Question
What is the purpose of an inverter connected to a solar panel output?
Answer Options
- A) Reduce AC ripple on the output
- B) Maintain voltage with varying illumination levels
- C) Prevent discharge when panel is not illuminated
- D) Convert the panel’s output from DC to AC
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
A solar (photovoltaic) panel generates electricity through the photovoltaic effect, which produces direct current (\text{DC}) power. Most home appliances, power tools, and the commercial utility grid operate on alternating current (\text{AC}) power.
An inverter is a power electronic device specifically designed to convert the panel’s output from \text{DC} to \text{AC}. This conversion is necessary so that the solar energy can be used to run household \text{AC} equipment directly or to be fed into the commercial \text{AC} power grid.
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