Solar Inverter

Size of solar inverter dependent on the equipments that are intended to be used while utility supply is down. Total load on inverter is equal to the sum of all nameplate rating of such equipments. While sizing, some equipment like air conditioner and refrigerators should be sized at 2/3 times normal rating to account for the high inrush current drawn by these equipments while starting. An additional 25 -30 % can be considered as buffer for future expansion.

Once the total wattage of devices are calculated, the next step is to determine the type and number of batteries required to support your inverter. The battery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), is crucial for ensuring your system can store enough energy to meet your needs, especially during power outages or when solar input is unavailable.

For projects on a 5 MW scale, central inverters are more suitable due to their robustness and reliability. String inverters are often more volatile, with many models in the current market not lasting more than three years. Since 2018, FIMER has been supplying the PVS980 series central inverters, which have proven to be reliable over time. The long-term availability of string inverters, especially for up to 25 years, is a significant concern.

Additionally, compliance with CEA (Central Electricity Authority) regulations is challenging with string inverters. FIMER central inverters, such as the PVS980 series, are designed to meet local grid requirements and comply with CEA regulations, making them a more reliable choice for large-scale solar projects.

Installing a solar inverter with a higher capacity offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides flexibility to increase the DC capacity of the solar array in the future without needing to replace the inverter. This reduces the overall stress on the inverter components and lowers the probability of failures over time.

However, it’s important to note that installing a significantly higher capacity inverter than necessary is not always required. Most inverters are designed to operate efficiently even in higher ambient temperatures. However AC to DC ratio, typically ranging from 1:1 to 1:1.2, can be sufficient to ensure optimal performance and reliability without the need for excessive overcapacity in the inverter.