Comparative Study of Inverter Types Used in the Iraqi Local Market: Performance and Technical Characteristics Analysis

Abstract

Inverter sets commonly used in the Iraqi market were used to install solar power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial loads. The experiment took place in Kirkuk Governorate, specifically in one of the workshops that maintain inverters used in the local solar power system market. The size and specifications of the inverters were measured, the output waveform was measured, the inverter performance was studied, and its quality was compared with its estimated costs and total waveform (THD).The rapid expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems worldwide has increased the importance of power electronic converters, particularly solar inverters, which convert direct current (DC) generated by photovoltaic panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for electrical loads and grid integration. In countries experiencing unstable electricity supply, such as Iraq, solar PV systems have become an attractive solution for residential and commercial applications. This paper offers a comparative assessment to types of commonly used inverter technologies in the Iraqi local market, off-grid, grid-tied and hybrid inverter are examined. The efficiency, total harmonic distortion (THD), voltage stability, reliability and operational flexibility are the aspects under primary consideration in performance analysis. We experimentally analyze and evaluate the technical specifications of some of the most commonly used inverter brands. The results show that basis on stable grid, greatest energy conversion efficiency can be achieved through grid-tied inverters, while hybrid inverter enjoy the highest operational flexibility and reliability under weak/unstable grid. The results presented would give some practical suggestions to choose appropriate inverter technologies for solar PV applications in Iraq.