If you install an inverter backwards will it convert AC into DC?
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If by backwards you mean hook the PV array up to the AC and the grid up to the DC then no, you would just get a smoking inverter. Off grid and hybrid inverters do run backwards in that they can take AC in and output DC to charge a battery bank.
Hooking up 500Vdc to the AC terminals in a grid tied inverter could do a lot of damage and, if the current, voltage and frequency sensors were not destroyed, they would simply tell the inverter that the "grid" was not correct and the AC contactors would not close, thus sparing the more sensitive electronics any resulting damage and keeping the magic smoke inside the inverter where it belongs... If you did manage to defeat the inverter safety protections, you might get this:
Comments
Off grid and hybrid inverters do run backwards in that they can take AC in and output DC to charge a battery bank.
If you did manage to defeat the inverter safety protections, you might get this: