A solar inverter is one of the most important components of a solar energy system. Its primary function is to convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which can be used in homes, commercial facilities, and the electricity grid.
Solar panels generate electricity, while the inverter converts it into a form that is compatible with standard electrical systems and ensures a safe and stable power supply.
The inverter also controls the operation of the solar system, helps improve its efficiency, and protects the system from overloads and unstable voltage. Its quality and capacity directly affect the reliability and long-term performance of the solar power plant.
A properly selected, high-quality solar inverter ensures stable, reliable, and efficient operation of a solar energy system. Therefore, choosing the right inverter is just as important as choosing the right solar panels.
Our inverter
We prioritize high-quality, reliable components in every solar system we design. That's why we choose Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technologies. Step Energy is the exclusive distributor and service provider of Sungrow in Georgia and Armenia.
Founded in 1997, Sungrow has been a global leader in renewable energy technology for nearly three decades. Its products are used in more than 180 countries, supported by continuous technological innovation and one of the industry's largest dedicated research centers.
Sungrow products help ensure high efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness for solar projects of all sizes while meeting international standards.
Sungrow inverters can be integrated into a wide range of solar energy systems and provide high energy yields, stable and safe operation, smart monitoring, and reliable long-term performance.
Sungrow's product portfolio includes photovoltaic inverters and energy storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, as well as floating solar installations.
We help you select the right Sungrow inverter and provide professional installation and technical support, helping you get the most out of your solar energy system.
Looking for the right solar inverter? We're here to help.
Guarantees
Inverters installed by Step Energy come with a standard 5-year warranty, which can be extended to 10, 15, or 20 years at an additional cost. We offer high-quality inverters designed for reliable, safe, and efficient long-term operation.
In addition to selecting high-quality inverters, we provide professional installation and technical support to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of your solar system over the long term.
Types of Solar Inverters
Depending on how the system operates and whether it is connected to the electricity grid, solar inverters can be divided into three main types:
Grid-Tied Inverter
A grid-tied inverter is used in solar power systems connected to the electricity grid. It converts the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity for use within the facility and, when there is excess generation, can feed electricity into the grid.
Grid-connected solar systems may participate in net metering or other grid-export programs. When the system produces more electricity than the facility consumes, the excess electricity can be exported to the grid and recorded by the meter according to the applicable regulations.
During a grid outage, a standard grid-tied inverter automatically shuts down for safety reasons. Standard grid-tied inverters do not provide battery backup functionality.
Off-Grid Inverter
An off-grid inverter is designed for facilities that are not connected to the electricity grid. These systems operate independently and typically use energy from solar panels and batteries, allowing excess electricity to be stored for later use.
Its main function is to convert DC electricity from the batteries into AC electricity suitable for the facility's electrical loads. An off-grid inverter is not designed for direct grid connection and should only be used according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Hybrid inverter
A hybrid inverter can operate in both grid-connected and backup/off-grid modes, making it one of the most flexible solutions for homes, businesses, and commercial facilities where reliable power is important.
By combining grid connection, solar generation, and battery storage, hybrid inverters can increase energy resilience and enable excess solar energy to be stored in batteries for later use or exported to the grid, depending on the system configuration and applicable regulations.
Inverter Architectures
Inverter architecture determines how solar panels are connected to the inverter and how the generated electricity is managed. The right architecture can affect system efficiency, monitoring capabilities, flexibility, and overall performance.
The main inverter architectures include:
String Inverter
String inverters are one of the most common and practical solutions for residential and commercial solar systems. Several solar panels are connected in series to form one or more strings, which are then connected to a central inverter. The inverter converts and manages the electricity generated by the connected strings.
String systems are relatively simple to install and can offer a cost-effective solution. However, shading or a technical issue affecting one or more panels in a string can reduce the output of the affected string.
Microinverter
In a microinverter system, each solar panel is connected to its own small inverter, typically mounted on or near the back of the panel.
Each panel operates independently, which can improve system performance when panels experience different levels of shading or have different orientations.
String Inverter with Power Optimizers
With power optimizers, an optimizer is installed at the panel level to manage the output of each panel and optimize energy production. The DC electricity is then converted to AC by the central string inverter.
This architecture combines the simplicity of a string inverter with panel-level optimization and monitoring. It can be particularly useful for systems with uneven shading or panels installed in different orientations.
Central Inverter
Central inverters are designed for large-scale solar power plants and other high-power applications.
A central inverter is a high-power conversion unit typically used in utility-scale and large commercial or industrial solar projects. Its power rating can reach several megawatts.
Multiple strings of solar panels are connected to a central inverter, where electricity conversion and system management are performed at a central point.
Inverter Power
Once the system type has been determined, inverter power rating is one of the key factors in selecting the right model. However, inverters with the same power rating can differ significantly in their specifications and features, including:
