Why are inverters important for energy storage projects?

Inverters also serve as the brains of an energy storage project, managing, optimizing and driving project performance and financial returns. The difference between central and string inverters, while simple, has profound implications for long-term project design, performance and safety.

What does an inverter do?

An inverter turns the direct current (DC) output of a battery or solar panel into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses or to feed directly into the electrical grid. Inverters also serve as the brains of an energy storage project, managing, optimizing and driving project performance and financial returns.

Should you choose a central or string inverter for energy storage?

As markets and technologies for inverters grow, so does the importance of choosing between central and string inverters for energy storage projects. Typically, central inverters have been the standard for commercial and utility-scale energy storage applications.

What are inverter-based energy resources?

ble energy resources—wind, solar photovoltaic, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). These resources electrically connect to the grid through an inverter— power electronic devices that convert DC energy into AC energy—and are referred to as inverter-based resources (IBRs). As the generation mix changes, so do the electrical character

Why do we need a battery inverter?

As the energy storage market becomes more competitive, so do demands for innovative, cost-effective inverter technologies. One response is to turn to off-the-shelf components, such as placing batteries in smaller enclosures along with associated air-conditioning and fire-protection systems.

What is a string inverter?

As their name implies, central inverters centralize the project’s energy through one conduit. String inverters use a distributed architecture, breaking the system down into smaller, multiple inverters and usually more than one DC bus. The concept behind string inverters should be familiar.