Advantages of 3 Phase Solar
If you are researching solar power systems, you may have heard of different types of solar inverters especially single phase and 3-phase inverters. Depending on your electricity supply (single-phase or 3-phase power) your decision might become simpler. In most Australian homes, the power supply is single phase, which means one live wire comes in from the grid. Single-phase power supply is commonly used in Australian homes while three-phase power supply pulls more power from the grid and is useful to handle bigger loads for large aircons, pools, heaters, electric car chargers, etc.
Do you have a 3 Phase Power supply?
- Check your switchboard – If the main switch is one pole wide, then your home is connected to a single-phase power supply. If the main switch is 3 poles wide, you have 3-phase power.
- Alternatively, you can call your electricity provider and ask them about the power supply. Just keep a copy of your electricity bill handy.
- Check the service fuse – Homes connected to a single-phase power will have one service fuse while for a 3-phase power supply, there would be 3 service fuses.
Most of the homes are connected to a single-phase power supply. Large homes, residential apartments and commercial buildings can have a 3-phase supply to manage the high electricity demand.
3-phase power is good to handle heavy loads from:
- Spa
- Sauna
- Pool heater
- Electric car charger
- Ducted air conditioners
Single Phase vs 3-Phase Solar Inverter
A single-phase solar inverter has one live wire which connects to your home. While a 3-phase solar inverter has 3 live wires connected to your home.
A 3-phase solar inverter sends the electricity evenly across the 3 wires which minimises the voltage drop problem associated with a single phase power supply. It needs to be noted that a 3-phase solar inverter will probably cost more than a single-phase inverter.
So should you buy a single phase or 3-phase solar inverter?
A single-phase inverter usually comes in a capacity of less than 5kW. But if you are looking for an inverter larger than 5kW, and you have 3-phase power in your home then a 3-phase solar inverter is ideal. If you have a single-phase power supply, you only need a single phase inverter.
For a 3-phase supply, the best solution is to go for a 3-phase inverter. However, if your solar power system is less than 5kW, go for a single-phase inverter.
Benefits of 3-Phase Solar Inverter
- The 3 phase inverters come in a capacity of more than 5kW, up to 30kW which allows users to install a high capacity solar system.
- 3-phase solar inverters manage voltage rise and reduce the chance of appliance failures due to high voltages as the voltage rise in a single-phase connection is higher than that of 3-phase power. By using a 3-phase connection, the power supplied to the grid is distributed evenly and leads to grid stability.
- It increases the local grid voltage and your circuits will have less chance of short-circuiting due to high voltage issues.
- If a 3-phase inverter is chosen, the consumers can meet their energy demands easily reducing their dependence on the grid for energy and leading to reduced utility bills.
Solar System Specialists
Contact Fallon Solutions to find out more about installing a solar system in your home or business by calling our team on 1300 762 260 or completing an online solar systems enquiry form today. We can help you decide if your home needs a single-phase or 3 phase solar inverter, so get in contact today.
