Solar Panel Sine Wave Inverter

You need a pure sine wave inverter if you plan to install solar panels on your roof or RV. Most appliances in your home use AC power, so you need it to convert the DC power that solar panels produce to AC power. It also brings up the voltage to the grid level.

The basic function of a pure sine wave inverter is to convert direct current into alternating current. A direct current is that which flows only in one direction, while an alternating current, on the other hand, is a current that periodically reverses at a certain frequency, with time variations that can take the form of a sine wave.

Sine wave inverters work in three stages: the oscillator stage, the booster or amplifier stage, and finally the transformer stage. The oscillator stage does what the title says it does: changes the DC current to an oscillating AC current. The oscillating current can be set to a particular frequency: for the United States the frequency is 60 Hz.

Unlike modified sine wave inverters that can interfere with certain devices, pure sine wave inverters work properly with all types of equipment. This general compatibility includes sensitive medical equipment like CPAP machines, precision tools, variable speed motors, laser printers, and newer appliances with digital controls.

In homes with solar energy applications, off-grid pure sine wave inverters are generally applied to transform the DC power generated from solar panels into AC power for use by households or connection to the grid. This helps residents realize a greener and cheaper off-grid life and reduce their dependence on the traditional power grid.

The difference is basically in the electronics. Modified sine wave inverters use simpler and cheaper electronics to produce a wave that is not quite a smooth sine wave. Pure sine wave inverters use more expensive electronics to generate a wave that is very close to a pure sine wave.