An inverter is essential in a solar power system because it converts the DC (direct current) electricity generated by solar panels into AC (alternating current) electricity, which is used by most household appliances and the power grid. Without an inverter, the energy from solar panels cannot be utilized effectively.

Not necessarily. The size of the solar inverter should match your solar panel system's capacity and energy needs. An oversized inverter can lead to inefficiency, increased costs, and unnecessary energy losses. It’s best to choose an inverter size that aligns with the power output of your solar array.

The size of the inverter you need depends on your home’s total energy consumption and the solar panel system capacity. For an average home, a solar inverter between 5kW to 10kW is typically sufficient. Larger homes or those with high energy usage may require a more powerful inverter. It's important to calculate your energy needs accurately before choosing.

Overloading an inverter by connecting too many solar panels can cause it to operate inefficiently or even shut down to prevent damage. This results in wasted energy from the panels. Always ensure the solar panel array's capacity matches the inverter's input limit to optimize performance and avoid system failure.