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Solar Inverters

What Does a Residential Solar Inverter Do?

A residential solar inverter is a crucial component of a solar energy system. It converts direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power your home or be fed back into the grid. Here’s a detailed look at its functions:

  1. DC to AC Conversion: Solar panels generate DC electricity. Since most home appliances and the power grid use AC electricity, the inverter’s primary function is to convert DC to AC.
  2. System Monitoring: Modern inverters provide monitoring capabilities, allowing homeowners to track the performance of their solar system in real-time, including energy production and system health.
  3. Grid Interaction: Inverters ensure that the electricity produced is synchronized with the grid’s voltage and frequency. This is vital for safely feeding excess energy back to the grid.
  4. Safety Functions: Inverters have safety features to protect your system and home, including anti-islanding protection, which ensures that the system shuts down during a power outage to prevent harm to utility workers.

Top 3 Brands of Solar Inverters

  • SolarEdge:
    • Overview: Known for its innovative use of power optimizers, SolarEdge offers highly efficient and reliable inverters. Their systems are particularly well-suited for residential installations with shading issues.
    • Key Features: High efficiency, module-level monitoring, long warranties, and enhanced safety features.
    • Best For: Homeowners looking for a balance of efficiency, reliability, and advanced monitoring capabilities.
  • Enphase Energy:
    • Overview: A leader in microinverter technology, Enphase provides inverters that maximize energy production and offer detailed monitoring for each panel.
    • Key Features: High efficiency, module-level performance monitoring, robust warranties, and easy expandability.
    • Best For: Homes with complex roofs or shading issues, and those who want detailed, panel-level monitoring.
  • Tesla Powerwall 3:
    • Overview: Tesla inverters are advanced devices designed to convert DC power from solar panels or batteries into AC power for home or commercial use, integrating seamlessly with Tesla’s energy products for efficient energy management.
    • Key Features: High conversion efficiency, maximizing the amount of usable AC power generated from solar panels, Designed to work seamlessly with Tesla’s solar panels and Powerwall, allowing for efficient energy management and storage, Advanced monitoring capabilities, enabling users to track energy production and consumption in real-time through the Tesla app
    • Best For: For homeowners who already have or plan to install a Tesla Powerwall, a Tesla inverter ensures seamless integration and optimized energy storage and usage, Customers who are invested in the Tesla ecosystem, including Tesla solar panels, electric vehicles, and the Tesla app, benefit from compatibility and unified control, Customers who want comprehensive, real-time monitoring and control of their solar energy production and consumption through an intuitive mobile app.

Routine maintenance can identify and address minor issues before they become significant problems. Components like inverters, wiring, and mounting systems need to be checked regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly. This proactive approach can extend the lifespan of your solar system and save you money on costly repairs or replacements.

Home Hub Single Phase Inverter AUS isometric right 4K
Tesla Powerwall
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How to Choose the Right Solar Inverter

Selecting the right inverter is critical for maximizing the efficiency and longevity of your solar energy system. Here are key factors to consider:

  1. Type of Inverter:
    • String Inverters: Suitable for systems where panels receive uniform sunlight and are arranged in a single string. They are cost-effective but less efficient if some panels are shaded.
    • Microinverters: Installed on each panel, these are ideal for systems with shading issues or complex roof layouts. They provide higher efficiency and detailed performance monitoring.
    • Power Optimizers: These work with string inverters to optimize the output of each panel, combining the benefits of microinverters and string inverters.
  2. Efficiency: Look for inverters with high efficiency ratings (above 95%). Higher efficiency means less energy loss during the DC to AC conversion.
  3. Warranty and Reliability: Choose inverters with long warranties (typically 10-25 years). A reliable inverter with a robust warranty ensures long-term performance and peace of mind.
  4. Monitoring Features: Inverters with advanced monitoring capabilities allow you to track the performance and health of your system easily.
  5. Cost: Balance your budget with the features and benefits of the inverter. While cheaper options may save money upfront, investing in a high-quality inverter can lead to better performance and savings in the long run.
“When we evaluated whether solar was right for us, TruNorth Solar laid out the facts honestly and with no reservation in every conversation we had. From the initial design to the eventual build, each employee showed their excitement for solar and genuine wish to see that we were happy with the end product. We are extremely pleased with our array, so much so that we may add another.”
Ryan McAnnanyInver Grove Heights
“Our solar panels were installed in late August. The crew was conscientious about ensuring good-looking installation. We were pleasantly surprised when the bill for September’s gas and electricity arrived – 13 cents! With the 30% federal tax credit and Made in Minnesota payments during the first 10 years, investing in solar makes great financial sense. We look forward to low utilities bills in our retirement AND we feel great about reducing our carbon footprint.”
Janna KingRoseville, MN
“We have known Marty and James from TruNorth since 2012. They installed our solar roof (pun intended) and have maintained it ever since. When 1 of 38 inverters failed a few years ago, it was magically replaced after a quick call to TruNorth and we weren’t even at home for that. Marty and the team are experienced, competent, responsive and driven.”
Alex Matusevich & Jason BrightMinneapolis MN
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I work in the energy industry and when it comes to residential rooftop solar, there are only a few companies I would trust. TruNorth is one of them. Marti did an excellent job and kept me updated on the process. Everyone on his team was professional, nice, and could not say enough good things about working for the company. The process from estimate to installation went way quicker than I expected, and I never had doubts about the status as I was constantly updated on timing. Two years after getting solar I got my first ev. I asked a question to Marti and he mentioend that he also installs ev chargers. Not only was Marti significantly cheaper than the other estimates, the job took less than 2 hours and his staff were once again friendly, fun to talk to, and professional. I cannot recomend them enough, and being in the renewable energy industry I have heard horror stories about scammers, poor workmanship, and other tragedies that harm the industries reptuation. I would not worry about that with TruNorth, they are the real deal.
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TruNorth Solar was a straightforward, professional, and easy to work with. I also had them perform additional electrical changes that they did at the same time as the solar installation for a seamless look. They communicated with me continuously throughout the project, and I got daily updates when the physical work was being performed. I am pleased with their workmanship - it looks great! I highly recommend TruNorth Solar to anyone looking to make the transition to solar.
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We had our solar system installed this past September and couldn’t be more pleased with the whole TruNorth process. From the start of our investigation into solarizing, TruNorth was extremely helpful in navigating the entire process, from what to expect regarding system output, federal, state and utility credits, where to get the best financing and what to know about the installation process. Since the installation, our electric meter has continued to go backwards. We are totally satisfied!
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I really enjoyed working with TruNorth to install solar panels on my home. They were always quick to respond with my questions, and they gave me different options on the amount of panels I could choose from. Their crew was friendly and professional. They explained the details of my system and had it up and online in about 2 weeks. They are a very solid company that will continue to be around. I highly recommend them. Lauren L. in Wayzata
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From start to finish, working with TruNorth Solar was a wonderful experience. The initial contact quickly led to the assessment and computer-generated site plan. The work was started in November of 2022 and only took a few days. Very professional and respectful. Great company to work with.
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Minnetonka
“When we evaluated whether solar was right for us, TruNorth Solar laid out the facts honestly and with no reservation in every conversation we had. From the initial design to the eventual build, each employee showed their excitement for solar and genuine wish to see that we were happy with the end product. We are extremely pleased with our array, so much so that we may add another.”
Ryan McAnnany
Inver Grove Heights
“My wife and I were both very impressed with the level of service we received from TruNorth. When we originally decide to have solar installed we got quotes from TruNorth and two of their competitors. We ended up selecting one of the other installers which turned out to be a huge mistake. The project basically didn’t go anywhere for 7 months and the level of communication was terrible. In a last ditch effort to save the project I called Marty to see if he would be interested in taking on the job. He jumped right on it and I felt like more happened in the first week than in the entire time we were with the other company. From then on I received weekly calls from our Project Manager Charlie and they hit every timeline they had originally quoted. We couldn’t be happier with how the project turned out. There is no doubt in my mind that TruNorth will be a major player in the solar installation business for years to come after seeing how they operate compared to their competitors.”
Ryan and Shelly Bormann
Maple Grove, MN
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Fred Rogers
Northfield, MN
“Working with TruNorth Solar has been a pleasure! I met Marty approximately two years ago while shopping around for some ideas on Geothermal heating and cooling and or solar and wind production of electricity. Marty was very generous with his time in answering questions and helping me understand the various realities of each system. He listened to my thoughts and issues and gave me guidance with patience as I worked through my options. We reworked the plan several times until a ground mount solar array design was just right for my property. Once, that was accomplished, Marty moved through the steps to final installation keeping me informed of every aspect as it moved through the process. During installation his staff was on task, friendly and very considerate of our property. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with them to complete this environmental friendly goal.”
Dr. Dennis J. Grabowski
Lake Elmo, MN
“Our solar panels were installed in late August. The crew was conscientious about ensuring good-looking installation. We were pleasantly surprised when the bill for September’s gas and electricity arrived – 13 cents! With the 30% federal tax credit and Made in Minnesota payments during the first 10 years, investing in solar makes great financial sense. We look forward to low utilities bills in our retirement AND we feel great about reducing our carbon footprint.”
Janna King
Roseville, MN
“I was impressed with the overall project; from planning to installation. You were very thorough in your research and proposal. The installation went exactly as planned. It was a pleasure doing business with a true professional!”
Kim Beauclair (Beauclair Construction & Cabinetry)
Inver Grove Heights, MN
“It was a pleasure working with you and your Team at TruNorthSolar. From start to finish the communication that I received from you and the installation crews was nothing short of exceptional. As you know I did extensive research on not only the panel system but the structure and hardware that the panels will be fastened too for the next several decades. I was very impressed with the amount of non-corrosive material that was used in the structure that holds the panels. The use of Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Galvanized Hardware means that for many years (decades) there will be little to no hardware maintenance with this system. The quality and integrity of how the installation process proceeded made this project one of the easiest projects I have ever been involved with. Kudos to you and your crew!!”
Loren O’Brien (B&F Fastener Supply)
Ramsey, MN
“We have known Marty and James from TruNorth since 2012. They installed our solar roof (pun intended) and have maintained it ever since. When 1 of 38 inverters failed a few years ago, it was magically replaced after a quick call to TruNorth and we weren’t even at home for that. Marty and the team are experienced, competent, responsive and driven.”
Alex Matusevich & Jason Bright
Minneapolis MN
“My husband and I have just had the privilege of working with Marty Morud who installed 36 solar panels on our 1916 year old house in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. I cannot rave enough about Marty’s work. He presented us with thoughtful options, helped us to select the best for our situation, kept to a schedule and delivered services in a timely manner. He was always respectful, tidy — and a patient teacher for me, learning this new “green” vocabulary. I am happy to talk further about Marty and would be delighted to showcase his work on our roof.Please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Margaret Shulman
Minneapolis MN
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