Inverter solar panel ratio

What is solar inverter sizing?

Solar inverter sizing refers to choosing an inverter with the appropriate AC output for your solar panel system’s DC input. It’s about matching capacity and performance, without wasting energy or breaching local export limits. Inverter size is measured in kilowatts (kW). It should match your solar array within a 1.15 to 1.33 ratio.

How do I choose a solar inverter?

This is the most critical factor in solar inverter sizing. Check the total wattage of your solar array (DC) and use it to calculate the appropriate inverter output (AC). For optimal results, a 6.6kW array typically pairs with a 5kW inverter, falling within the accepted array-to-inverter ratio of 1.15 to 1.33.

How much power does a solar inverter need?

This means your inverter doesn’t need to power your entire home—it just converts whatever your panels generate. Let''s say you have a 6kW solar array (twenty 300-watt panels). Your inverter needs to handle that 6kW of DC power, regardless of whether your home uses 2kW or 10kW at any given moment.

Should solar inverters be oversized?

Solar production varies by location. High-irradiance regions (like Northern Australia or the Middle East) allow for greater energy harvest and justify slightly oversized PV inverter sizing. In low-light areas, it’s safer to maintain a 1:1 DC-to-AC ratio to avoid inefficiency.