Basics of Power Inverters: How Do We Get the Ideal Type of Current?

Among the most essential components in solar power systems that rarely get much discussion are power inverters. Power inverters quietly sit in the background and work 24 hours a day without requiring any intervention to do their duty, yet they rarely get any praise. There are some off-grid solar systems that are completely powered by AC from a battery that doesn’t need an inverter, but that’s typically not the case. In typical household and business applications, appliances will need DC to work, and that makes inverters so crucial.

There are several different types of inverters: basic modified sine wave inverters, versatile true sine wave inverters, dedicated use inverters for grid tie or off-grid applications, etc. However, all of the different types of power devices serve a very basic purpose – to convert AC into DC. Although AC has its uses as well, most appliances like battery chargers, wireless routers, laptops, desktops, radios, etc. are powered by DC.

Most small electronics have a built-in converter or rectifier. Take a desktop computer for example – even though it seemingly runs on AC (there’s a simple power cable coming from the case plugged into an AC outlet), inside the desktop case is a power supply that converts AC to DC, within which 120 volts of AC is getting transformed into 24 volts of DC.

Some types of electronics, on the other hand, have a mixed power requirement. Take washing machines for example. The motor uses AC, while the control panel requires DC to operate. If you disassemble the washing machine, you’ll likely find some sort of converter.

That being said, electrical life is much more complicated that most of us think. We put very little consideration and care into electricity. In fact, we just pay the bill at the end of the month and don’t give it a second thought. The reality of the situation is that power devices are much more complicated, and it helps to understand them a bit. Things like how electricity is generated, rectified and transformed puzzle people and they give up on the information.

But can you really blame anyone for that? With most things being powered as easily as flipping a switch or pressing a button, people get too accommodated to the simplicity of life. But seeing as you’re looking to switch to solar and get some understanding on renewable energy, then you’re one of the rare ones that care just enough to get educated on the manner. You don’t need to be an electrical science expert to understand that renewable energy is the future and what the basics behind devices like power inverters are.