Yes. It is technically possible to use the two inverters together. There are specific inverters that come with identical functions. You can stack them on each other and connect them to improve the power supply.
Can you have more than one solar inverter?
Yes. You can connect two inverters with similar features to each other. This will increase the output and allow you to store more energy generated from your solar panel system.
Energy regeneration would be more efficient if you have sufficient storage capacity.
Ensure that the two inverters will double the amperage capacity. When you connect the electrical device, you should have the proper connection to manage the excess power.
Can I run 2 inverters off 1 battery?
Yes. You can connect several interpreters to the batteries and power the electronics. When you connect the two inverters to the one battery, ensure that the cable you are using to supply the power is not excessive.
The inductance produced in the connection may lead to the overshoot or undershoot due to the difference in the voltage.
The overvoltage may shut off circuits which may lead to misfire. Most of the inverters are not suitable to get power from the same power source.
Therefore, you first need to ensure that the inverter you are using can handle the additional voltage.
You may have to connect additional filters to manage the power supply and damage to the inverters in some cases.
How to connect two solar inverters in parallel?
Solar inverters are used to convert the direct current generated from the solar panel to the alternate current. In all renewable energy systems, the inverters convert the energy to the alternate current before storing the energy in the batteries.
The conversion from the DC to AC is necessary.
Most household appliances are run in the alternate current. Without conversion, the electricity may not flow into the appliances, and you will not use the home appliances.
The storage batteries are stored near the inverter to reduce the loss and power the battery quickly.
Here is the step-by-step guide to connecting two solar inverters in parallel?
Step 1: Consult the Manufacturer
Before you connect two inverters, you should consult with the manufacturer to understand the functions of the inverters. Not all inverters are designed to support multiple connections.
If you stack two non-compatible inverters together, there will be harmful consequences. Inverters with 100% compatibility should be paired together.
Always use identical power inverters to increase the power supply. It will ensure that the energy moving through the inverter flows at the same rate, and one of the inverters will be damage in the process.
Additionally, when you connect two inverters, they will double the amperage capacity. The power drawn from the system will be double the normal power supply.
In contrast, the power also decreases quickly when the inverters are connected to the battery banks. The battery bank amp will be running at half of its capacity.
Step 2: Connect the Inverters
Once you have the inverter set up at the right place, the next step is connecting the input terminals to the first power inverters using the cable to the battery bank.
Check the manufacturing manual to understand the input and out connection.
Each inverter will have a separate connection as disclosed by the manufacturer. Do not use long wires to connect the batteries to the inverters.
Use the wire as short as possible. The recommended length is less than 6 feet.
The size of the wires should be measured to ensure that it is capable of handling the increased voltage. The wires connected to your inverters determined the output power source.
The energy flow in terms of the voltage would require efficient wires to handle the maximum amperage generated by the energy while travelling from one inverter to another.
The drop in the voltage may reduce the efficiency of the inverters and batteries. Use online tools to calculate the wire size suitable for the particular type of inverters and batteries.
Step 3: Connect First & Second Inverters Together
Now connect the second inverter with the wires to the first inverter. Find the positive input of Inverter B and connect it to the positive output of inverter A.
Follow the same process to connect to the negative input.
Step 4: Connect the extension cord
Get the extension cord and connect it to Inverter A. Check the compatibility of the extension code to ensure that it is rated to handle the voltage and amperage of your RE system.
After that, connect the output of the power inverter to the circuit breaker switchboard.
Once the two inverters are interconnected, it will draw the power quickly, and the amperage of the system will also rise.
Ensure that you have a proper system to manage the increased amperage. It is harmful if you do not take care of the system.
What are the ways to improve the power conversion efficiency of the inverters?
Inverters are used to convert the DC electricity into the AC before it is transferred to household use. Many electronics are designed to run on Alternate current.
The inverter draws the DC from the solar panels, batteries, and fuel cells and converts them into AC electricity.
The inverter’s power will determine by the input voltage, output voltage, and frequency depending on the design of the inverter.
The inverters are required stable flows of electricity to transform the power from the current source. It requires enough power to fulfil the demand.
Other than the design, the input voltage also decides what application to use to enhance the performance of the inverter.
Check the following examples of the commercial inverters used in the home.
1) 12V DC inverters are used in the home as well as the commercial purpose.
2) 24V, 36V, and 48V DC are supported by the home energy systems.
3) 200-400V DC electricity is generated through the photovoltaic solar panels.
4) 300-450V DC is used for the electric vehicle battery.
5) More than hundreds of volts of power supply is generally used for large transmission systems.
The inverters are known for generating a high efficient power output that reduces electricity waste due to heat.
The DC power loses a good amount of energy when transforming from one place to another.
In contrast, the alternate current runs on the back-and-forth system that does not have to travel a long distance, which results in less power loss.
Consumer electronics, hybrid electric vehicles, industrial control systems, and solar power systems use the AC inverter to improve efficiency.
It ensures the high reliability of the power source.
The efficiency of the inverter:
The faster switching mechanism of the alternate current ensures a balanced temperature in the system. Also, AC is what reduces the audible noise in the fan motors.
When the semiconductor is connected to the inverter, it boosts the performance of the appliance. It minimizes power loss. Also, it contributes to optimizing thermal management.
There are different types of inverters available in the market. When you try to merge more than one inverter, ensure that you have the right tools and understanding of how it works.
Better performance is achieved when the inverters are correctly connected.
Bottom Line:
Consult with the manufacturer of the inverter to find out whether the inverter you are using is compatible with each other or not. If you connect the wrong inverter, it may damage it and cause loss to the appliance.
The power generated from the inverter should be moderated to avoid damage. Use the right tool when you are connecting two inverters.
Mainly the cable used to connect two inverters. They should be of the correct type, or else the performance of the inverter will be reduced.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
