How big an inverter should be used for solar power

4 FAQs about How big an inverter should be used for solar power

What size solar inverter do I Need?

Your inverter size should match your solar array's capacity, not your electricity bill. This means your inverter doesn't need to power your entire home—it just converts whatever your panels generate. Let's say you have a 6kW solar array (twenty 300-watt panels).

Why should you choose a solar inverter size?

Inverters play a vital role in converting the direct current (DC) generated by your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home. Selecting the proper inverter size ensures that your solar system operates at its full potential, ultimately impacting energy savings and system longevity.

How do I choose a solar inverter?

Knowing your array size allows you to choose an inverter that can handle that production efficiently—without over- or under-investing in capacity. The second step is understanding your system's DC-to-AC ratio, one of the most important metrics when sizing a solar inverter.

What is a good ratio for a solar inverter?

A ratio between 1.15 and 1.25 is considered ideal in most residential and commercial systems. This allows for a slight oversizing of the panels compared to the inverter, which increases energy yield without significantly impacting performance due to occasional clipping. Why slightly oversize?