Solar Inverters In Zimbabwe

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A Solar Inverter is a device that converts the Direct Current (DC) from the solar panels into Alternating Current (AC) which is used by domestic and commercial appliances. 

It is one of the most critical components of the solar power system as it converts power from the sun into more useful energy and is often referred to as the brain of a solar system. Solar inverters are a crucial part of a solar system since power from the sun cannot be directly used to run electrical appliances. 

Starting out as just boxes converting DC into AC, today, solar inverters have evolved to become much more smart and intelligent units, performing other functions such as data monitoring, advanced utility controls, etc.

What is an Inverter?

A much-known function and description of the inverter is to convert the DC current into AC current by using SMPS module or thyristor-based pulse converter technology. The converted DC to AC current by inverter will run all the electrical appliances in the house after the power goes out. Solar Inverters in Zimbabwe are mostly imported through a few domestic and international manufacturers that have set up manufacturing operations in Zimbabwe. String inverters can be used for both rooftop and utility solar, while the central inverter is used exclusively for utility-scale applications. Microinverters are the best option for residential solar but they are not yet very popular in Zimbabwe.

How does Inverter work?

An inverter is like a converter of the power supply DC power into AC power supply. It will take 110V / 220V DC input voltage and convert into AC power supply of 230V, 50 Hz. The inverter also may be three phases or Single phase output AC supply type and also can operate under & voltage condition up to a range of minimum 190V and a maximum of 250V for single phase Inverter.

Basically, a Full bridge or Six pulse converter is used to convert DC voltage into AC voltage The device can produce output voltage, and frequencies are controlled by the inversion process & the output voltage is connected to a transformer matching system it is feeding power into. Thyristor bridges are designed with a combination of diodes/rectifiers in forwarding & revere mode or blocking mode.

If you have brought a normal inverter for your home, then your inverter will charge the battery with electricity only and bypasses the supply to the home appliance. But when the power supply goes off then the inverter will feed the supply in your home appliance with help of charged battery.

Now if you have brought a solar inverter to your home, then your inverter will provide a power supply to your home appliances during the day as well as charge the battery with the help of solar module/ solar plates. During the night the inverter will charge your battery with electricity and bypass supply for home appliances but in case of power supply goes out then your charged battery will take care of your home load with help of an inverter.

Types of Solar Inverters

Based on the required load and space availability for Solar System, you can choose the Solar Inverter. 

There are the following Solar models described here to understand the working function and that will help you out to choose or invert on the solar inverter.

Basically, three models are there to understand the solar function.
  1. Grid-Interactive/ Connected System
  2. Off-Grid System
  3. Hybrid system

Inverters can be broadly classified into three major types:

  1. Off-grid/ Standalone inverters– works independently off the grid and requires battery storage.
  2. On-grid/ Grid-tied inverters– are dependent upon the grid.
  3. Hybrid inverters – incorporate both battery and grid connection and have an inbuilt solar charge controller.

Grid-tied solar inverters are further categorized into micro, string, and central inverters.

  1. Grid Interactive, Connected System: The most common, low-cost, economic, and better operation we use Grid interactive/ connected system. This system will operate only when both solar and grid power is available & the first load feed from solar & balance will be imported from the grid. If case of excess solar power is either exported or trimmed (No export). Based on the application of both the supply one as Main & other as Backup or as load sharing depend upon the conditions.
  2. Off-Grid System: This is a battery-based system, and grid supply is not available basically this is used for remote areas or in which location where grid supply is not available as Backup supply during the night hours or rainy season. This is used for battery charging & load sharing during availability of the PV system & feed load through charged Battery during unavailability of the PV system refer below diagram.
  3. Hybrid System: This is similar to the Grid-connected Model, In which multiple sources of supply such as solar/PV, Grid, Battery Storage, DG set, Hydro plant any other power source connect parallel to feed load.

This is a complicated system and is not used at the domestic level. Synchronization is required between all connected systems and loads.

PWM Vs MPPT

  1. PWM Solar Inverters – The smaller rating inverters less than 2 kW to be used in Rural areas and to make it affordable, it is made with PWM (pulse width modulation) technology.
  2. MPPT Solar Inverter – It is the best charge controller technology with the highest efficiency between 95-97%. All high-efficiency inverters, and grid-connected inverters are built with mppt (maximum power point tracker) technology. An inverter built with MPPT technology takes 30% less time in charging a battery using solar panels.

Features of a Solar Inverter:

  1. MPPT: MPPT Inverter is always a good choice as it charges the battery 30% faster compared to PWM technology-built inverter.
  2. LCD display: A LCD Screen helps Homeowners understand Inverter operation such as real-time analysis of power generation, power consumption, battery charging status, and reason for Inverter failure.
  3. Mobile App (IoT): All the features available in LCD Display can be monitored, controlled, serviced online through the mobile app if Inverter has Wi-Fi functionality.
  4. By Pass Switch: When the Inverter fails, the power supply to the home will be disturbed, Bypass Switch allows homeowners to use electricity even if the inverter is faulty.
  5. MCB Protection: The grid power always has voltage fluctuations, chances for short circuit, MCB Saves Inverter from High Voltage and Short circuit failures.

What is the Price of Solar Inverter in Zimbabwe in 2023:

There are multiple factors that affect solar inverter prices such as inverter technology, efficiency, warranty period, and the quality of the brand.

About Solar Options Zimbabwe:

Solar Options Zimbabwe Empowers People To Make Smarter Solar Systems Decisions, Through Simplicity, Transparency, and Choice. Solar Options Zimbabwe gives you access to transparent information so you can make informed decisions, confidently. We connect you with The Best Solar Companies in Zimbabwe who are competing to earn your business.

Solar Options Zimbabwe is the go-to marketplace for making confident energy decisions and gaining control over the buying process.

Contact Solar Options Zimbabwe:

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