Inverter

On-grid and off-grid home inverters convert power from DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current). DC power comes from power generators such as solar, wind, and hydro. It also comes from batteries storing power. The electrical grid and most appliances use AC power, meaning an alternative energy system, such as a solar system, requires an inverter to convert the generated power. 

There are several different kinds of inverters. Inverter-chargers use batteries to power loads and use incoming AC power to charge batteries. All-in-one inverters are similar to inverter-chargers, but they include a solar charge controller which manages and converts incoming power from solar panels. Hybrid inverters can both receive and export AC power. This is useful in systems that sell power back to the electrical grid. They also charge batteries like inverter-chargers. Off-grid inverters cannot export AC power. While called off-grid, they can be used on-grid. They can take in AC power, but they cannot sell it to the utility company. 

The above inverters usually oversee an entire energy system, but microinverters are another option. These small inverters attach directly to solar panels and convert the harvested DC power to AC power at the module level. Some of these inverters, like the Aptos MAC-400 (1:1 Trunk Version) Microinverter, also monitor and optimize the solar production of each individual panel. 

Most microinverters require an AC connection to function. They match the harvested DC power to the connected AC power, and if AC power is not present, they cannot convert the DC power. This makes them ideal for use in grid-tied systems with few power outages. 

Current Connected sells solar grid-tied and off-grid home inverters for a variety of applications. The options below include inverters for RVs, boats, cabins, residential homes, commercial settings, fully off-grid systems, and grid-tied systems. 

Check them out and contact us with any questions. We look forward to helping you with your energy needs.