An inverter is a vital device that converts raw power supply into a usable form, playing a crucial role in nearly 90% of homes in India. In this article, we will provide concise and essential information about inverters, their components, applications, and current pricing in the solar market. Additionally, we aim to assist you in selecting the most suitable inverter for your residential and commercial needs.
What is an Inverter?
An inverter is an advanced electronic device that effectively transforms DC (Direct Current) into AC (Alternating Current). Comprised of various electronics components including transformers, PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), LED (Light Emitting Diode) / Digital displays, power cables, cabinets, and fuses, the inverter serves a vital role in enabling the smooth and efficient utilization of alternating current for diverse applications.
What is the price of an inverter in India, 2023?
In India, the cost of inverters can fluctuate based on factors such as size, brand, and featured functionalities. Typically, the price range for inverters spans from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000. Within the context of solar projects, solar inverters constitute approximately 15-30% of the total project cost and offer power ratings ranging from 500W to 250kW.
The pricing of solar inverters hinges on several considerations, including capacity, technology, number of MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers), manufacturer, and warranty coverage. These versatile inverters have found widespread application in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
What is a Solar Inverter?
A solar inverter is a sophisticated electronic device utilized in photovoltaic (PV) systems to convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is suitable for powering electrical appliances and feeding excess energy back into the grid. This critical component ensures the efficient utilization of solar power, enabling its integration into various applications for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.
The solar inverter plays a pivotal role in optimizing the performance and reliability of solar energy systems by efficiently transforming DC to AC, enabling seamless utilization of clean and renewable energy, and facilitating grid connectivity to enable surplus power injection and net metering arrangements.
Solar inverters find widespread use in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, where they facilitate the operation of electrical appliances, lighting, and electronic devices. Additionally, they play a crucial role in grid-tied solar systems, feeding excess energy back into the grid, and in off-grid setups, storing solar-generated power in batteries for later use during periods of low or no sunlight.
What is the price of a solar inverter, 2023?
The solar inverter market comprises two primary categories; “grid-tied inverters and off-grid inverters.”
Grid-tied inverters, while more expensive than off-grid counterparts, offer significant advantages for grid-connected solar systems. In India, the cost of on-grid solar inverters in the range of 3 kW to 100 kW typically falls between Rs. 29,000 and Rs. 3,51,000. These inverters commonly come with a 5-year warranty, ensuring a certain level of reliability and product support for consumers.
What are the applications of inverter?
Solar inverters play a crucial role in solar power systems, and they can be classified into two main types: on-grid solar inverters and off-grid solar inverters.
The Indian solar market is a significant producer of off-grid solar inverters, with power ratings ranging from 500 W to 10 kW. The cost of off-grid solar inverters is influenced by factors such as the number of batteries required, the technology employed, and the manufacturer. Prices for these inverters typically range from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 1,50,000, including taxes and delivery charges.
An increasing number of factories and warehouses are transitioning to stand-alone or off-grid solar power systems. In some critical applications, customized solar inverters with power ratings of around 30kW to 50kW are needed to match the specific load requirements of the facility.
In metropolitan areas, grid-connected systems are in high demand. On-grid or grid-connected solar inverters are preferred for such locations due to shorter or no power cuts. These on-grid solar inverters are specifically designed for use in grid-connected solar-powered systems.
Traditionally, on-grid inverters are available in a wide range of power ratings, from 1 kW to 250 kW. Their prices vary from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 4,00,000, depending on factors such as the number of phases, number of MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers), and the technology utilized. These on-grid inverters can be broadly categorized into 1-phase and 3-phase models. Furthermore, based on technology, on-grid inverters can be classified into string inverters, micro-inverters, and power optimizers.
An advanced technology in solar applications is the transformer-less inverter or high-frequency inverter. These wall-mounted inverters are lightweight and can support various battery pack chemistries, making them suitable for off-grid applications. Additionally, they are known for their parallel operation in on-grid applications, further enhancing their efficiency and performance.
Which inverter is the best inverter?
The 1 kVA inverter is specifically designed to cater to the power requirements of small to medium-sized households in India with moderate energy needs. It adeptly supplies electricity to essential appliances such as lights, fans, televisions, and laptops during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted functionality. Esteemed for its affordability, resilience, and superior performance, this inverter stands as a dependable and long-lasting solution.
The price range for a 1 kVA inverter typically falls within Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000, making it an attractive and accessible option for households seeking reliable power backup solutions.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate inverter size is contingent upon your unique power demands. Larger households or those utilizing power-intensive appliances might necessitate a more substantial inverter. Additionally, the specific type of inverter must be considered. We hope that the above information will be resourceful to you while making a purchase of an inverter or a solar panel.
