Solar inverter and normal inverter are power conversion devices. The basic function of these devices is to convert electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
Both are related. But, solar and power inverters are used for different purposes in electrical systems.
Solar Inverter vs Normal Inverter | in Tabular Form
Let’s compare both devices,
| # | Content | Solar Inverter | Normal Inverter |
| 01 | Basic | The solar inverter is designed specifically for solar systems. It consists of solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, switching circuits, and many more. Sometimes it is also known as a ‘Photovoltaic (PV) inverter’ or ‘Grid-tie inverter’. | The normal inverter is considered as a ‘Power inverter’. Power Inverter is a power electronic device. |
| 02 | Function | The primary function of a solar inverter is to convert the renewable solar-generated DC (direct current) power into AC (alternating current) power. | The primary function of a power inverter is to change DC (direct current) power into AC (alternating current) power. |
| 03 | Purpose | It generates electricity from renewable energy sources i.e. solar panels. | It generates electricity from fuel, gasoline, or hydro as its primary source. |
| 04 | Classification | Solar inverter is classified into four different types such as- 1. Stand-alone inverter 2. Grid-tie inverter 3. Battery backup inverter 4. Intelligent hybrid inverter | Power inverter is classified into three different types such as- 1. Sine wave inverter or Pure sine wave inverter 2. Modified sine wave inverter 3. Square wave inverter |
| 05 | Cost (Price) | Solar inverters are more expensive than the normal inverters. | Normal inverters are less expensive than the solar inverters. |
| 06 | Installation | It is not easy to install. | It is very easy to install. |
Study more about Inverter:
- Applications of Inverter
- Advantages & Disadvantages of Inverter
- Difference between Inverter and Generator
These are the difference between solar inverter and normal inverter.
Mainly, both are compared by intended use and power conversion type. Also, both have specific advantages and disadvantages with specifications like as function, purpose, cost, maintenance, performance, installation, benefit, and many more.
These two inverters are essential for running home and commercial appliances, electronic devices, and tools during power outages or when AC power is not available.
If you have any query regarding solar inverter vs power inverter, please comment below.
Related read more difference:
- On-grid solar system vs Off-grid solar system
- Active power vs Reactive power
- Alternating current vs Direct current
- Active component vs Passive component
- Single-phase vs Three-phase AC System
- Overhead line vs Underground cable
- Transmission line vs Distribution line
- AC transmission and DC transmission
Thanks for Reading!
I have completed master in Electrical Power System. I work and write technical tutorials on the PLC, MATLAB programming, and Electrical on DipsLab.com portal.
Sharing my knowledge on this blog makes me happy. And sometimes I delve in Python programming.