Expert Tips For Solar Inverter Installation And Maintenance

Solar power energy systems have become a most popular option among homeowners who are conscious of their environmental impact and concerned about rising utility bills.

The sun is an excellent source of clean and renewable energy. But, before we use its energy, we need to harness and alter solar energy from direct current (DC) electricity into alternating Current(AC) electricity. And this is where an inverter comes in handy!

An inverter is an essential part of any solar PV panel system. It converts DC electricity produced by the panels into AC so that it can be used in homes and businesses. In this write-up, we’ll explore some expert tips for solar inverter installation and maintenance.

Make a Transition to Solar Home With These Expert Tips

Tip#1: Procure the Correct Inverter for Your Solar System

Your solar energy system is a big investment, and you want it to last as long as possible. That's why it's so crucial to get the right inverter for your system. The most critical part of an inverter is its ability to convert DC into AC power at the correct voltage, frequency, and current level for your home or business.

The most suitable inverter for your home or business will have enough power to handle all of your needs. The more watts (W), amps (A), and volts (V) are in an inverter, the more efficient it will be at producing electricity. Also, you need to make sure that you get a quality, reliable inverter and not a cheap one. The price of an inverter will vary depending on its size, features, and performance.

For residential and small commercial grid-tie systems, there are two types of inverters:

String Inverters

String inverters consist of a single central inverter unit, with solar panels “strung” together and connected to the inverter. Most solar panel systems have only one or two inverter units, so a typical string inverter can handle up to 30 panels. It mounts on the wall near the main service panel of the ground-mount system.

Microinverters

Microinverters are small inverter units installed behind individual solar panels. This configuration allows for future expansion and continuous power even if one of the units breaks down.

Microinverters are a popular choice among professionals, as they’re efficient, their technology continues to advance—and installation is straightforward.

Tip #2: Buy Supporting Equipment to Comply with Rapid Shutdown Codes

If you are installing a solar inverter, you will need to purchase a rapid shutdown device for each PV panel. These devices must be compatible with the solar inverter.

The rapid shutdown device is a critical piece of equipment that prevents damage to your inverter and system if an overload occurs. Unfortunately, there are no standards in place for these devices and they can vary widely in price and features. You should always consult with your installer before purchasing this equipment so they can advise you on what type of rapid shutdown device works best for your PV panels.

Tip #3: Ensure That Your Inverter Is Compatible With Your System

Before purchasing an inverter, make sure that it can support the size and capacity of your solar system. The power rating for most inverters is measured in Watts and you generally want to match or exceed this figure with your solar array's DC output.

For example, if you install a 7 kilowatt solar PV system, the inverter needs to be around 7kW in size—plus or minus a small percentage. On their product specification sheets, inverter manufacturers typically specify sizing guidelines for the array capacity with which their inverters can be paired.

If the DC rating of the solar array is greater than 50% of the capacity of the inverter, "clipping" occurs. Thus, the inverter limits the incoming energy, resulting in power losses throughout the system.

Tip#4: Ideal Location

One of the most critical factors in planning a solar inverter installation is choosing an appropriate location for your system. If you don’t give this much thought and consideration when deciding where to locate your new solar array, some problems might arise later on. You need to ensure which side of the inverter (right or left) is connected to AC or DC power. Plan the location accordingly so that there will be no tricky conduit work required later on.

Also, it's critical to remember that installing your solar inverter in direct sunlight can shorten its lifespan, and may cause some system downtime if the inverter overheats. You should also consult the installation manual to make sure you leave enough room around your inverter for ventilation.

Tip #5: Clean The Air Filters And Wipe Them Down On A Regular Basis

Air filters are a critical part of any high-efficiency solar panel installation system. They are there to trap dust and debris from the outside environment, which can damage your solar panels and inverter. Cleaning these filters is easy, but you should do it regularly to ensure they're running at peak performance.

Some people like to cover their inverter with a tarp when they're not using it, but this can cause problems because of condensation issues. If your inverter is covered, you should still periodically wipe it down with a damp cloth or spray it with a dehumidifier solution.

Tip#6: Avoid Input Overvoltage

Each inverter has a maximum voltage rating. This is why some solar inverters are better suited for residential use while others are better suited for commercial use. As you can see, a solar inverter designed for a single unit in a residential home cannot convert large currents within a commercial building.

As a result, you should not consider swapping out the inverters. When replacing the solar inverter, make sure you use the correct solar inverter. To summarize, the photovoltaic panel's input voltage should not exceed the recommended input DC voltage.

Go Solar with Oneroof Solar

Solar Panel Installation setup requires only minimal maintenance, but you should clean your panels and check the battery every once in a while. However, the Inverter is the most vulnerable part of the system. So, it's imperative to properly install and maintain it.

If you're interested in solar inverter installation Darwin, take advantage of a free consultation with one of our experts. They will not only answer your queries but also help you design and install a high-efficiency solar system.