Okuzeka
Energy & Renewables vocabulary · Solar Energy

Inverter

Meaning in energy & renewables, with examples

/ɪnˈvɜːrtər/nounCore term

In energy & renewables, inverter means: A device that converts the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels or batteries into alternating current (AC) that buildings can use or that can be fed into the grid.

In Turkish: inverter, evirici

How it is used

A key part of every PV and battery project. Types include string inverters, central inverters and microinverters. Engineers discuss inverter capacity, efficiency, failures and the DC/AC ratio. Modern inverters also support the grid by controlling voltage and reactive power.

Example sentences

  1. Two inverters tripped this morning, so the plant lost about 10 percent of its output.

  2. We use string inverters on rooftops and central inverters on large ground-mounted plants.

Common collocations

  • string inverter
  • central inverter
  • inverter efficiency
  • inverter failure
  • DC/AC ratio
  • photovoltaicDescribing technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, as in solar cells and solar panels. It is usually shortened to PV.
  • solar panelA flat, framed unit made of many solar cells that turns sunlight directly into electricity. Many panels connected together form a solar array.
  • battery storageStoring electricity in large rechargeable batteries so it can be released later, for example during the evening peak or when the grid needs fast support.
  • grid connectionThe physical link and the formal permission that allow a power plant, storage system or large consumer to send electricity to, or take it from, the grid.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Solar Energy

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: