Can a Solar Inverter Work Without Batteries?

Off Grid Power Solutions
October 24, 2022

Can a Solar Inverter Work Without Batteries?

If you’re wondering if a solar inverter can run without batteries, the short answer is yes it can! If you choose to install a hybrid solution that uses solar energy to convert Solar energy into AC power using your Hybrid inverter. This only works when you have sufficient Sun and if you have Solar panels.

Solar inverters, or solar inverter and battery combos, are becoming more and more popular in South Africa, but there’s still a lot of confusion about how they work. Many people think that solar inverters only work with batteries, but that’s not the case. In fact, there are two types of solar inverters- those that work with batteries and those that don’t.

A hybrid solar inverter is a great option for people who want the benefits of solar power but don’t want to install a battery bank. Hybrid solar inverters can last for years without a battery, making them a great option for people who live in areas where electricity is reliable or for people who only want to use solar panels to supplement their current energy use.

How Does a Solar Inverter Work?

A solar inverter works like a standard inverter in that it converts DC current into AC current that can be used by appliances in your home. However, unlike a conventional inverter, a solar inverter uses the solar energy, produced and absorbed via the solar cells of the system, to invert the DC current into usable power. A solar inverter can also be used to charge and store power in your batteries if you have them.

What are the Different Types of Solar Inverters?

There are effectively three types of solar inverters on the market;

Modified Sine Wave Inverters

Modified sine wave inverters are the simplest type of technology when it comes to inverters. They only produce enough current to power very simple home electronics that are not too sensitive like phone chargers and heaters. Modified sine wave inverters do not offer balanced current but rather switches polarity abruptly from positive to negative which can affect sensitive equipment.

Pure Sine Wave Inverter

Pure sine wave inverters are a more stable form of energy conversion, in that the power they convert to usable energy is able to run larger appliances and sensitive equipment like phones, refrigerators, televisions and lamps. Sine Wave Inverters produce smooth, open electricity that is continuous and stable.

Square Wave Inverter

A square wave inverter is a fixed electrical circuit that converts a fixed DC voltage to a square AC voltage. Square wave inverters are the cheapest and most basic types of inverters available but do not offer the efficacy of strong, stable current of a sine wave inverter.

According to Goscor Power Products’ Managing Director, Mark Bester, the best type of solar inverter in their experience, is a pure sine wave inverter. “Any other type of modified sine wave is not pure and could run the risk of damaging your sensitive equipment. That’s why at Goscor Power Products, we only stock pure sine wave inverters from a range of top manufacturers.” says Bester.

Which Type of Inverter Can Work Without Battery Power?

The best type of solar and battery inverter system to consider, one that runs without battery power as such, is a hybrid solar system. This type of inverter is attached or a part of a home’s entire solar system, therefore being connected directly to the solar panels which charge it. In a hybrid system, the inverter is also attached to the power grid which can supply it with power when the power of the sun is too low.

How Long Will an Inverter Run Without a Battery?

The answer to this question, really depends on how much load the battery is under. If you leave a fully charged inverter to run without load, without a battery, it will most likely last for most of the day while there is sufficient Sun. However, the Solar stand alone system depends on the type of inverter ( size and Max VOC ) open circuit voltage, this determines the max number of panels you can use with your inverter.

How To Choose the Right Inverter for your Needs?

Knowing what type of solar system, including what inverter battery capacity, solar panels, and inverters you require can be daunting. If you follow these first few steps, it will make your decision as to what’s right for your family, a lot easier:

#1 – Understand your power requirements first.

What do you need to be powered daily and what does this equate to in terms of power capacity? At Goscor Power Products, one of the most common complaints we hear from home owners is that they bought an inverter that was too big or too small for their needs because they didn’t understand their power requirements correctly in the beginning.

#2 – Choose a provider you can trust

Choosing a power solutions and equipment provider you can trust is essential. There are many fly-by-night companies out there, especially now that load shedding is at an all-time high and there is such a huge demand for solar systems. Choose a company with a track record, guaranteed service, excellent quality equipment, and after-sales, parts and maintenance plans too.