
based)
charging batteries from the
Communication Interfaces (for
grid or solar.
> Grid Synchronization: Maintains EMS/BMS integration)
voltage and frequency alignment with
the grid. Protection Devices (surge,
> Power Quality Management:
overcurrent, etc.)
Reduces harmonics, ensures
Cooling System (air or liquid-
stable output. cooled)
App A Power Conversion System (PCS) enables efficient two-way power flow in BESS,
. solar hybrids, and microgrids, managing energy conversion between batteries,
the grid, and loads.
PCS (POWER CONVERSION
SYSTEMApplications
)
Battery Energy Storage Systems
(BESS) Hybrid Solar + Storage
Systems Microgrids and Off-grid
Systems
Industrial Peak Shaving and
Backup Power
AUXILIARY
DEVICES
BMS EMS
The Battery Management System is essential in any The EMS oversees the flow of energy between solar
system using battery storage. It ensures safe and panels, batteries, grid, and loads. It:
efficient battery operation by monitoring key
parameters such as: 1 Determines whetherto store, consume,
1 Voltage, current, and temperature of individual . or export solar energy
. cells and
the entire battery
pack 2 Optimizes battery usage to reduce energy
2. State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH) . costs (e.g.,
peak shaving, time-of-use
3 Protection against overcharging, deep shifting)
. 3 backu powe
discharging, overheating, and short circuits . Enables load prioritization p r
4 Balancing cell voltages to enhance battery and management
. lifespan and 4 Provides real-time monitoring, control, and
performance . analytics
5
5. It acts as the safety and intelligence layer of the . EMS is often integrated with PCS/inverter
battery system and communicates with the software or as a separate control layer in
inverter and EMS. complex systems.
AUXILIARY
DEVICES
DC COMBINER BOX AC DISTRIBUTION
This device PANEL
combines the output from multiple Also known as the ACDB, this panel distributes the
solar panel strings into a single DC output before inverter’s AC output to different loads or the grid.
feeding it to the inverter.
It
Key components inside a combiner includes:
box: 1.MCBs / MCCBs (Miniature/Molded Case Circuit
1.String fuses for overcurrent protection Breakers)
2. DC isolators for safety during maintenance 2. Energy meters for load and export monitoring
3. Surge Protection Devices (SPD) for lightning 3. SPD and relays for fault protection
and surge protection 4. The ACDB ensures that all connected loads
4. It simplifies wiring, improves safety, and is are properly protected and power is distributed
efficientl
critical in larger installations.
y .
safely and
COOLING SP COMM.
SYSTEM
Inverters and PCS units generate D INTERFACES
heat SPD units protect electrical systems These enabl real-
during operation. Effective
from transient overvoltages due interfaces e time of
cooling is essential to maintain
to lightning strikes, grid faults, or monitoring and control
performance and avoid
switching surges. performance. system
overheating. 1. Installed on both DC (near PV 1. RS485 (Modbus):
1. Passive Cooling: Uses heat
arrays Common for
or combiner box) and AC sides industrial-grade
sinks and ventilation
(near wired
inverter or distribution communication between
2. Active Cooling: Uses fans or panel) BMS,
2. Diverts excess voltage to the EMS, and
liquid- cooled systems in ground, inverter
preventing damage to 2. Ethernet: For local
higher-capacity inverters sensitive area
components like the inverter and networking and integration
3. Efficient thermal BMS with
SCADA
management extends systems
3. Wi-Fi: For remote
equipment life and monitoring via
mobile apps or cloud
prevents system portals
shutdowns. 4. These interfaces allow
logging, fault alerts,
data
performance tracking, and
remote diagnostics.
APPLICATIONS - ONGRID
> Use: Massive solar farms
> connected directly to the grid
> System Size: 1 MW to 1 GW+
> Purpose: Centralized
renewable
electricity
generation
Benefits:
Economies of scale Rewa Solar Park,
MP
National energy
Large-scale carbon
Rewa Solar Park,
security
emission reduction
MP
A 750 MW solar farm supplying
power directly to the grid,
including 90% of Delhi Metro’s
daytime demand. Uses
centralized inverters for large-
scale, clean energy generation.
APPLICATIONS - OFFGRID
> Use: Remote villages,
telecom towers, or military bases
with no grid access
>
> System
Purpos Size: 1 kW to 500 power
Standalone kW supply
e: with battery
> backup
Benefit
Reliable power in inaccessible
s: areas Energy independence Ladakh Solar Mini-
Zero reliance on diesel Grids
generators Ladakh Solar Mini-
Grids
25 –250 kW off-grid systems power
remote villages in Ladakh using
solar inverters and battery banks,
replacing diesel and ensuring
reliable electricity in isolated
areas.
APPLICATIONS - HYBRID
> Use: buildings
Commercial or both
institutions grid
> needingSize
System : 10 kWand
backup to 1
MW
support Grid-tied operation
Purpos
>
e: with backup for
battery uninterrupted Amrita University,
> power Coimbatore
Benefit
Load shifting and energy Amrita University,
s: savings Backup during Coimbatore
A 500 kW hybrid solar plant
outages Optimized solar with inverters, EMS, and
usage with EMS control battery storage ensures 24/7
power for critical infrastructure,
while reducing energy costs
and grid dependence.
FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES
> Smart Inverters: Equipped with advanced grid-support
features like voltage/frequency control, remote
communication, and self-diagnostics.
> AI-Based EMS Integration: Inverters integrated with
AI-driven Energy Management Systems for real-
time optimization, predictive maintenance, and load
forecasting.
Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (SiC & GaN): These
>
materials allow for higher efficiency, compact size,
and better thermal performance in next-gen
>
inverters.
Hybrid & Modular Designs: Flexible inverters that
>
support
IoT &solar,Connectivit
battery, and grid integration
Enabling remote with
scalable
Cloud architectures .
y: control monitoring, anywhere
analytics, from via apps or cloud
and
platforms.
FUTURE
> GROWTH
The global inverte market
solar
expected r
to gro adoption
increasing solar steadil, energyis
w
storage integrationy, ,and supportive
driven
policies. by
> According to market forecasts,
the inverter market may exceed
USD 15–20 billion by 2030, with
hybrid and smart inverters
leading the segment due to
rising demand for grid resilience
and storage.
> Growth will be prominent in
residential
commerci , and utility-scale
al, sectors, in emerging
especially economies
transitioning to clean
energy.
REFERENCES
1.International Energy Agency (IEA) – Trends in Photovoltaic
Applications Website: https://www.iea.org
Provides detailed insights on inverter roles, grid
integration, and smart inverter evolution.
2. IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) – Innovation Landscape for Smart
Electrification Website: https://www.irena.org
Covers future inverter technologies, smart grid compatibility, and hybrid
systems.
3.BloombergNEF (BNEF) – Energy Storage and Inverter Market Outlook 2030
Summarizes global market growth predictions and trends in hybrid and battery-
integrated inverters.
4.Markets and Markets Report – Solar Inverter Market by Type, System Type, End-User & Region – Global
Forecast to 2030 Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com
Projects the solar inverter market to surpass USD 20 billion by 2030.
5. NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA) – Advanced Inverter Functions to
Support the Grid Website: https://www.nrel.gov
Discusses grid-support functionalities like anti-islanding, reactive power
control, etc. IEEE Xplore Digital Library
THANK
YOU
Presentation by T S Yeswanth
