Power inverter

A power inverter converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). It supplies AC power from sources such as batteries and solar systems.

Pulse-width modulation: A control method that varies pulse duration to regulate a signal’s average value or delivered power. Inverters use timed switching pulses to shape AC output and control its voltage.
Solar inverter: A power-conversion device that connects photovoltaic electricity to loads or an electrical grid. It converts panel or battery DC into AC suited to a solar installation.
Square-wave inverter: An inverter that produces an AC output switching abruptly between positive and negative voltage levels. Its simple output contrasts with the smoother waveforms of more refined inverters.
Direct current: Electric current that flows with a constant direction, though its magnitude may vary. Batteries and photovoltaic systems provide the DC input an inverter converts.
Maximum power point tracking: A control technique that adjusts photovoltaic operating conditions to maximize extracted power. Solar inverters often use it to draw the greatest available power from panels.
H-bridge: A four-switch circuit that applies either polarity of a supply voltage across a load. Its switches reverse the load voltage, creating alternating polarity from DC.
Grid-tie inverter: An inverter designed to synchronize its AC output with an electrical utility grid. It exports solar or other distributed generation while matching grid voltage and frequency.
Modified sine wave inverter: An inverter that approximates a sine wave with stepped AC voltage levels. Its stepped output is less smooth than the near-sinusoidal output of some inverters.
Alternating current: Electric current that periodically reverses direction, typically at a defined frequency. The inverter’s output is AC for compatible loads or grid connection.
Anti-islanding: Protection that stops distributed generation from energizing an isolated section of an electrical grid. Grid-connected inverters must detect outages and cease unsafe islanded operation.

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