Quick Answer
Kilowatt-hour losses from inverter usage can range from 3 to 8%, depending on the efficiency and technology used. This percentage accounts for the energy lost during the conversion process from DC to AC power.
Inverter Efficiency and Losses
Inverter efficiency plays a significant role in determining the overall energy losses in a solar-powered system. Most modern solar inverters have efficiencies ranging from 95% to 98%. For example, a popular string inverter model, the SMA Sunny Boy 7.0-US, has an efficiency of 96.4%. This means that for every 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of DC power generated by solar panels, the inverter converts approximately 96.4 kWh to AC power.
Effects of Inverter Losses on System Performance
Inverter losses can have a noticeable impact on the overall performance of a solar-powered system, especially in small-scale installations. To illustrate this, consider a 5 kW solar array with an inverter efficiency of 95%. If the array generates 25 kWh of DC power in a day, the inverter will convert approximately 23.75 kWh to AC power. This translates to a daily energy loss of 1.25 kWh due to inverter inefficiency.
Mitigating Inverter Losses
To minimize inverter losses, system designers and installers can consider using inverters with high efficiency ratings and implementing optimal system design practices. For instance, using multiple smaller inverters (referred to as “micro-inverters” or “DC-optimizers”) can help to reduce energy losses by allowing for more efficient energy conversion at the panel level. However, these solutions often come with higher upfront costs, and system designers must carefully weigh the benefits against the added expenses.
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