Difference Between Single Phase And Three Phase Power
You might be shocked to know that the type of power supplied to your house or company can affect what kind of solar power system will best fit your requirements. While both single phase and three-phase houses and organizations can install solar, your phase-type will determine the type and size of solar inverter the electricity network operator allows you to install.
We will help you explore the difference between single and three-phase power and how your phase will affect your solar energy system.
Single Phase and Three Phase Power
Single Phase
Single-phase power is Used in most new houses and small companies; single-phase electricity is transported through 2 wires: neutral and active.
Electrical energy from the grid or your solar energy system will only flow through only one active wire; conversely, the neutral wire is connected to the earth at the switchboard.
The purpose of your house or company’s neutral wire is to provide a path back to your switchboard, the source of the electrical presence, in case of a fault.
Advantages of Single-Phase Power
It is an extremely common type of power supply to most of the small power requirements. Usually, all residential supplies are single-phase supplies as the home devices require a small amount of power to run lights, fans, coolers, heating systems, small air conditioners, etc.
The design and operation of a single-phase power supply system is often basic.
Depending on the area, a single-phase supply is enough for loads up to 2500 Watts.
Three Phase
Three-phase power has four wires, 3 of which are active, in addition to one neutral wire, which is earthed at the switchboard.
Three-phase electrical energy is standard in bigger houses and companies and older homes and allows for smaller and cheaper wiring and lower voltages.
Advantages of Three-Phase Power
- For the same power, a three-phase power supply utilizes less wire than a single-phase power supply.
- 3 phase power supply is mostly the preferred network for commercial and industrial loads.
- You can run larger loads efficiently.
- Big three-phase motors (typically used in industries) do not need a starter as the phase difference in the three-phase power supply will be enough to offer adequate initial torque for the motor to start.
- Almost all the power is created in three-phase power. There is also a concept of multi-phase power; studies found that a three-phase power supply is more economical and easier to produce.
- Compared to that of a single-phase power supply for the same load, the overall effectiveness of the three-phase power supply is greater.
How does your phase impact your choice of a solar inverter?
The solar inverter is the heart of a solar system. This sophisticated piece of electrical equipment is accountable for:
- Converting the DC produced by the solar panels to AC which can be used within your home or exported back to the grid;
- Controlling the voltage of the system to draw out the maximum power offered (referred to as maximum power point tracking); and
- Reporting on the solar system’s efficiency (either on screen, through Bluetooth or the web)
Inverters with Single Phase Power
If your home has single-phase power, then you will also need to ensure you install a single-phase inverter with your residential solar system. In most states, if your residential or commercial property is single phase, you can set up an inverter approximately 5kW in size. Any bigger, and you may not be able to get a feed-in tariff for any excess electrical energy your solar energy system produces and exports to the grid.
You can talk to one of our energy consultants to decide which option would be most appropriate for your needs.
Inverter with Three-Phase Power
If you own a property with a three-phase power supply, you’re technically able to install both single and three-stage compatible inverters with your commercial solar system. However, most of the time, network operators will not allow an imbalance across the phases. You’ll either need to set up three single-phase inverters for each phase or one three-phase inverter that will work throughout all three phases.
While there is no limit on the size of the inverter that you’re permitted to install, in numerous states, your network service provider will authorize installations over 5kW.
No matter your phase, going solar is easy with AYKA Solar
No matter whether your house or business is single or three phases, Australia is among the very best countries worldwide to install solar power systems.
AYKA Solar provides single and three-phase inverters from SMA, Fronius, SolarEdge, Sungrow. We have selected these brands as respectable makers dedicated to producing inverters of the highest quality and effectiveness.
We can help you decide the very best inverter size and brand for your house or organization, guaranteeing you get the best possible return on your financial investment.
