What is the role of an inverter in solar power systems?

In solar power systems, the inverter plays a crucial role in converting direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the standard form of electricity used in homes and the grid. Solar panels produce DC electricity when sunlight is converted into electrical energy through photovoltaic cells. However, most appliances and electrical grids operate on AC power.

By performing this conversion, the inverter allows the electricity generated by the solar panels to be used directly in household appliances or fed into the electrical grid. This functionality is essential for the integration of solar power into existing electrical systems, making the inverter a vital component of any solar power setup.

The other options refer to functions that are not performed by the inverter. While energy storage is a function of batteries, and voltage regulation may involve different types of devices or systems, and measurement of solar energy production is typically done through specific monitoring equipment, the primary and fundamental role of an inverter in a solar system remains its ability to convert DC to AC.