footprint with solar power systems

For years, non-renewable fossil fuels have been extensively used to generate energy and electricity for commercial, industrial as well as residential usage.

And while this has made daily life convenient, the cost associated has proved to be massive. Global warming, pollution of air and water, and ever-increasing electricity bills are some of the negative impacts of overdependence on fossil fuels.

The good news is that, more and more countries and their governments are realizing the importance of harnessing the sun’s energy for electricity production, as it is clean, eco-friendly, has zero greenhouse effect and can reduce your dependence on the grid and become highly cost-effective in the long run.

This is the reason why solar power systems are being widely adopted by households, offices, hotels, shops and even clinics these days. Read on to know why a solar inverter as well as a solar inverter battery is an integral part of a solar power system.   
What you need to know about solar inverters
No solar power system can run without a solar inverter, as this converts DC or direct current into AC or alternating current, which can then run the various devices you need for a smooth lifestyle. In other words, the alternating current can be used to run everything from the fridge and TV to lights, fans, microwaves, and washing machines. 

Types of inverters - You can choose from Off-Grid, Grid Tie, Battery Backup, and Micro, and more, based on your needs and budget.

While off-grid inverters receive DC power from battery panels and are great for remote systems, the grid-tie models are connected to the grid, as the name suggests.

Battery backup inverters derive energy from batteries, and any extra energy is transported to the grid. Even during power cuts, these inverters can supply AC power to certain loads. And micro inverters are compact affairs that are highly portable and yet high performance.

Choosing central solar inverters make sense for large scale commercial or industrial applications, while hybrid inverters use DC coupling so that you can plug batteries into the solar power system in question.

Remember – While picking a solar inverter, make sure it is from a reputed brand and covered by sufficient warranty. Check the input and output voltages, to ensure that the inverter works efficiently. Its design should make cooling and ventilation easy, and you also need to check if the inverter is resistant against unfavorable weather conditions like extreme heat or thunder.

What you need to know about a solar inverter battery
A solar inverter battery essentially stores the additional energy produced by your solar panels, so that you can optimize the use the electricity as per your need. In other words, this extra energy can be used when there is a power outage or during the night. 

Features to look for in a solar inverter battery – It is best to get a battery that works irrespective of whether you have a solar setup or not, and requires low maintenance. Check if it has high acid volumes, as this can contribute to easy maintenance.

· Find out if the battery can work efficiently at high temperatures, as weather conditions can change anytime. Those made of selenium low antimonial alloy are apt in this regard.
· The longevity of the battery is another factor you need to watch out for. For this, check the manufacturing process. High-pressure die casting, for instance, can ensure long battery life, and in turn, cost-effectiveness.
· A battery that charges quickly should be ideally chosen, as this way, you will be supplied with power even when the power outage is a long or frequent one. It should have superb deep discharge recovery too.
· Check if the battery is resistant to corrosion, as this will lengthen its life and keep maintenance hassles to a minimum. The plates should also be designed in such a way that they prevent overheating.
· Pick a solar inverter battery that features easy to understand electrolyte level indicators. These help you to monitor the performance of the battery without having to call in a technician every now and then. You will be alerted in case of any problem quickly, this way, too.

Do remember – Before buying a solar battery, you need to compare different brands, their range of products, rates, and technology used. A company with a long history might not be using the most advanced technology, while a new entrant in the market might be doing so. Compare warranties as well, since the initial investment for a solar system and its accessories is usually a little high. 

The capacity of the battery (kWh) is another vital parameter as it determines how much electricity it can store. Additionally, you need to consider the power rating (kW) too, so that you get an idea about how much electricity will be supplied at a certain moment. So, while a high capacity battery with a low rating can run a few appliances for long, a low capacity battery with a high rating can run many appliances for a short while.

To conclude   
Going solar is the best way to lower your electricity bills by reducing grid dependence and being eco-friendly if you know how to pick the perfect solar power system, inverter and battery. And the tips discussed in this guide are sure to help you out. Don’t forget to carry out some research on your own as well.

If you are searching for solar providers near you , start with solar quote comparison sites like Solar.com & Pick My Solar to find the best solar deal on the market.