In order to provide grid services, inverters need to have sources of power that they can control. This could be either generation, such as a solar panel that is currently producing electricity, or storage, like a battery system that can be used to provide power that was previously stored.
First, let's clarify the role of an inverter. Solar panels generate DC power, while household appliances operate on AC power, as supplied by the electricity grid. The primary role of a solar inverter is to convert DC solar power to AC power.
Off-grid inverters operate independently from the utility grid. They rely on solar panels and batteries to generate and store electricity, providing energy autonomy even in remote areas. DC power from panels is stored in batteries, then converted to AC as needed to power devices.
Modern inverters can both provide and absorb reactive power to help grids balance this important resource. In addition, because reactive power is difficult to transport long distances, distributed energy resources like rooftop solar are especially useful sources of reactive power.
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