INVERTER

basics

The best type of inverter for your application is the one that meets the
systems requirements and results in the highest performance for the lowest
cost, while operating reliably. Heres how to make the best match.
by Christopher Freitas
Renewable energy system designers and installers often
say that the inverter is the brains of an RE system. But Ive
always thought of it more as the systems stomach: It digests
the energy provided by the PV modules or batteries into
something that is more useful and better regulated.
The main function of an inverter is to convert direct
current (DC) into alternating current (AC), and to change the
voltage level into a stable 120 or 240 VAC that can be used by
household appliances or sold back to the utility grid.
The word inverter was originally used because the
output wave form produced by its circuits alternates between
a positive and a negative voltage. This device inverts the
polarity of the power source (typically, a battery or PV array),
causing the current to flow in alternating directions through
the load. Hence the term alternating current.
Inverters have a wide variety of designs, capabilities, and
features. Understanding their differences can be as simple as
dividing them into two groups based on their cost.

Inexpensive Battery-Based Inverters

Low-priced inverters (less than $500) are available from auto
parts and large retail stores, as well as the Internet. The smaller
ones (less than 400 watts) plug into an automobiles cigarette
lighter jack, while the larger ones (500 to 3,000 W) require
a connection wired to a battery. (For safety reasons, this
connection should be fused, but often this is not mentioned
in the sparse instructions provided.) These inverters usually
have very few safety or protection systems and are not listed
to any UL standard. Usually, only short-term warranties
apply and no customer support is available.
Low-cost inverters are for small electronic loads, such
as small TVs and laptop computers. Although some of the
higher-power models can power hand tools, the quality of the
output power while the tool is operating may damage other
more sensitive loads that are also connected. Some AC loads,

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such as some chargers for rechargeable battery packs, as well

as the batteries themselves, can be damaged by the poor AC
output wave form and poor voltage regulation, since they do
not produce a true sine wave output (see AC Output Wave
Forms sidebar for more information).
Most inexpensive inverters lack isolation between the
DC input and the AC output. Typically, the DC negative is
directly connected to the AC neutral. This allows them to
be smaller, lighter, and cheaper to manufacture. This can,
however, be a hazard when trying to install them in a National
Electrical Code-compliant manner or if used with ground-fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected AC outlet circuits.
Inexpensive inverters should not be used for residential or
commercial systems, which need to meet the requirements of
the NEC and/or be inspected. These inverters also cannot be
grid-tied as they do not include the necessary synchronization
capability or the protection systems required by utilities to
protect utility line-workers and homes. Their limited safety
systems also mean that they should only be used with
continuous supervision, in case a problem with the inverter
or a load occurs.
Exeltechs XP line provides
a super-clean wave form
appropriate for sensitive
electronics.

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inverter basics
Many inexpensive inverters boast power ratings that are
not based on a continuous operation or real-world conditions.
These power ratings may make some appear to be a better
deal, but disappointing performance often occurs. To ensure
acceptable operation and reliability, choose one with a power
rating twice as large as your application requires. The
low efficiency (often less than 80%) of most of the cheaper
inverters can result in lower overall system performance
requiring additional, expensive PV modulesresulting in
higher overall system costs.

Expensive Inverters
More expensive inverters (more than $1,000) are designed
to operate in an efficient and safe manner continuously,
even under less-than-ideal conditions. These inverters are
designed for permanent installation and are compliant with
both NEC and UL requirements. Because they include more
protective and safety systems, they are larger and heavier
than inexpensive inverters. They are well worth the extra cost
when the application requires an efficient, reliable, and safe
source of AC power.
Expensive inverters almost always include DC-to-AC
isolation, which meets NEC and UL requirements and allows
them to be used with GFCI circuits safely. They are also
nearly all listed to one of the UL standardseither UL 1741
(for residential and commercial RE systems) or UL 458 (for
RV and boat systems). Standards testing may be done by one
of several nationally recognized testing laboratories such as
UL, ETL, CSA, or TUV.
Expensive battery-based inverters often include additional
features and capabilities, such as battery chargers, AC transfer
switches, metering, load and generator control outputs, and
even data logging and networking connectivity. Not all
expensive inverters are the samesome produce smoother
AC output wave forms, which makes them more suitable for
powering sensitive loads such as electronics (TVs, computers,
laser printers, etc.). Review the specifications carefully before
selecting and purchasing one. Fortunately, the manufacturers
of expensive inverters typically provide good user and
installation manuals, as well as customer support and longer
warranties.

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OutBacks FX series is one of several

inverter brands used for remote, batterybased applications.

Different Inverters for Different Applications

High-performance inverters are optimized for specific
applicationsthere is no universal one-size-fits-all inverter.
The range of inverter applications can be divided up into four
categories:

Off-grid
Mobile
Grid-tied with battery backup
Batteryless grid-tied

It is important that the inverter you select is designed for

the application for which it is being used. Otherwise, poor
reliability and performance may occur and unsafe situations
may result, which could damage the inverter or endanger the
systems users or utility workers.

Terminology
The term inverter is often confused with the word
converter, which is a more general term for a device
that changes AC to DC (such as a battery charger), or a
device that converts one DC voltage into another (DCto-DC converter), allowing, for example, 12 VDC loads
to operate on a 48 VDC battery system. Some modern
inverters include both an inverter and a battery charger.
Some even have 12 VDC output for operating relays
or other devicesits easy to see why people might be
confused by the terminology.

OFF-GRID. All off-grid inverters work with a battery bank that

provides power, even when it is not sunny or windy. These
inverters are typically able to work with multiple sources of
powersolar, wind, hydro, and engine-generatorseven at
the same time.
AC wave form. Off-grid inverters are available with a variety
of AC output wave forms. Today, most home and commercial
power systems use sine wave inverters for sensitive loads.
Many of the smaller systems (for cabins or other locations that
do not have sensitive loads) still use modified square wave
inverters since the cost is lower.
(continued on page 92)

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inverter basics
AC OUTPUT WAVE FORMS
Lower-cost inverters produce a simpler square wave instead
of the more complex sine wave. Some sine wave inverters
have very visible, coarse steps making up the sine wave,
while others have very smooth waves, by using hundreds of
steps and more sophisticated AC output filtering.
The AC output wave form is also affected by the load
being operated and the DC input voltage level. Many lowercost inverters cannot regulate the AC output voltage when
running more difficult loads such as motors, which can
result in voltage spikes that may damage some appliances.
More expensive sine wave inverters can operate nearly any
load without problems and often have better power quality
than a utility grid, since the utility distribution system can be
affected by other AC loads operating in your neighborhood,
resulting in power-quality issues.
Square Wave Inverters. The easiest AC output wave form
to make is a square wave, in which the voltage alternates
from positive 120 volts to negative 120 V, back and forth.
This wave form has a lot of total harmonic distortion (THD)
and results in poor operation of nearly all AC loads.

A square wave inverter cannot regulate its AC output

voltage when the battery voltage changes significantly.
They produce 120 VAC when the battery is at 12 VDC, but
also produce 140 VAC when the battery is at 14 VDC and 100
VDC when the battery voltage is pulled down to 10 VDC, like
during a motor startup. This can cause even simple AC loads
like motors or lightbulbs to fail prematurely.
Because of these severe drawbacks, no square wave inverters
are being manufactured today. They still do sometimes turn
up used, but they are not worth considering, even if they
are free.
Modified Square Wave Inverters. The addition of a small
off time between the positive and negative pulse of the
square wave significantly reduces the THD. And the shape of
the wave form also can be controlled to allow regulation of
the AC output voltage level as the batterys voltage changes.
Modified-square pulses are tall and narrow when the battery
voltage is high, but become short and wide when the
battery voltage is low. This results in a consistent average
voltage being supplied to the AC loads, and improves load

Modified Square Wave/Modified Sine Wave

Inverter AC Voltage at Low, Normal, and
High DC Input Voltages

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Square Wave Inverter AC Voltage at

Low, Normal, and High DC Input Voltages

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@ 14.7 VDC = 140 VAC RMS (140 VAC Peak)

@ 15.7 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (200 VAC Peak)

@ 12.6 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (120 VAC Peak)

@ 12.6 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (160 VAC Peak)

@ 10.5 VDC = 100 VAC RMS (100 VAC Peak)

@ 9.5 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (120 VAC Peak)

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inverter basics
compatibility and performance. However, more sensitive
loads, such as variable speed motors on some hand tools
and appliances, may still operate incorrectly, overheat, and
be damaged from this type of wave form.
All of the inexpensive inverters and even some of the more
expensive off-grid and mobile inverters produce this type of
AC wave form. This wave form cannot be used for grid-tied
inverters as the THD does not meet the utility requirements.
Modified Sine Wave Inverters. Although this term
is commonly used, it is really a misnomerthere is no
difference between a modified sine wave inverter and a
modified square wave inverter, other than some sleight-ofhand marketing.
A stepped sine wave inverter produces another in
between AC wave form. Instead of having a single positive
or negative pulse punctuated by an off period between,
a stepped sine wave inverter is able to produce a series of
different voltage levels which can be arranged to produce
what is often described as a Mayan temple shape. The
number of steps varies as the battery voltage changes. At
higher battery voltages, there are fewer, but taller steps; at
lower battery voltages, there are many shorter steps.

This approach produces a wave form with a much lower

THD than a modified square wave inverter and offers good
performance and DC-to-AC conversion efficiencies of more than
90%. Some of these inverters are even able to be grid-tied since
the THD is low enough to meet UL and utility requirements.
True sine wave inverters produce a wave form that closely
matches what is provided by a utility grid. Some of them are
able to provide AC power that is better regulated and even
has lower THD than utility power.
To make this wave form, a true sine wave inverter produces
hundreds of positive and negative pulses during each AC cycle.
These pulses are then filtered into a smooth sine wave shape.
Most true sine wave inverters are able to adjust the duration
and timing of each pulse by using very fast digital electronic
circuits and/or microprocessor control. This allows the voltage
and frequency to be well controlled, ensuring that any AC load
within the inverters power limits will operate properly.
Because the output is a well controlled, very sinusoidal
shape, using these inverters for grid-tied applications is
possible by the addition of the required safety systems
and the additional testing and certification to meet the
requirements of UL1741 and utilities.

Pure Sine Wave Inverter AC Voltage

at Low, Normal, and High DC Input Voltages

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Stepped Sine Wave Inverter AC Voltage

at Low, Normal, and High DC Input Voltages

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Milliseconds

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@ 15.2 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (170 VAC Peak) 7 steps

@ 16.0 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (170 VAC Peak)

@ 12.6 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (170 VAC Peak) 9 steps

@ 12.6 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (170 VAC Peak)

@ 9.5 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (170 VAC Peak) 12 steps

@ 9.2 VDC = 120 VAC RMS (170 VAC Peak)

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inverter basics
Power rating. Because an off-grid inverter usually has to
provide all the power required by the AC loads, its power
rating is a critical factor. Fortunately, off-grid inverters
include detailed information describing their continuous
power as well as short-term surge capabilities.
Surge power. The inverters surge power rating is its ability
to provide high power levels for short periods of time
(seconds) when certain loadstypically, AC motors, such as
well pumps or power toolsare started.

The Xantrex
XW series
is designed
for off-grid
as well as
grid-intertie
systems
with battery
backup, which
is useful in the
event of grid
failure.

Idle power consumption. Although the efficiency of an

off-grid inverter is very important, be sure to also consider
how much power the inverter uses when no loads are being
poweredcalled the idle or tare power consumption. For
example, one model may consume 10 W, while another
similar inverter might consume 50 W. In just one day, thats
a difference of almost 1 kilowatt-hour being consumed (40
W x 24 hours = 960 Wh). Some off-grid inverters use a search
mode to reduce energy consumption, turning off all but the
search capability when no load is present. Although this is
useful in some applications, many homes have AC loads
that require power continuouslysuch as security systems
or answering machinesnegating any potential energy
savings from search mode.

While Magnum also makes residential RE system

inverters, its ME series is designed specifically for mobile
applications.

Courtesy www.xantrex.com

Conversion efficiency. This is how much of the power

consumed by the inverter is actually available to power the
AC loads. Inverter efficiency can range from 70% to up to
96%. The actual performance depends on the amount of AC
loads being powered and the type of wave form provided.
Efficiency is typically the worst at very low power levels (less
than 100 W) and best at about 25% to 50% of the inverters
continuous power rating.

Battery voltage. Most off-grid inverters work with nominal

battery voltages from 12 to 48 VDC, with the surge power
and conversion efficiency being the best on the 24 and 48
VDC inverters. A few larger inverters (more than 10 kW)
are designed to work with even higher voltage batteries
up to 240 VDCbut this requires specialized installation,
safety procedures, and even different battery construction.
Generally, the benefit of using a battery bank with a higher
voltage than 48 VDC is not advantageous compared to the
possible hazards it adds, unless the system size is very large
(more than 30 kW).
Options. Many off-grid inverters are available with a builtin battery charger and AC transfer switch. This allows
connection of a backup source (like the grid or an AC
generator) to charge the battery and/or run AC loads when
battery power is insufficient. Its a good idea to include this
feature even if the application does not have a generator, since
this will allow easy future load expansion or periodic battery
equalization charging by simply connecting to an AC source,
even if only occasionally.

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MOBILE. Most mobile inverters are similar to off-grid inverters.

Although most are 12 VDC, some 24 VDC systems are used on
larger motor coaches and boats, and in military applications.
Special mobile inverters are even designed to handle severe
vibration conditions or even corrosive environments, such as
saltwater spray or alkaline dust. Knowing the requirements of
the application is critical to selecting an inverter that will not
only operate the loads acceptably, but also work reliably.
home power 134 / december 2009 & january 2010

inverter basics
GRID-TIED WITH BATTERY BACKUP. A few models are
available that can sell power back to a utility grid when
the battery is full. Having a battery backup system adds
considerable complexity to a grid-tied system, but it can be
a useful feature for those with frequent or lengthy utility
outages or who want to be well prepared for possible
natural disasters or emergencies. Be sure that the inverter
documentation clearly states that it is designed for grid-tied
operation and that it is has been tested and approved to the
UL1741 standard for grid-interactivity.
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Backup AC load panel. A battery backup system typically

requires a separate AC load panel for the circuits that will
continue to operate when a utility outage occurs. Installing
these panelsand wiring the individual circuits to them
can be time-consuming.

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Using AC coupling, the SMA Sunny

Island inverter can be used in off-grid
and battery backup grid-tied systems, as
well as to build minigrid village power
systems.

Neutral/ground switching system. The primary difference

between a mobile and an off-grid inverter is how the AC
transfer switch works. Mobile inverters include additional
switching circuits that disconnect the AC input neutral and
make a connection between the AC output neutral to the
ground conductor when operating in the inverting mode.
This prevents a ground fault from occurring when the RV
or boat is plugged into a pedestal or shore power. A ground
fault can result in shock or electrocution.

Batteries. Batteries are best placed in a protected location to

keep them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer,
and out of reach of children and pets. Be prepared to replace
the batteries every three to 12 years depending on their
charging regime, usage, capacity, and battery type.

Some inverters, like

this Aurora PVI series
made by Power
One, are designed
for highly efficient
batteryless grid-tied
applications.

Efficiency. In most mobile applications, the engine of

the vehicle does most of the battery charging so the
inverters efficiency may not be as critical as with off-grid
applications. However, if you spend extended periods of
time boondocking or parked without running the engine
or being connected to the grid, then careful attention to
selecting an inverter with the highest conversion efficiency
and the lowest idle power consumption is important. The
higher performance and longer battery life will be worth
the extra money.

AC wave form. Although many RVs use modified

square wave inverters, many RVs also have sophisticated
electronics and sensitive loads, which wont run as well
on this type of wave form. Choose a sine wave inverter for
compatibility.
www.homepower.com

Courtesy www.power-one.com

AC input capacity. It is important not to pull more AC

current through the inverters AC transfer switch than it is
capable of handling. Be sure to follow the manufacturers
instructions and install proper overcurrent protection to
prevent damage if an overload occurs.

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inverter basics
Efficiency and costs. Backup capability to a grid-tied PV
system does come at a costthe conversion efficiency will be
about 5% less than for a batteryless system, and the system
cost can be as much as 25% to 50% more due to the additional
controllers, batteries, other balance-of-system requirements
(combiner boxes; battery cables and enclosures; inverter
accessories; critical loads subpanel; etc.) and increased
installation time.
BATTERYLESS GRID-TIED. A batteryless grid-tied inverter
is designed to do one thing very wellpower AC loads
from an RE system along with the utility grid and sell any
surplus energy back to the utility. Because these inverters do
not require batteries, the system and installation cost is lower
and the efficiency is usually higher. The downside is that the
system is unable to provide AC power during a utility power
outage even though the sun may be shining or the wind
blowing.
Input voltage window range. Most grid-tied inverters are
designed to work with a specific PV array configuration or a
particular wind turbine. The input voltage of most batteryless
grid-tied inverters is very highmany can accept up to
600 VDC and require at least 200 VDC to start operating.
However, it is critical that the PV array operate within

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the inverters voltage window or damage and/or poor

performance may occur.
Tested and certified. To sell power to a utility, a grid-tied
inverter has to produce a very accurate sine wave AC output
with very low total harmonic distortion (see AC Output
Wave Forms sidebar) and must be tested and certified to meet
safety and performance requirements to protect the utilitys
infrastructure and personnel. All batteryless grid-tied inverters
should be factory-labeled stating that it is designed for gridtied operation and has been tested and approved to the UL
1741 standard. (For more information on batteryless grid-tied
inverters, see Grid-Tied Inverter Buyers Guide in HP133.)

Access
Christopher Freitas ([email protected]) has worked in the PV
industry since 1986 as an electrical engineer. He has participated
in the development of many UL, NEC and IEEE standards, and
volunteers on developing-world RE projects with Sun Energy Power
International. He lives in an off-grid solar and microhydro-powered
home in Washington state.

home power 134 / december 2009 & january 2010