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All the forecasts regarding policies aimed at combating climate change agree on the unstoppable rise in solar photovoltaic energy. This is reflected by the International Energy Agency, the estimates of which indicate an increase of none other than 50% of the installed capacity in solar plants over the next four years.

The trend is similar in Spain: installed solar power increased by 129% between 2019 and 2022. Furthermore, should the goals set in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) be met, 81% of electricity will be obtained from renewable sources by 2030.

Optimum inverting

One of the main elements in the conversion of solar power to electricity is the inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) supplied by the solar panels into the alternating current (AC) that circulates around the electricity grid and is supplied to companies, organisations and homes. The term “inverting” therefore becomes even more significant when considered as both the processing of the electrical signal and in terms of profitability.

A key factor in amortising the cost of the inverter is its efficiency, as this will mark the degree of use of solar energy in its conversion into electricity. Ideal efficiency is normally equal to or over 90% and each percent counts, which is why the levels of 97% or even higher reached by some solar inverters, such as those manufactured by Salicru, are so excellent.

To obtain such high efficiency, the inverter must be operating optimally at all times, which in turn requires the most advanced technology. For example, the use of electronic components made of silicon carbide (SiC), an ideal material for minimising conduction and switching losses and, therefore, for optimising output.

Hybrid inverters are especially advantageous because they provide the maximum availability of energy. In fact, these inverters combine the DC-CA conversion of any inverter with the support of a battery that stores energy and that can be used whenever required, along with the possibility of feeding any excess electricity to the grid and of receiving power from its own network to recharge the battery. An optimal solution thanks to its efficiency and profitability that is especially used in self-consumption installations.

The versatility of the inverter is also key in ensuring a high level of profitability. To this end, the incorporation of several operating modes means that the inverter can permanently offer the utmost efficiency. A good example of this is the Salicru EQUINOX2 HSX range and its 6 operating modes. Hence, the backup mode converts the inverter into a UPS that supplies all of the nominal power to the loads, which is an ideal option in the event of a power cut. Other operating modes available do without the batteries or discriminate by time slots.

Photovoltaic solar energy is expected to occupy a very substantial part of electricity consumption in an increasingly electrified world. The combination of lower prices, higher efficiency and growing versatility of the equipment forming the solar installations, and of the inverters in particular, helps boost their demand.