What's the Difference between Solar Batteries and Solar Inverters?

Inverters and batteries are two essential components of the solar power system, but most of the audience confuses them with two different names for the same thing. Nevertheless, they are certainly not. 

While both devices seem to work similarly, they observe multiple differences. So, stay tuned with us as we dig deep into all the differences between solar batteries and solar inverters to clarify the concept for you. 

What is a solar battery?

A solar battery is a power storage device attached to renewable power-generating systems. It stores excess electricity for later use when the direct power supply is cut. 

These batteries aim to make you self-sufficient during sudden power outages and uncertain conditions. 

How do solar batteries work?

When your solar panels are exposed to the sun, they generate current to help you operate machinery and appliances at home or in commercial areas. 

Nevertheless, the sun is not present 24/7, and solar panels can generate energy for as long as they get sunlight. 

So, what about at night or in the monsoon season when the sun remains hidden under the clouds? In all such cases, solar batteries come for help. 

They store all the excess energy and convert it into a chemical base to be used later at any point in time. When you want to utilize the stored current, you switch on the battery, which reconverts the chemical into its original form to be consumed. 

What is a solar inverter?

Solar inverters are another crucial component in solar energy systems. They transport current from one end to another after converting it into a desirable form. Hence, they aim to prevent short circuits and control the power supply. 

How does a solar inverter work?

Solar panels can create Direct current, which can only flow in one direction and is incompatible with the majority of appliances. 

This is why you need to incorporate an inverter into the system. It absorbs all the DC created and converts it into an Alternate current—AC—by waving the input direction rapidly.

At the same time, it also filters all the additional and unnecessary electronic mechanisms to create a clean and recurring sine wave with varied voltages. Hence, it does not store the current. 

Differences between solar batteries and inverters

You must know some of the significant differences between solar batteries and solar inverters. 

1.Storage:  Batteries are meant to store energy for later use. On the other hand, inverters do not play any such role. Instead, they transform the direct current into an alternate current before distributing it throughout space. 

2.Connectivity: The solar inverters are connected to battery storage. Nevertheless, solar batteries offer standby electric power so that they can be directly linked to appliances and mechanisms. 

3.Cost: Solar batteries work by storing the current for a longer span, so they are more costly than inverters. 

4.Functionality: Solar batteries store and release direct current. Solar inverters convert DC energy to AC energy. 

5.Backup: Solar energy provides backup during power grid outages. Nevertheless, solar inverters do not provide any backup in such situations. They will only work when connected to the power source. 

6.Energy management: Solar batteries can store excess energy during low-demand periods and help release it during peak hours. However, solar inverters manage the energy storage and convert it when produced. 

Pros and cons of solar batteries and inverters

Pros of solar batteries:

1.Self-sufficiency: Makes you self-sufficient for energy needs. 

2.Backup source:  Provide backup in needy times. 

3.Environmental sustainability: Solar panels reduce carbon footprints through clean energy. 

4.Cost saving: This makes you less dependent on the power grid during high demand. 

5.Minimize wastage: In addition, Batteries can minimize the wastage of the excess energy generated on extremely sunny days. 

Cons of solar batteries

1.High cost: Solar batteries are expensive devices to incorporate compared to inverters. 

2.Maintenance: Solar batteries require extensive maintenance to keep working efficiently. 

3.Health deterioration: The health of the battery can deteriorate with time, requiring an increased cycle of recharging and charging. 

Pros of solar inverters:

1.Efficient conversion: The solar inverters help to convert the DC into AC to help operate appliances efficiently. 

2.Grid compatibility: It helps to facilitate the grid connection and the efficiency of the whole solar system. 

3.Lower cost: The solar inverters are available at lesser prices than inverters.

4.Life span: Inverters' life span is more than that of batteries, typically 10 to 20 years.

5.Easy to maintain: Unlike solar batteries, inverters are easy to maintain. You only need to monitor their performance and inspect them yearly.

6.Easy integration: You can incorporate the inverter into the solar system, which will not require further action.  

Cons of the solar inverters

1.Dependency on sunlight: The inverter will only work until the solar panels are exposed. 

2.No backup: The solar inverters do not grant you any power backup. 

3.Downtime: The downtime of inverters is high if proper maintenance is not performed. 

How do you choose the suitable solar batteries and inverter?

There are a few factors to consider. First, consider your needs and the amount of electricity your solar panels can generate. Next, investigate a reliable and trustworthy service. 

Innotinum, with multiple  years of experience, has a wide variety of solar batteries to offer, including the following. 

In addition, it has multiple solar inverters you can choose from, such as : 

1.IPS- H0 (EU): Capacity= 6 kWh to 15 kWh.

2.IPS- L0 (EU): Capacity=  3.6 kWh to 10 kWh.

3.IPS- L0 (US): Capacity  6 kWh to 10 kWh.

In addition, multiple batteries are also available, including the 

1.IES- H1

2.IES- H0

3.IES- L0

Hence, you can go with an option based on your needs. 

Conclusion

Solar inverters and panels might sound similar but have entirely different functions. The content above highlights the top differences between both devices while explaining what they actually are. In addition, find the pros and cons of each device to fully capture the essence of information. So, read the content above carefully to make all the right choices in the long run.