Frequently Asked Questions

Today the solar charge controller is a familiar term. Its common use is in solar power generation systems, where it supplies power to loads through the inverter and charges the storage battery. Here is how to choose one:

1. Panel configuration. Choose solar panels with a higher configuration, so that the low-voltage disconnect point can be set lower according to your needs, the battery voltage stays normal and the controller works properly.

2. Heat dissipation. A controller that dissipates heat well will enjoy a longer service life, so pay attention to the thermal design and installation environment.

3. Output periods. Many users want more flexible output periods. Choose a controller that allows you to adjust output periods and set shutdown times according to your needs — this can greatly reduce cost.

4. Line-loss compensation. This is the hardest function to control, because it requires software to compensate according to cable length and diameter. At low voltage, line loss becomes very important: when the voltage is low, line loss increases, the output voltage at the load end drops below the input end, and the effective battery capacity shrinks. In practice, choose cables that are not too thin and keep their length moderate.

In short, choose the controller that matches the performance your system actually needs. Manufacturers keep improving their products to offer customers more and better options.

An inverter is a device that converts DC power (from batteries or storage batteries) into AC power — generally 220V, 50Hz sine wave. It consists of an inverter bridge, control logic and filter circuits.

Inverters are widely used for air conditioners, home theater systems, electric grinders, power tools, sewing machines, DVD/VCD players, computers, TVs, washing machines, range hoods, refrigerators, video recorders, massagers, fans, lighting and more.

In countries with high car ownership, travelers and field workers commonly use vehicle inverters connected to the car battery to power appliances and tools. Car cigarette-lighter inverters typically range from 20W to 150W (20W, 40W, 80W, 120W, 150W). Higher-power inverters are connected to the battery with cables. With appliances connected to the inverter output, you can use mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, cameras, lights, electric shavers, CD players, game consoles, PDAs, power tools, car refrigerators and various travel, camping and medical-emergency appliances in the car.

Most people know the inverter only as a device that converts DC power into AC power — essential for household appliances, most of which run on AC. But what are its core components?

The transformer is one of the most core components, playing a decisive role in the conversion process. Its operation is similar in principle to a converter, and the conversion technology most commonly used is pulse width modulation (PWM), which acts like the human brain — directing and controlling the whole process.

Besides the transformer, regulators, low-voltage protection circuits and similar devices are also common core components. It is the cooperation of these parts that enables this unassuming device to play a significant role in daily life.

Note that "inverter" is a general term covering many types, such as square wave inverters and passive inverters. Buyers should decide according to their actual needs.

In photovoltaic power stations, the inverter is the heart: it performs power conversion and grid-connection control. The inverter scheme determines how effectively the system performs, conversion efficiency is a key factor determining power generation, and the quality of the grid-connection algorithm determines power quality. Safety and reliability directly affect whether the station can run effectively, and monitoring is the basis for optimization.

Traditionally, PV inverters fall into two categories: string (serial) and central. Now that inverters have become largely homogeneous, finding safer inverter schemes has become the focus of the whole industry — and through strong technological innovation, a third technical route has emerged: the distributed inverter, whose main characteristic is distributed MPPT with centralized inversion. It brings three main benefits:

Distributed configuration reduces generation losses caused by PV module mismatch. Each intelligent unit of a distributed inverter contains several control modules; compared with central inverters, it greatly reduces series mismatch losses, and system generation revenue can increase by about 1%. The inverter scheme also reduces DC-to-AC conversion line losses.

Today's inverters have two output types: square wave and sine wave. Square wave inverters are more efficient, but the operating parameters of some appliances change with square wave output, so they are not suitable for applications requiring high accuracy. Sine wave inverters, though slightly less efficient, solve the accuracy problem and are widely used in production and daily life. How should they be used correctly?

Installation. Have the unit installed by qualified technical personnel. Choose a ventilated, clean environment, ensure that the DC power supply output voltage or battery voltage matches the DC input voltage required by the inverter, and otherwise follow the installation manual.

Start-up. After installation, read the operating manual carefully. Switch on the inverter first: make sure the DC input voltage and AC output voltage are connected correctly and securely, then switch on the DC input. The inverter will beep once and enter self-check — it is now on and ready. Importantly, always switch on the inverter first, then the loads.

During use. The inverter system has a sound-and-light warning system. To mute it, press and hold the warning key; press and hold again to re-enable it.

Shutdown. When finished, switch off the loads first, then the inverter — press the power-off key and watch the indicator light dim gradually.