PV inverters

What is an inverter?

PV modules produce electricity in the form of direct current. The inverter’s job is to convert this energy into alternating current that is compatible with the electricity in the power grid.


What is the difference between an inverter and a micro-inverter?

Micro-inverters are devices that enable the conversion of direct current to alternating current from one or more PV modules. Unlike standard string inverters, which are placed further away from the modules, for example, on a wall in the service room, micro-inverters are fitted directly underneath the PV module. This minimises losses as less DC wiring is required, and it cuts out the cost of DC circuit protectors which are needed for string inverters. Such configuration significantly improves the installation’s safety as the maximum DC voltage that flows through the system is that of a single module. In addition, there is no need for any protection on the DC side. Micro-inverters are connected in parallel to one or three phases of AC wiring that leads directly to an AC switchboard.


What is a hybrid inverter?

Hybrid inverters are multi-functional devices that are connected to at least the power grid as well as an energy storage system. You can configure them according to your specific preferences, so the inverter will send the energy produced directly to the electrical appliances in your home. If the PV installation produces more energy than is required at the time, the excess energy does not have to be sent to the grid. It is possible to use it to charge an energy storage system. This allows the prosumer to enjoy free electricity after sunset when their PV system is not producing power.


How to choose the best inverter for a given installation? How do models differ from each other?

Choosing the right inverter depends on the size of the system and the number of phases supplied. According to Polish regulations, owners of PV installations with a capacity exceeding 3.68 kW must choose a three-phase inverter. For smaller installations, there are no such restrictions, and it is possible to purchase both single-phase and three-phase inverters. A general rule of thumb for matching inverter’s power to the system’s power is that PV panel power should be in the range of 0.8-1.2 of the device’s AC power. If you want to find the perfect inverter for your installation, use our tool “TOOLTEC”. If you have more questions about selecting the right inverter, please contact Solfinity Customer Service.


My inverter is not working. What should I do?

Check whether the inverter switch is in the “I” position and make sure that the circuit breakers in the switchboard are engaged. If the inverter only operates at certain times, try to determine when the problems occur, and pay attention to weather conditions when they do. Gather as much information as possible and contact your installer.


Do inverters heat up more in the summer, thus requiring more frequent maintenance?

Due to summer weather conditions, the inverter reaches higher temperatures during operation, but this does not affect its lifetime or failure rate.


Can typical inverters and micro-inverters be directly connected in one PV installation?

Directly connecting a typical inverter and a micro-inverter is not possible. A PV system with a classic string inverter can be expanded by installing another separate PV system based on micro-inverters.


How is the current fed back into the grid with a micro-inverter-based installation?

The principles of operation are the same as in a typical system. During the day, the prosumer uses the electricity produced by the PV system. Excess energy goes back into the grid.


What components need to be purchased for a micro-inverter-based installation?

In addition to the basic components such as panels, a mounting system, and electrical protections, you still need to purchase a control panel that manages all the micro-inverters in your installation.


Can I install an inverter outside the building?

Yes, provided the inverter is IP65 rated. It is good practice to protect the inverter by building a small canopy in order to shield it from the sun, rain, and hail. For important information on how to install the inverter, refer to the unit’s instruction manual.


How can I connect my Kostal inverter to the internet?

The Kostal inverter can be connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable. This allows you to configure the inverter and download the mobile app. It can be used to check how much electricity a particular installation is generating at any given time. You can also review historical data from past weeks, months, or years. The app will also show how much energy was taken from the grid and how much was produced using the PV modules.


Can a Kostal Plenticore inverter be used in an installation with an energy storage system?

Yes, a Kostal Plenticore inverter is an ideal solution for people who are thinking about expanding their installation with an energy storage system. With this solution, one of the MPPT inputs can be used to connect a high-voltage battery already at the installation stage or later. There is an additional charge for this service.


When purchasing a SolarEdge inverter, do I need to have the installation design approved by a fire inspector?

Yes, under the new regulations that came into effect on the 19th of September 2020 – all PV installations above 6.5 kWp must be approved by a fire inspector and reported to the State Fire Service.


How to connect StecaGrid inverter monitoring?

Connecting StecaGrid inverter monitoring is very simple. All you must do is connect the inverter to the network via an Ethernet cable. You will then enter the inverter settings and activate monitoring. The installation will start automatically. If everything goes well, go to portal.powerdoo.com and register your inverter.

In case of any problems, please read the manual carefully.


How do I connect Sofar Solar inverter monitoring?

To connect Sofar Solar inverter monitoring, all you need to do is screw the Wi-Fi adapter into the right place. Once the inverter is up and running, connect to it using the selected Wi-Fi network. Then proceed to register the inverter. The installer can do this at pro.solarmanpv.com. Installation owners can register at home.solarmanpv.com.


PV inverters

What is an inverter?

PV modules produce electricity in the form of direct current. The inverter’s job is to convert this energy into alternating current that is compatible with the electricity in the power grid.


What is the difference between an inverter and a micro-inverter?

Micro-inverters are devices that enable the conversion of direct current to alternating current from one or more PV modules. Unlike standard string inverters, which are placed further away from the modules, for example, on a wall in the service room, micro-inverters are fitted directly underneath the PV module. This minimises losses as less DC wiring is required, and it cuts out the cost of DC circuit protectors which are needed for string inverters. Such configuration significantly improves the installation’s safety as the maximum DC voltage that flows through the system is that of a single module. In addition, there is no need for any protection on the DC side. Micro-inverters are connected in parallel to one or three phases of AC wiring that leads directly to an AC switchboard.


What is a hybrid inverter?

Hybrid inverters are multi-functional devices that are connected to at least the power grid as well as an energy storage system. You can configure them according to your specific preferences, so the inverter will send the energy produced directly to the electrical appliances in your home. If the PV installation produces more energy than is required at the time, the excess energy does not have to be sent to the grid. It is possible to use it to charge an energy storage system. This allows the prosumer to enjoy free electricity after sunset when their PV system is not producing power.


How to choose the best inverter for a given installation? How do models differ from each other?

Choosing the right inverter depends on the size of the system and the number of phases supplied. According to Polish regulations, owners of PV installations with a capacity exceeding 3.68 kW must choose a three-phase inverter. For smaller installations, there are no such restrictions, and it is possible to purchase both single-phase and three-phase inverters. A general rule of thumb for matching inverter’s power to the system’s power is that PV panel power should be in the range of 0.8-1.2 of the device’s AC power. If you want to find the perfect inverter for your installation, use our tool “TOOLTEC”. If you have more questions about selecting the right inverter, please contact Solfinity Customer Service.


My inverter is not working. What should I do?

Check whether the inverter switch is in the “I” position and make sure that the circuit breakers in the switchboard are engaged. If the inverter only operates at certain times, try to determine when the problems occur, and pay attention to weather conditions when they do. Gather as much information as possible and contact your installer.


Do inverters heat up more in the summer, thus requiring more frequent maintenance?

Due to summer weather conditions, the inverter reaches higher temperatures during operation, but this does not affect its lifetime or failure rate.


Can typical inverters and micro-inverters be directly connected in one PV installation?

Directly connecting a typical inverter and a micro-inverter is not possible. A PV system with a classic string inverter can be expanded by installing another separate PV system based on micro-inverters.


How is the current fed back into the grid with a micro-inverter-based installation?

The principles of operation are the same as in a typical system. During the day, the prosumer uses the electricity produced by the PV system. Excess energy goes back into the grid.


What components need to be purchased for a micro-inverter-based installation?

In addition to the basic components such as panels, a mounting system, and electrical protections, you still need to purchase a control panel that manages all the micro-inverters in your installation.


Can I install an inverter outside the building?

Yes, provided the inverter is IP65 rated. It is good practice to protect the inverter by building a small canopy in order to shield it from the sun, rain, and hail. For important information on how to install the inverter, refer to the unit’s instruction manual.


How can I connect my Kostal inverter to the internet?

The Kostal inverter can be connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable. This allows you to configure the inverter and download the mobile app. It can be used to check how much electricity a particular installation is generating at any given time. You can also review historical data from past weeks, months, or years. The app will also show how much energy was taken from the grid and how much was produced using the PV modules.


Can a Kostal Plenticore inverter be used in an installation with an energy storage system?

Yes, a Kostal Plenticore inverter is an ideal solution for people who are thinking about expanding their installation with an energy storage system. With this solution, one of the MPPT inputs can be used to connect a high-voltage battery already at the installation stage or later. There is an additional charge for this service.


When purchasing a SolarEdge inverter, do I need to have the installation design approved by a fire inspector?

Yes, under the new regulations that came into effect on the 19th of September 2020 – all PV installations above 6.5 kWp must be approved by a fire inspector and reported to the State Fire Service.


How to connect StecaGrid inverter monitoring?

Connecting StecaGrid inverter monitoring is very simple. All you must do is connect the inverter to the network via an Ethernet cable. You will then enter the inverter settings and activate monitoring. The installation will start automatically. If everything goes well, go to portal.powerdoo.com and register your inverter.

In case of any problems, please read the manual carefully.


How do I connect Sofar Solar inverter monitoring?

To connect Sofar Solar inverter monitoring, all you need to do is screw the Wi-Fi adapter into the right place. Once the inverter is up and running, connect to it using the selected Wi-Fi network. Then proceed to register the inverter. The installer can do this at pro.solarmanpv.com. Installation owners can register at home.solarmanpv.com.