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All of these segments can benefit from the advantages of solar power by making a modest investment that now pays for itself in an increasingly shorter period of time, in light of the rise in energy tariffs.

With regard to efficiency, the Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) technique makes it possible for the inverter to operate at the optimum point of its I-V (current-voltage) curve at all times. Factors such as orientation, latitude, level of radiation and temperature also have an influence on the performance of a solar panel.

With regard to versatility, the chief protagonist is the solar inverter, which bears initial responsibility for converting the direct current (DC) from the solar panels into the alternating current (AC) that supplies domestic appliances, machinery, lighting systems and all kinds of electrical devices. Thanks to hybrid technology, the inverter now plays a role that goes far beyond simple conversion.

The heart of the most efficient and sustainable solar installations

Hybrid inverters are designed to offer various modes of operation and to guarantee supply under any circumstances, regardless of whether they are used for self-consumption, to store excess power in a battery, or to supply the mains network. The purpose of hybrid inverters is to maximise energy availability, which is precisely the feature offered by the new EQUINOX2 HSX range from Salicru.

These single-phase hybrid inverters are able to supply power ranging from 3 kW to 8 kW (depending on the model) and offer up to six different operating modes: Peak Shaving mode, selection of priority for surplus energy mode (load/batteries/mains), automatic backup mode, isolated mode and operation without battery mode.

Of particular note is Peak Shaving mode, which is activated when demand exceeds generation and uses the energy stored in the battery, thereby preventing the need to connect to the mains and the added costs involved. Automatic backup mode enables the system to work like an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and delivers 100% of the inverter’s nominal power to the loads. Moreover, in the event of a mains power outage this process is activated automatically, within the space of just 15 ms. Operation without battery mode makes it possible to continue supplying photovoltaic energy even when the batteries are not operational (e.g. if they have been disconnected in order to make way for replacements, if they are in poor condition, or if they were not installed in the first place because the user wished to avoid the additional cost and plans to acquire them later on).

In addition to this increased versatility, EQUINOX2 HSX inverters ensure efficient conversion thanks to their two 15 A MPPT trackers and low start-up voltage of just 80 VDC, which enables the system to become operational and charge the batteries even with low levels of solar radiation.