The demand towards renewable energy sources is increasing incrementally. One such clean energy source which is a popular choice among residential, commercial, or industrial uses is solar energy. This article will dive deep into the maintenance of one of the essential components of solar panels, i.e., solar inverter. From tips for solar inverter maintenance to signs that can measure the damage to the inverter, you can get into each aspect.
How Does a Solar Inverter Works?
In simple terms, the inverter is a device that converts electricity from one source to another, ensuring your gadgets work smoothly when there is a power disruption. The role of a solar inverter is to store the energy in the battery for later use. The inverter bridges the energy stored and the electricity required to power the gadgets when in need.
7 Tips for Solar Inverter Maintenance
The inverter comprises materials like glass and aluminium, one of the most durable and long-lived components in the solar system. It generally comes with a 25-year warranty.
Here are the seven solar panel inverter maintenance tips that will ensure your inverter lasts longer for over 25 years.
- Site Location
- Solar Inverter Inspection for Damage
- Regular Professional Maintenance
- Regular Cleaning
- Check and Monitoring Software
- Secure Connections and Protect Elements
- Â Keep it Cool and Be Prepared for Extreme Weather
Site Location
The first step to ensure that your inverter works well and saves you a lot of money is to ensure the solar inverter installation is set up in a dust-free and well-ventilated environment.
Why is this site inspection necessary? Solar installation in a no-ventilation area can lead to overheating. Overheating with no airflow space can cause moisture, which can, in turn, lead to rust. Preventing this and sheltering your inverter will ensure your solar system runs more efficiently.Â
Solar Inverter Inspection for Damage
The inverter is the brain of the solar system and is the most critical component of your solar system. In order to ensure the optimal functioning of the inverter, you have to check the inverter regularly. Your inverter will come with indicators that will help identify the performance of the invert. Below are the codes you need to ensure,
- Green light – All good with your inverter
- Red or orange – Your solar system is experiencing a potential issue.
- Red flash – Need troubleshooting; you need to contact your inverter manufacturer or your solar company.
Regular Professional Maintenance
Regular solar panel inverter maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal efficiency of your panels. Begin by checking if the inverter is clean and free from any dust or dirt that can accumulate over time.
Next, look for any signs of physical damage like a loose wire, cracks or discolouration on the glass, or signs of hotspots. If you notice any visible damage, contact technical support and ensure prompt repair.
Regular CleaningÂ
Over time, solar panels can accumulate dirt, pollen, dust, or birds, dropping on the surface of your solar panels. It could block sunlight from touching the panel, reducing your solar panel efficiency. Here are the three simplest ways to clean your solar panels regularly,
- Rinse the panels with a hose or a soft cloth and use just water or soapy water.
- Use a soft brush to remove any dust or dirt.
- Avoid any harsh materials that could scratch the glass surface.
- Clean your panels every morning or evening to prevent shock from sudden temperature changes.
Check and Monitoring Software
Solar inverter manufacturers often release software updates to address potential issues or to improve their performance. To stay updated and enhance solar panel efficiency and longevity, check for regular updates and install them as recommended by the solar manufacturers.
Besides this, ensure that the software performs properly and delivers the expected amount of electricity. Any significant changes in this could also indicate a problem with your inverter.
Secure Connections and Protect Elements
Regular maintenance is mandatory to protect the elements. Periodically check and tighten all the electrical connections, and check if there are any loose connections between the solar panel and an inverter because a loose electrical connection could lead to potential inverter failure.Â
Keep it Cool and Be Prepared for Extreme Weather
Though solar panels are designed to withstand all weather conditions, extreme events can still affect the performance of your solar panel. If your solar panel needs to be installed in extreme weather conditions like overheating areas or areas prone to hurricanes or heavy rains, ensure that it is installed with protective measures or consult a professional for technical assistance.
For instance, in areas with extreme heat waves, ensure the inverter has proper ventilation. Avoid installing it in direct sunlight or near other heat sources, as excessive heat can also reduce your panel’s lifespan.
What are the Signs of Inverter Failures?
A well-maintained inverter will ensure a continual power supply when it has industrial power. This is true in the case of modular inverters. However, there are quite a few problems that may arise and can detect inverter failures.
- Like any electrical equipment, overuse of solar panels can lead to inverter failure. Ensuring the power inverters run smoothly all the time will help prevent it.
- Over-current and over-voltage can also lead to inverter failure. It occurs due to natural phenomena like lighting or solar flares, and some can also be man-made.
- Ultrasonic vibrations induced by the friction of internal parts will lead to overheating of inverters, which contributes to inverter failure.
- Capacitor wear is one of the most common reasons for inverter failure because electrolytic capacitors have a limited lifespan and are temperature-sensitive.
Solar inverter maintenance is not a troubleshooting issue; it’s a precaution that ensures your panel has longevity and optimal performance. From site testing and installation to regular cleaning and professional maintenance, all contribute to ensuring the optimal efficiency of your solar panels.
