Solar inverters are a central component of any solar-powered system. Whether your system is grid-tied, battery-powered, or a hybrid system, the solar inverter is what makes the power generated by your solar panels usable for your household. If you’re installing your own solar inverter or just need some tips on properly maintaining this part of your system, keep reading. We’ll give you some essential tips on both.

Grid tie solar inverter

Installing a Solar Inverter

Before installing your solar inverter, make sure you’re choosing a type that is compatible with your system. Some inverters are designed for only grid-tied systems, while others are for use with battery storage. Still others, like microinverters, come pre-installed on each of your panels. Make sure you know what you need.

Assuming you don’t have microinverters, this means you’ll have either a string inverter or a central inverter. Whichever kind it is, you’ll need to install your solar inverter somewhere with good ventilation and no direct sunlight. It should also be sheltered from any type of moisture. Typically, people will install their solar inverter in a garage, basement, or mounted to the house's exterior, protected by a box.

 

Maintaining Your Inverter

An inverter requires very little maintenance. Once you make sure it’s properly installed, you simply need to keep it clean. Wipe it free of any accumulating dust, debris, and cobwebs on a regular basis.

 

Keep It Cool

Inverters frequently become hot during daily usage; this is normal, but it is important to make sure you do not have any heat-sensitive or flammable materials near the inverter. Additionally, if your inverter has a cooling fan to regulate its temperature, make sure that the fan is not blocked, and the airflow around the inverter is not restricted. This could disrupt the fans ability to cool and cause the inverter to overheat and reduce the inverter’s efficiency. You should leave a minimum of 12 inches of clearance around your inverter.

 

Clean Air Intake

If your inverter is installed somewhere that tends to get dusty, you may need to have a technician clean the air intake filter. This type of maintenance you should not attempt yourself. Make sure you have a professional handle it.

 

Watch for Error Codes

Though your solar inverter may not need a lot of maintenance, you should at least take a look at it from time to time to check for any error codes. If your inverter is showing an error code or displaying a different light than normal, it may need maintenance. Again, a technician is best equipped to read these error codes and provide the necessary services, so give us a call if you see an error code.

Maintaining a solar inverter is quite simple, but it is not something you can overlook without consequences. Make sure to keep your inverter clean and cool, and call a technician if there are any problems. If you need a new solar inverter, contact us. We carry inverters from many major brands, such as Schneider Electric, and can help you choose the right one and get it installed. Contact us today.