How long do solar inverters last?

The solar inverters are arguably the most crucial components of your solar panel system. The job of the inverter is to convert direct current (DC) created by the solar panels to alternating current (AC), which is the form of electricity that the grid wields. Therefore, without the inverter, your solar panels become useless as the power they generate can not be used in your home.

So, how long do solar inverters last? And, how do you know when you need a new one?

What can affect the lifespan of a solar inverter?

Many factors can affect the lifespan of a solar inverter, big the main factors are:

Heat
Humidity
Poor installation
Lack of maintenance

Why do solar inverters fail?

Overheating

High temperatures can cause a reduction in the power produced by your solar system as the inverter can overheat. To ensure the electronic components of the inverter are not affected, ensure it is placed in a well ventilated area, such as a garage, so it can remain cool.

Fluctuations in voltage and current

If the voltage or current gets too high, due to a grid fault, the inverter can be damaged. This can be avoided by the addition of circuit breakers or fuses.

Faulty Installation

Faulty installation of the solar inverter is a frequent issue. If the inverter is connected to the wrong terminals or calibrated incorrectly or if the capacity of the inverter and the solar system are mismatched then the inverter will fail. It is imperative to get a solar expert to install your inverter.

Lack of regular inspections

Solar systems, and specifically inverters, need to have maintenance inspections performed periodically by a trained technician. A solar professional will be able to see evidence of faults or failure prior to the occurrence and allow you to have minor repairs done before the components deteriorate and create further damage.

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your inverter and solar system. It is recommended that you have your inverter serviced every 3 years to ensure everything is performing as it should be to reap the benefits of solar power in your home.

How long should I expect my solar inverter to last?

Different types of solar inverters have dissimilar lifespans. Their life expectancy are approximately as follows:

String inverter - circa 10 years

Battery inverter - circa 10 years

Hybrid solar inverter - circa 15 years

Microinverter - 15 - 25 years

Signs that a solar inverter needs replacing

If your solar panel system suddenly stops working then the most common cause is a problem with, or failure of, the inverter. If your inverter is easily accessible, the lights on your solar inverter will give you an indication of an issue.

Green - Inverter is working well

Blinking green - Sunlight on the panels is low

No colour - There is no sunlight on the panels

Red / Orange / Yellow - Something is wrong with your inverter

If there is no colour symbolising no sunlight on the panels on a sunny day, this is indicative of a problem with your inverter and you will need to speak to a solar professional to find the cause. Similarly, if a red, orange or yellow light is on, this is an error code and a solar technician will need to perform an inspection of your solar system.

Ways to prolong the life of a solar inverter

There are ways to prolong the life of your solar inverter. Such as:

If your solar inverter is installed outside, ensure it is in a shaded area and protected from direct sunlight
If your solar inverter is installed inside, the area must be well ventilated and placed in an area at least 10 times the size of the inverter
Have your solar inverter installed far away from hot areas in your home; such as heated pipes, air conditioning vents and the stove.

What to do if your solar inverter fails

If your solar inverter is showing a fault code call Pugin Power and our CEC accredited solar specialists can determine the issue and repair your solar inverter swiftly.

Whether you require solar installation, repair, maintenance or efficiency services, we will take care of it. We provide solar power solutions on Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.

References:
pv-magazine-australia.com
energy.gov.au