What is the difference between AC and DC combiner box?

AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) combiner boxes are components used in solar power systems to combine the output from multiple strings of solar panels before feeding the electrical energy into inverters. The main difference between AC and DC combiner boxes lies in the type of current they handle:

DC Combiner Box:

Function: DC combiner boxes are used on the DC side of a solar power system. They combine the output from multiple strings of solar panels in parallel before it is sent to the inverter.

Voltage: The input to a DC combiner box is the direct current generated by the solar panels, which can have higher voltages. The combiner box is designed to handle DC voltages and currents safely.

Components: Inside a DC combiner box, you may find fuses, surge protection devices, and other components to ensure the safe and efficient combining of the DC power from different strings.

AC Combiner Box:

Function: AC combiner boxes are used on the AC side of the inverter. They combine the output from multiple inverters or inverter strings before the electrical energy is fed into the grid or the building's electrical system.

Voltage: The input to an AC combiner box is the alternating current produced by the inverters. This current has a lower voltage than the DC output from the solar panels.

Components: AC combiner boxes may contain components such as circuit breakers, surge protection devices, and monitoring equipment to ensure the safety and performance of the AC electrical system.

In summary, the primary difference between AC and DC combiner boxes is the type of current they handle. DC combiner boxes are used on the DC side to combine the output from solar panels, while AC combiner boxes are used on the AC side to combine the output from inverters before it is connected to the electrical grid or a building's electrical system. Both types of combiner boxes play a crucial role in managing and optimizing the performance of a solar power system.