Brisbane is the perfect place for solar. Not only does the weather here lend itself to ample sunlight hours, but rates are also high enough to make solar a viable option for homeowners and businesses. Solar inverters in Brisbane are becoming popular for those looking to get the most out of their solar system.
If you’re looking to transition your home to a more accessible and greener source of energy, then this post is for you.
What Does a Solar Inverter Do?
A solar inverter will help you capture and convert the sun’s radiant energy (direct current) into electricity. Unlike typical electricity, solar inverters use solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to absorb the sun’s energy, which is then converted into usable electricity or alternating current (AC), the kind of electricity used to power homes and businesses.
Solar PV systems are exposed to extreme temperatures and weather conditions, which can cause them to lose efficiency. The good news is that regular maintenance such as cleaning, inspection and repairs can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly.
Types of Solar Inverters
Solar inverters used in Brisbane should be certified by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to comply with Australian standards (AS 4777). While most inverters commonly installed by Australian solar companies are CEC-approved solar inverters, if a company offers you a solar inverter of an unknown brand, it’s best to ask them to provide CEC certification.
String Inverters
String inverters are commonly found in several households in Brisbane areas. These types of inverters convert the electricity generated by solar panels into DC power and then to single-phase AC power. It is the least expensive option for residential use and would be a great choice if you want to keep costs down.
Brands like Fronius and Sungrow are some of the top brands for string-type inverters. When discussing this with your solar inverter Brisbane provider, always consider the safety of the DC connection, as the incorrect DC connection could lead to a fire hazard. It’s best to work with reliable solar technicians to ensure you get the highest quality product and services.
Power Optimizers
These are often used with string inverters, as they can help reduce the amount of electricity lost due to shading, soiled, and temperature variations. Power optimizers can be beneficial for homes with many solar panels or those with panels in difficult-to-reach places, as they allow easier monitoring and maintenance.
In terms of cost, solar inverter Brisbane companies will often add installation costs for power optimizers. However, it’s generally cheaper for most residential installations to include them, as they can increase the solar system’s efficiency.
Microinverters
If your space is prone to shading, a microinverter system might be best for your home or commercial space. These inverters are individually connected to each solar panel and can convert the electricity directly to AC power. Meaning if one inverter fails, the others continue to supply AC power. It provides a more efficient way of storing and delivering usable energy to your home without worrying about shading or other external factors.
Microinverters are also advantageous in panel placement, as they can be installed at any orientation and angle, and it eliminates the need for tilt adjustments and makes installation easier. If you go with a microinverter system, be aware that it will often cost more than the string or power optimizer systems. Given its flexibility and efficient use for uneven and shaded rooftops, it’s best to talk with your technician about how to maintain your solar inverter system best.
Battery inverters
Battery inverters serve as a way to store the extra electricity generated by your solar system and are not used at that exact moment. These inverters collect unused electricity from your solar system and store it in batteries for future use.
Battery inverters are ideal for those who want to use their solar power at night or during cloudy days. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to swapping a hybrid model, using a battery inverted instead will save you the hassle. Ask your local Brisbane solar inverter specialist to find which size and model best suit your needs.
Hybrid inverters
If you’re looking to use a single unit to manage solar arrays, battery storage and backup power, a hybrid inverter is a way to go. These units can collect energy from renewable and traditional grid sources, allowing you to switch depending on your energy needs.
Because of their dynamics, hybrid inverters are often more expensive and require more maintenance. When looking for a hybrid inverter model that fits, always consider the safety aspect of it and ensure you have someone reliable to install and maintain it. At best, choosing the kind of hybrid inverter should be relevant to your current power needs and budget.
What Size Inverter Do I Need?
Depending on the solar panel system you install in Brisbane , the size of your solar inverter will vary. Solar inverters come in various sizes, and your electrician can advise you on the best size for your system. Ideally, the maximum capacity of your inverter should be at most 75% of your solar system’s total capacity.
You can further research and check the CEC guidelines for solar PV systems and qualifications for STCs or small-scale technology certificates. It will guide you on what type of inverter suits your needs and the rebates you can claim.
Where to Install a Solar Inverter
Now that we’ve touched on the basics of solar inverters typically found in Brisbane, let’s cover where you should install a solar inverter. Here are a few things to keep in mind in installing a solar inverter for your home or office space –
- Install the inverter at a location where you can easily access it for regular maintenance and inspection.
- Ensure that the inverter is located in an area with good ventilation. The heat generated by the inverter can impact its efficiency and reduce its lifespan.
- Keep your inverter away from electrical or magnetic interference sources, such as electric motors or fluorescent lights.
- Talk with your Brisbane solar inverter specialist if there are no shaded areas for your inverters. Most likely, mounting an awning or weatherproof housing are suitable alternatives.
- Keep all your inverters locked securely. Discuss this with your solar technician and have anti-theft locking features or have it securely placed behind the fence or gate.
Prices, Brands, and Warranties
Finding the Solar inverter most suited to your power needs and budget is crucial. And top brands like Sungrow, Goodwe, and Fronius dominate the Brisbane market with their outstanding quality and performance.
Sungrow is a leading solar inverter brand in Brisbane. Their products are renowned for their maximum efficiency, reliability, and performance. With more than 49 GW installed globally, it has been offering top-notch PV inverter systems fully compliant with Australian standards. When you purchase a Sungrow inverter, you also get a 10-year product warranty for your peace of mind and financial protection. The cost for the equipment and installation of a 6.66 kW package is around $5,499 after the STC rebate.*
Because of its renowned reputation for the highest standards in PV technology, Fronius is used in many of Brisbane’s residential solar installations. SnapINverters inside its solar PV systems provide superb, straightforward, safe, and efficient performance. Many homeowners are more than satisfied with the quality of their Fronius solar inverter systems and enjoy a 10-year product warranty for its materials and workmanship. A typical Fronius inverter set-up (product and installation) for a 6.66 kW package will cost around $6299 after STC rebates.*
Like Sungrow and Fronius, Goodwe is another major solar inverter brand in Brisbane. Goodwe inverters are designed for reliable operation and maximum efficiency. Its smart grid technology enables the system to perform at its peak in any environment and climate. You can invest in an efficient and high-performing Goodwe inverter 6.63 kW package for $4799 after the STC rebate.*
Understanding Your Solar Inverter
Your Brisbane-based solar inverter technician will be able to walk you through the common indicators, lights, and display to help you monitor the system as it runs.
Understanding your solar inverter ensures it runs at its maximum efficiency, and you can get the most out of your solar panel system if you opt for a smart app to monitor your system. Checking your inverters now and then will help you spot problems immediately and prevent long-term damage. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to monitor your power usage, so you’re using solar power instead of grid energy.
Your inverter panel will show various data about your equipment, including power production, the efficiency of the solar panels, temperature, and system performance. If you need help with interpreting your inverter’s data, feel free to contact your solar technician. If your system doesn’t have a smart monitoring system, you can opt for third-party add-ons that can connect to your inverter and monitor the system’s performance.
Conclusion
A solar inverter is an excellent investment for yourself with a long-term advantage for your home. Full knowledge of the different types, features, and warranties available in Brisbane will give you an upper hand in choosing the perfect one. If you’ve yet to decide, start by looking into commonly-used solar inverter brands in Brisbane and get in touch with your local solar technician.
Upgrade SAE have CEC accredited designers and installers to provide you with a complete Solar solution, from consultation to installation and ongoing servicing or repairs.
Contact us today for a free consultation on 0478 145 002.