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How many solar panels does a 10kW inverter really support? Understanding how to correctly size solar panels for a solar inverter is crucial to optimizing the efficiency and safety of your photovoltaic system

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 02/05/2024 às 14:09
How many solar panels does a 10kW inverter really support? Understanding how to correctly size solar panels for a solar inverter is crucial to optimizing the efficiency and safety of your photovoltaic system
Photo: Canva/Disclosure

A 10kW solar inverter from HopeWind can efficiently support up to 27 solar panels of 550W each, ensuring maximum efficiency and operational safety as voltage limits and oversizing capabilities allow.

The effectiveness of a solar energy system depends not only on the component quality, but also how they are scaled and integrated. In this context, one of the most frequently asked questions is about the capacity of a 10kW solar inverter in relation to the number of solar panels it can efficiently support.

The HopeWind solar inverter, specifically the 10 kW model, will be used as an example for this sizing. This model can support a maximum input power of 15 kW from solar panels, even though it has a nominal output capacity of 10 kW. This phenomenon, known as 'oversizing', allows the system to generate energy more efficiently during variations in solar intensity throughout the day.

Using 550 Wp solar panels

Using 550 Wp solar panels (watts-peak), the maximum capacity of panels that the inverter can manage is calculated by dividing the maximum input power of the inverter by the power of a single panel. That is:

15,000 W / 550 Wp = 27,27 panels.

Since we cannot have a fractional number of panels, we have rounded down, resulting in a maximum of 27 panels that can be connected to the inverter.

Solar inverter has a maximum input voltage of 1000 V

The solar inverter has a maximum input voltage of 1000 V. To determine how many solar panels can be connected in series (a string) without exceeding this voltage, we use the open circuit voltage of the panel, which is 49,90 V. Therefore:

1000V / 49,90V = 20,04 panels

Rounding down, we can connect up to 20 panels per string to stay within the inverter voltage limits.

It is essential to ensure that the configuration of the strings respects the operating voltage of the MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers) of the solar inverter

It is essential to ensure that the configuration of the strings respects the operating voltage of the solar inverter's MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers), which range from 370 V to 850 V. This ensures that the inverter operates efficiently and maximizes energy production.

When configuring the system, it is essential to consider not only maximum capacity, but also the flexibility offered by the inverter's multiple MPPTs. This allows for variations in panel layout and roof orientation to be accommodated, ensuring that each string of solar panels operates within optimal specifications for energy production.

Correct sizing between inverters and solar panels is crucial for the effectiveness, safety and durability of the photovoltaic system

Correct sizing between inverters and solar panels is crucial for the effectiveness, safety and durability of the photovoltaic system. With appropriate sizing, the 10kW solar inverter, together with the 550 Wp panels, promises a robust system and efficient, capable of meeting energy needs in a sustainable and economical way.

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Paiva
Paiva
03/05/2024 23:09

I really liked these tips regarding the power and voltage relationship between the panels and the inverter.

Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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