A solar inverter is a device designed to convert direct current electricity (DC) from solar panels into alternating current electricity (AC) which can be used to power a house or business and can be supplied to the utility grid.  This is a primary component of every photovoltaic (PV) system.  Solar inverters that are tied to the utility grid will shut down during a power outage for safety reasons.  Photovoltaic (PV) systems that are tied to the grid cannot be used as a backup source of electricity.  Solar inverters are usually installed alongside fuse boxes, switches and other electrical hardware.  They usually have a digital readout.

Each inverter has an output power that is rated in wattage. Match the maximum wattage output of your solar panel array to your inverter.  Inverter efficiency range from 89 percent to 96 percent.  Try to select the highest efficiency solar inverter because this means higher power production over the lifetime of the system and can even mean a higher rebate check from your state.