What are differences between inverter for stand-alone PV system and for grid-connected PV system?

Question

I want to know whether there are differences in design consideration of inverter for both system. Can I use one inverter for both system?

Answer 1

The grid-connected inverter must be synchronized to the grid. It must have the ability to sense the phase of the grid and match it's phase with that.

The stand-alone inverter does not have to match the phase of the grid.

Do NOT connect a stand-alone inverter to the grid, it could be a major disaster!

Some grid inverters have the ability to "free run" (the phase) when they are run as a stand-alone inverter, but you need to check the owner's manual to see if your particular model has that capability.

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