transformerless grid tie inverters lower cost
Transformerless inverters are popular in Europe and increasing becoming more common with 3-phase central inverters. But what exactly does transformerless really mean? Well traditionally inverters have built in transformers inside each unit. Although is a transformer really needed inside the inverter? Most buildings have a transformer on the same line as the solar grid tie inverter, therefore more than often the transformer in the grid tie inverter is really not needed.
Some grid tie inverter manufacturers decided to eliminate the transformers to reduce the cost, size and weight of their product line. The greatest advantage of removing the transformer from the inverter is it increases efficiency since the loss components are eliminated. For transformerless inverters to meet NEC (national electric code) a more expensive PV wire has to be used to ensure a code compliant installation. What do you think about transformerless inverters?
