Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary

The article discusses the benefits of solar energy and the importance of selecting the right solar power system components, especially the inverter. It emphasizes the need for research before purchasing to avoid compatibility issues and unnecessary maintenance. The article explains the role of inverters in converting DC energy from solar panels into AC for household appliances. It compares string inverters and microinverters, highlighting their pros and cons based on installation and maintenance requirements.

A specific inverter, the EG4 18K, is recommended for its power output, portability, stackability, certifications, and warranty. A comparison with another top-grade inverter, the Sol-Ark 15K, is provided to help readers make an informed decision. The article also suggests that purchasing a solar kit is a convenient way to ensure compatibility and receive expert advice and service.

Introduction

Have you ever opened your electricity bill with a smile on your face? Electricity remains a modern necessity, but the outdated and expensive nature of traditional electrical sources can be disheartening. 

Homeowners, businesses, and RV users now flock to solar energy, especially as it becomes more affordable and efficient. It's an eco-friendly alternative that gives people greater independence and confidence that they won't suffer when grid systems fail.

Let's get it out of the way upfront: Researching and selecting the right brand is a crucial part of setting up your own solar power system. Solar power has many benefits,  but you can't adopt it willy-nilly. Many people fail to research key components before purchasing, resulting in compatibility issues, unnecessary maintenance, and other issues. 

Before spending a dime, you must familiarize yourself with every component, such as the inverter. Inverters are a vital part of solar energy, so it's important to choose the right inverter for your system. EG4 is a trusted manufacturer whose 18K inverter is one of the best on the market. 

What Do Solar Inverters Do?

The inverter is an inseparable part of any solar power system, although it's often overlooked. So what does it do?

The inverter creates a particular current that powers many important devices and systems. When the solar panels soak up sunlight, the internal photovoltaic cells convert the light into a direct current. Many gadgets, like phone chargers, run on DC. But often, the most important devices and systems require an alternate current (AC). This is where the inverter comes into play.

The inverter takes DC energy and converts it into AC. Without the inverter, you couldn't power things like lightbulbs, air conditioners, heaters, ovens, and refrigerators. 

It's vital to remember that not every inverter operates equally. There are certain metrics to help distinguish the lovely from the lousy:

1. Efficiency: Efficiency measures the percentage of power lost during the conversion from DC to AC. Typically, solar inverters have 85-95% efficiencies, with the best options reaching above 96%.
2. Maximum Power Output: Maximum Power Output explains how much voltage the inverter can handle. Before purchasing your solar equipment, it's important to estimate what your power requirements are. For example, a small camping excursion doesn't require a mammoth output, while taking your home off-grid will require a much stronger inverter. 
3. Type of Inverter: Finally, it's important to decide between a string inverter and a microinverter, as discussed below. 

String Inverter vs. Microinverter

A string inverter is best thought of as a centralized power station. The string inverter hooks up to every panel in your array and converts the combined panels' energy. On the other hand, microinverters are individual power converters. Each one hooks up to a single panel and converts energy separately. 

When choosing between these two, the main concern is evaluating what type of space you have. String inverters work great for open, uncomplicated areas because they harness all the panels together. But if a single panel drops productivity, it impacts the total output. Because of this, microinverters are often better for wooded areas or places with frequent shade, although they are more expensive upfront. 

String Inverter Pros

• More affordable
• Excellent for areas with little shade
• Easier installation and diagnosis
• Less maintenance

String Inverter Cons

• Reduced output if any panel is damaged or in the shade
• No way to monitor individual panels
• Output issues if panels face different directions

Microinverter Pros

• Shade or damage only impacts individual panels and doesn't impact the productivity of the entire system
• Ability to monitor individual panel metrics
• Easy to expand or decrease system size

Microinverter Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Unnecessary for areas with little shade
• More maintenance

The string vs microinverter debate is continuous and there's unfortunately no right answer. The goal is to choose a Goldilocks inverter to meet your needs, and there's no better place to begin than by looking at the market's best.

EG4 18K

If you're looking for an impeccable string inverter with enough power to launch an off-grid journey, consider the EG4 18K. The first reason to consider it is its power. The 12,000W of uninterrupted output is enough to reduce grid dependence significantly, yet the inverter is still portable enough to take on the go. 

For those pining for total energy independence, EG4 18K inverters are easily stackable, meaning you can tie multiple units together to increase output.

Lastly, you can't ever skimp on safety. The EG4 18K has top-of-the-line certifications and a ten-year warranty, giving you the assurance that you won't suffer catastrophe as you transition off-grid.

EG4 18K vs Sol-Ark 15K

The EG4 18K inverter is a well-rounded, highly recommended option. But is it the best solar inverter available? Ultimately, you'll have to make that call; all we can do is present the argument. We'll compare the EG4 18K inverter to the Sol-Ark 15K, another similar top-grade inverter. 

Both the EG4 18K and the Sol-Ark 15K stand at the cutting edge of technology. Each has advanced software monitoring, built-in LCD screens for displaying live data, and prodigious safety features.

Solar Kits: The Best Way to Get a Complete Home Solar Power System

Solar power doesn't sound so bad at this point, right? 

It's true. Making the solar switch results in savings galore, and is excellent for those who camp, reside in areas with extreme weather,  or loathe the grid. But there's something manufacturers don't tell you: Piecing together your own solar setup is a huge task. Because of this, many opt for a kit.

Solar kits are the best way to guarantee every part of your system is compatible. It's also the best way to ensure you get the right size with the right output and capacity for the right price. If you choose the right company, you'll also get extensive advice and service before and during installation and any maintenance issues. 

The Ultimate Solar + Storage Blueprint (Mini Course)

Struggling to understand how solar + storage systems actually work? Looking to build or buy your own solar power system one day but not sure what you need? Just looking to learn more about solar, batteries and electricity?

Join 15,000+ solar enthusiasts breaking free from their energy dependence with this short step-by-step video course that will make you a solar + storage expert. Start your journey to energy independence today.

Learn More Now

Who is ShopSolar.com?

ShopSolar.com is the #1 digital platform that enables consumers & businesses to source and purchase complete solar + storage solutions direct, saving you thousands in time, energy and money! With over 40,000+ happy customers, we’re on a mission to make solar simple, transparent and affordable.