Solar power is becoming a more appealing mode of generating electricity, but to use it, you need a solar inverter. Tesla is one of the best solar brands because its products are high-quality, utilise innovative technology, and have a long lifespan.
But Tesla’s inverters often fly under the radar, so people sometimes hesitate to choose them over other options. Some people may not even understand just how important a good solar inverter is to the efficiency of their energy system. As a certified installer of Tesla solar inverters in Perth, WA, we want to change that.
Solar inverters are a key part of solar energy systems. They convert the direct current (DC) produced when the solar panels capture sunlight into alternating current (AC), which is the main type of electricity used to power homes and devices. Without a solar inverter, it would be impossible to produce electricity independently of the national grid.
Tesla offers one main solar inverter, which is built on the brand’s groundbreaking Powerwall technology. It has a proven CEC efficiency of 98% at 240 V, with four different power specifications: 3.8kW, 5kW, 5.7kW and 7.6kW. These inverters work best as part of the Tesla Powerwall, but they can also be installed individually as part of your solar system.
When it comes to solar inverters, the number you need depends on the size of your system and its efficiency. A small system with a single string of solar panels should only require one inverter, but a more complex system may require multiple inverters to prevent any DC from being lost.
Tesla solar inverters are powerful, but they must still be matched to the capacity of your system in order to operate efficiently.
In Perth, residential solar energy systems typically range between 3kW and 10kW. For a small system that produces 3kW of energy, a single 3.8kW Tesla inverter would likely be enough. However, if you noticed excessive waste, you could add another of the same size or upgrade the inverter to one with a larger capacity.
A solar energy system at the top end of the scale would require a larger Tesla inverter, although there are advantages to using more than one. With multiple inverters, the system can increase its discharge rate, drawing more energy from the battery during the day. It could be beneficial to have one small Tesla solar inverter for each string of panels, allowing them to convert DC independently and regulate the system’s overall performance.
Tesla’s Powerwall batteries can also be paired with more than one inverter, so if your system is wasting energy because it cannot be converted into AC quickly enough, it could be worth investing in an additional inverter for a large system. The new Powerwall 3 includes a hybrid solar inverter, but previous versions of the Powerwall don’t.
It’s recommended to only invest in multiple solar inverters if you need them because most smaller systems can function efficiently with just one. However, this still depends on the size and productivity of your solar energy system.
Solar energy waste is typically indicated by:
If the panels are undamaged and the rest of the system is working well, it is likely that the solar inverter is causing the problem. A system that routinely wastes energy requires more than one inverter, especially if there are multiple strings of panels all regularly absorbing DC from the sun
Tesla solar inverters pair best with Tesla batteries and panels because they’re built on the same innovative technology. However, if you already have solar panels from another brand installed, you can still use one or more Tesla inverters, so long as the specifications match.
A Tesla Powerwall can be integrated into an existing solar energy system, allowing you to incorporate an additional inverter if necessary. The process of adding multiple inverters can be complicated to work out alone, so it’s best to consult professional services for help and advice.
That’s where we come in. Middle Swan Solar is a proud Certified Tesla Installer, supplying the brand’s high-quality solar products to areas across Perth. From individual inverters to Powerwalls, we are here to help, with direct support from the Tesla Assurance Team to ensure our installations are done to the best standard possible.
If you think your solar energy system needs another inverter, or if you’re interested in installing Tesla solar products, get in touch now for a consultation with our team of experts.