The DC-to-AC ratio — also known as Inverter Loading Ratio (ILR) — is defined as the ratio of installed DC capacity to the inverter''s AC power rating. It often makes sense to oversize a solar array, such that the DC-to-AC ratio is greater than 1 .
To optimize system performance, balance cost, efficiency, and reliability by closely matching the inverter capacity with your solar panel system size. Consider the balance between DC and AC capacities to ensure seamless integration.
When your solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into energy, it gets sent to the inverter, which takes the DC energy and turns it into AC energy. At that point, your solar electricity can power your appliances and electronics, or if you''re producing more electricity than you need, it can feed back into the grid.
The size of your solar inverter can be larger or smaller than the DC rating of your solar array, to a certain extent. The array-to-inverter ratio of a solar panel system is the DC rating of your solar array divided by the maximum AC output of your inverter. For example, if your array is 6 kW with a 6000 W inverter, the array-to-inverter ratio is 1.
How Solar Inverter Sizing Works. The size of the solar inverter you need is directly related to the output of your solar panel array. The inverter''s capacity should ideally match the DC rating of your solar panels in kilowatts (kW). For example, if you have a 3 kW solar array, you would typically need a 3 kW inverter.
You''ll need to calculate the wattage of your solar array and then find an inverter that is compatible with that wattage. Most solar inverters are rated in kilowatts (kW), so you''ll want to make sure you''re choosing an inverter that is equal to or greater than the wattage of your solar array.
The three pieces of information needed to determine the optimal balance are 1) the relationship between production output and the DC:AC ratio, 2) the cost of adding solar panel capacity, and 3) the cost of adding inverter capacity.
The capacity of an inverter is determined by its maximum output in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). To calculate the required capacity for your solar inverter, sum up the total wattage of your solar panels and adjust based on expected system efficiency, shading, and the specific energy needs of your household or business.
Your inverter''s AC output and capacity are essential considerations when selecting the appropriate size for your solar inverter. Understanding the AC output specifications and the inverter''s capacity will help ensure compatibility with your electrical system and the ability to meet your power needs.
A solar power inverter converts or inverts the direct current (DC) energy produced by a solar panel into Alternate Current (AC.) Most homes use AC rather than DC energy. DC energy is not safe to use in homes.