What are inverters used for in electrical systems?

Inverters are devices specifically designed to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). This process is essential for many applications, as AC power is the standard form of electricity used in homes and businesses for operating appliances and electronic devices.

When energy is initially generated from sources such as solar panels or batteries, it is typically in the form of DC. However, to utilize this energy efficiently in a household or for feeding into the electrical grid, it must be converted into AC. Inverters perform this critical function, allowing the use of renewable energy sources alongside conventional electrical systems. They also enable diverse applications, such as powering AC motors and supporting various electronic loads.

In contrast to this, other options describe processes not associated with the primary function of an inverter. The conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy is related to generators, while storing electrical energy pertains to batteries or capacitors. The process of switching AC to DC is handled by rectifiers rather than inverters, reinforcing that inverters uniquely serve to transform DC into AC.