PV Inverter Meter
If you have a solar panel system on your home and are tied to the grid, you’ll also need a PV inverter meter. By using a meter, you’ll be able to track power demands, energy generation and also keep on top of any potential issues with your system.
Before we review information you can obtain from a PV inverter meter, we should go over the purpose of a solar inverter. Basically, an inverter is required to change the direct current (DC) that is generated by your solar panels from the absorbed solar energy into alternating current (AC) that you can use as electricity.
The following video shows a solar inverter installation:
A solar inverter
Now that you know about PV inverters, let’s review the information you can obtain from a small, wall-mounted inverter meter:
- Energy Produced by your Solar Panels. Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), your meter can give you up-to-date information regarding the energy produced during the past 24 hours. Some models may be able to report cumulative energy production too. Consider the estimated annual production of kWh for which your system was designed and divide by 365. If you are below that number, you may wish to make some adjustments, such as cleaning the panels or making sure that vegetation is not shading them. Or, you may have a blown fuse.
- Output Power (AC). A PV inverter meter can tell you in watts the amount of alternative current (AC) power your solar panel system is producing.
- Direct Current (DC) Voltage. This value may change due to outdoor temperatures, as the voltage rises as temperatures drops and vice-versa. Make sure that the voltage stays within the inverter’s voltage input specifications.
- Direct Current (DC) Amps. This value shows the amount of irradiation to which your panels are exposed. Of course, it will be lower on cloudy days.
- Advanced meter calculations. Sign me up for one of these fancy devices that can tell you about CO2 offsets that you are achieving by using a solar power system. Others include an error menu that can pinpoint where problems may be occurring.
How are you using your PV inverter meter? Can you better maximize your energy production and use by paying closer attention to its functions?
Tags: grid-tied solar power, pv inverter meters, solar inverter, solar panel system
March 11th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Saving is really important nowadays, we have to earn more inorder to live graciously. The sun is a gift from God, that we really need.
It is indeed amazing that we can make use of it’s heat. To have energy for our homes and appliances and of course, to save! Solar energy panels really helped many people. It is very useful and reasonable in saving money.