Solar inverters are essential for PV system performance, grid connection, energy monitoring and safety. They help manage how electricity flows through the installation and support key functions such as MPPT, anti-islanding protection, remote monitoring and communication with other system components.

The main types of solar inverters include string inverters, hybrid inverters, battery-ready inverters, AC-coupled battery inverters, microinverters and central inverters for larger-scale installations.

String inverters are commonly used for standard residential and commercial PV systems. Hybrid inverters are suitable for solar and battery-ready systems, while AC-coupled battery inverters are often used when storage is added to an existing PV installation.

As a UK solar inverter supplier and wholesaler, Alternergy supplies string, hybrid and battery-ready PV inverters from GoodWe, Haier and Sungrow, along with inverter accessories for residential, commercial and industrial solar projects.

A string inverter converts DC electricity from connected solar panel strings into AC electricity for use on site or export to the grid. It is a popular choice for standard solar PV installations because it is efficient, cost-effective and straightforward to install and maintain.

A hybrid inverter performs a similar solar conversion function but can also work with battery storage. This allows surplus solar energy to be stored for later use, depending on the system design and battery compatibility.

For standard PV-only systems, a string inverter may be suitable. For projects where battery storage is included or may be added in the future, a hybrid inverter can provide greater flexibility.

A hybrid inverter is often used when battery storage is part of a new solar PV system or may be added later. It can manage both solar generation and battery charging/discharging within a compatible system design.

For existing PV systems, an AC-coupled battery inverter may also be used to add battery storage without replacing the original solar inverter. This can be useful for phased upgrades where the solar system is already installed.

The best option depends on the existing system, battery requirements, backup power needs, grid connection and manufacturer compatibility.

The inverter can operate as a standard solar inverter, with the option to add a compatible battery later if the system has been designed for it.

For larger commercial PV systems, inverters with several MPPTs can give installers more design flexibility across multiple strings. Installers should always check the inverter datasheet, MPPT voltage range, input current limits and maximum strings per MPPT before finalising the design.