Solar panel power is greater than the inverter

Do solar panels need a larger inverter?

In the past, virtually all solar systems featured panels and an inverter of equal capacity. Now many installers recommend having an array of panels with a holding power larger than that of your inverter. This is called inverter oversizing.

Should you buy more solar panels or upgrade your inverter?

Buying extra panels is often more cost-effective than upgrading your inverter. Photo: Mondiaux Solar. Oversizing allows your system to convert more energy when conditions are just right, delivering peak power for longer once the sun has left its prime position. “This increases your overall daily production,” Brian says.

Should you oversize a solar inverter?

There is an increased risk of energy clipping to consider, but most installers will tell you the benefits of inverter oversizing far outweigh this potential drawback. Energy clipping occurs when more solar energy is harvested by panels than what their inverter can handle, essentially “wasting” potential power.

Why is a solar inverter not able to run at full capacity?

While the issue of panel temperature means that an array can produce better in the cooler winter sun, the colder months of the year also have fewer daylight hours. The angle of the sun is much lower in the sky which means performance of a PV system will be lower. Again, leading to an inverter that cannot be optimized to run at full capacity.