Solar Inverters & Controllers procurement guide
Inverters convert photovoltaic output for use or export, and are matched to array size, battery arrangement and the grid or load configuration. Electrical equipment must be selected as part of a system, using load, network, protection, environment and applicable project requirements.
System role and load
The stated applications are Grid-tied solar installations, Hybrid systems with battery storage, Off-grid power systems and Solar pumping installations. Provide the system role, connected loads, duty, redundancy, future capacity and interfaces with existing equipment.
Ratings, compatibility and acceptance
Compare proposals against Array size and string configuration, Grid-tied, hybrid or off-grid operation, Battery voltage and chemistry if applicable, Single or three phase output and Monitoring and communication requirements. Require source-specific drawings, datasheets, protection or coordination information and the test/standard evidence called for by the project.
Installation, protection and support
Confirm enclosure and environmental conditions, cable/termination interfaces, dimensions and weights, transport protection, site access, installation boundaries, testing, commissioning, training, warranty expectations and spare components.
Information to include in your quotation request
Send the single-line diagram or system description, load and duty, Array size and string configuration, Grid-tied, hybrid or off-grid operation, Battery voltage and chemistry if applicable, Single or three phase output and Monitoring and communication requirements, quantity, site conditions, existing interfaces, destination, installation/testing scope and required project documents.