Can microinverters be used off-grid?

Microinverters can be used off-grid in a number of ways. Microinverters are the latest technology that’s used to convert DC power into AC off-grid. With the ability to do this consistently, microinverters eliminate exposure to high voltage DC electricity while powering your equipment or appliances.

Can micro inverters be used in off grid solar power systems?

With the growth in the use of micro inverters, I’m starting to get more and more emails asking: can micro inverters be used in off grid (or hybrid) solar power systems? The short answer is yes they can! In fact a number of micro inverter battery backup systems are already operating here and abroad.

How does an off-grid inverter work?

An off-grid inverter, on the other hand, requires a battery bank to operate. The way it works is that your solar panels provide DC electricity to the batteries. The electricity is then “inverted” by your inverter, resulting in AC power for your house. This effectively functions as a small electrical grid.

Can you trick a grid-tie inverter with an off-grid system?

Yes, you can trick a grid-tie inverter with an off-grid system, but it’s not that simple.

Why do I need an inverter for a microgrid?

The inverter provides the MicroGrid with as much PV energy as possible. If the load is less than the maximum capacity of the PV generator and if the batteries are already full (or the charging power of the inverter charger is too low), automatic PV power reduction will be required.

Should I buy a micro inverter based system?

So if you buy a microinverter based system you won’t be left high and dry if you want to add batteries in the future, you’ll simply need an AC coupled system. In fact the way technology is progressing it would not surprise me if batteries will soon come with “micro inverter/chargers”.