Comparison Must PV18-1612 ECO vs PowMr POW-HVM2H-12V-N

Inverter efficiency for solar panels.

The efficiency indicator is the percentage ratio between the amount of energy that the device delivers to the load and the energy consumed from the solar panel. The higher this parameter, the more efficient the operation of the device and the lower the losses during conversion. In modern inverters for solar panels, efficiency values of up to 90% are considered average, and above 90% are considered good.

The highest total output power in watts (W) that the inverter can deliver to a load for a relatively short period of time, on the order of 2 to 3 seconds. As a rule, this power is 30 - 50% more than the rated power (see above). The peak load value can be useful when calculating how the inverter works together with appliances that consume a lot of energy at start-up (vacuum cleaners, borehole pumps, power tools, etc.). The rule here is simple - the peak power of the inverter must not be lower than the starting power of the load.

The operating range of the inverter is usually located between the starting voltage and the maximum voltage. This interval is indicated in volts.

Built-in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system for monitoring the maximum power points of photovoltaic modules in solar panels. It determines the most optimal ratio of voltage and current drawn from the solar panels, thereby ensuring maximum performance of individual strings (chains of series-connected panels). An MPPT controller is useful under any external weather changes, allowing solar panels to generate power even in cloudy conditions. Modern inverter models can contain either one or several MPPT trackers (up to six), which allow for the connection of multiple arrays with different orientations and angles of inclination, thereby eliminating the mutual influence of one array on another. Each MPPT controller output is designed to connect one string.

Strings in solar energy are chains of panels connected in series. With this connection method, the voltage of the solar panels is summed up, and the current remains constant, which allows you to significantly increase the power generation capacity while maintaining a fairly low current and without the need to use large-section wires.

Specifically, this paragraph indicates the maximum number of strings that can be connected to the inverter for solar panels.

Connection interfaces provided in the inverter design for solar panels.

- RS232. A specialized communication interface used to directly connect the inverter to a computer. As a rule, the interface provides the ability to monitor solar generation systems around the clock using a local network. Also, the RS232 connector can be used to communicate several inverters with each other, or, less often, for software updates or service testing.

- RS485. A connector often used to connect several inverters to a central hub, which, in turn, connects to a computer. This connection can be useful for setting up a solar generation system or sending monitoring data over the network.

- USB. A standard USB port is often used for configuring equipment via a wired connection to a computer or for inverter firmware updates.

- LAN (RJ45). The presence of a LAN connector (RJ45) in the inverter design. Such ports are standardly used for wired connections in computer networks using a twisted pair cable.

- Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi communication module for wireless connection of the inverter to a computer, laptop or mobile phone. Using specialized software, you can receive monitoring data from the inverter directly “over the air” - transmitting information over a Wi-Fi network eliminates the...fuss with wires.

— Bluetooth. Option to wirelessly pair the inverter with smartphones, tablets or laptops via Bluetooth. Thanks to data synchronization, the user will be able to monitor equipment performance and remotely control the inverter within range of the Bluetooth wireless network.

— Overload protection. A protection system against connecting an off-design load whose power consumption exceeds the capabilities of the inverter for solar panels. In such situations, the power to the outlets is automatically turned off, since overloading the device promises failure and even fire. Triggering of the protection is usually accompanied by a sound and/or light signal.

— Overheat protection. This protection is triggered when the temperature inside the inverter rises critically. When such situations occur, the device turns off, which avoids breakdowns. In the future, some models will automatically turn on when the temperature normalizes, while others must be turned on manually. Note that overheating is caused not only by malfunctions, but also by completely normal reasons - for example, long-term operation at high air temperatures. Typically, overheating protection is accompanied by a sound and/or light signal.

— Protection against ↑ or ↓ battery voltage. A protection system that prevents the inverter from being supplied with excessively high or excessively low voltage from the batteries. When the operating voltage range is exceeded, the device automatically turns off to avoid breakdowns and other troubles. A sound and/or light signal can warn of protection activation.

— Short circuit protection. Protec...tion that is triggered when the output current increases critically (for example, due to a foreign metal object getting between live parts of the load). To avoid breakdowns and failure, the power at the inverter output is automatically turned off. Triggering of the protection system is usually accompanied by a sound and/or light signal.

— Reverse polarity protection. Protection system in case of incorrect polarity of connection. If the “plus” and “minus” do not match, the inverter is disconnected from the power supply in order to avoid damage to the electronic components. Notification of protection activation is often provided by a sound and/or light signal.

— Protection class. The class of protection against dust and moisture provided by the inverter housing for solar panels. Indicated according to the IP standard by two numbers: the first (from 1 to 6) means resistance to penetration of foreign objects and dust, the second (from 1 to 8) - protection from moisture. The higher the number, the higher the level of protection provided. Also note that instead of the first digit in the designation of the protection class, “X” may be indicated - for example, IPX7. In this case, the device is not certified for dust protection, although in fact the level of such protection may be quite high. So, in the example with moisture resistance “7”, the case can be completely immersed in water - which means it is closed very tightly from dust.

The IP protection level is especially important to consider when choosing models for outdoor use and installation in rooms with high humidity levels - they are the ones most susceptible to adverse environmental influences. A high IP class will guarantee stable operation of the inverter for solar panels in such difficult conditions.

The range of ambient temperatures in which the solar panel inverter is guaranteed to maintain normal operation. Here it is necessary to focus on the expected minimums and maximums of temperatures. Moreover, for operation in the cold season, it is worth paying close attention to models with the ability to operate at sub-zero temperatures.