A DC to AC (Power) Inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC), which is the type of electricity stored in batteries and produced by solar panels, into alternating current (AC), the kind of electricity that powers most household appliances and is available from the electrical grid. The primary function of an inverter is to allow electronics and appliances that require standard household power to operate using electricity generated by renewable sources or stored in batteries. Power inverters are particularly useful in off-grid energy systems, mobile applications such as in RVs or boats, and as a backup power source in case of outages to ensure continuity of operations.
Main uses for DC to AC inverters include converting stored battery power to usable AC electricity for home appliances during power outages, or to run tools and electronics in remote locations without access to the grid. Characteristics that define these products include their power output (ranging from a few watts to several kilowatts), efficiency (how much power is lost during the conversion process), and waveform type (pure sine wave or modified sine wave), which affects how sensitive electronics will operate using the inverter. Some of the leading manufacturers of DC to AC (Power) Inverters are Schneider Electric, ABB, and SMA Solar Technology.