Inverters are the heart and brain of a solar panel system – they are absolutely essential! If your solar inverter isn’t working to its full potential, it can be difficult to know what’s wrong, whether it needs repairing, if repairs are even possible or if you should replace the whole system. In this blog, we break it down so that you can make the right decision.
What are solar inverters?
Solar inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity, which is the electricity that the solar panels generate, into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the electricity that the grid uses. If your solar inverter isn’t working properly, the amount of electricity generated by your solar panels and the overall efficiency of the system will be affected.
There are two types of solar inverters available on the market. The first one is a conventional inverter, which has a lifetime of approximately 10-12 years. With a conventional inverter, if one panel is affected in any way, the output of every single panel will be reduced.
The other type of inverter, and our most preferred option, is the ‘micro inverter’. Micro inverters can have a much longer lifespan of about 25 years and are less susceptible to failure because the output of each solar panel works independently.
What causes solar inverters to fail?
There are a few reasons why a solar inverter can experience issues, including damage from the elements (especially after a storm), a tripping circuit, voltage issues, improper installations and lack of or poor maintenance.
How do I know if my inverter needs to be repaired?
If you notice that your system isn’t producing energy like it used to or if you have a feeling that something may be wrong, have a look at your inverter and look out for these signs:
- Yellow or red lights
- Flashing lights
- Error code
To repair or to replace?
Can inverters be repaired? In short, yes. There can be a lot of confusion around whether you should repair or replace and it ultimately depends on the extent of the damage and the age of your solar system.
If you find any issues with your inverter, you should record all of the error codes on the display and contact a CEC-accredited professional to come out and have a look. After inspecting the system, they will explain to you the issue that your solar inverter is facing and can advise you on the appropriate course of action. Sometimes, all your inverter needs is a deep clean and maintenance service. Other times, your inverter may need to undergo extensive repairs.
If it comes to it, you can have your inverter replaced. Be sure to check your warranty and consider the cost of replacement.
An opportunity to upgrade
If your inverter is facing serious issues and is almost at the end of its life, a whole system upgrade could be a great option for you. To do this, you will need to have your current system removed by a professional and you will also need to consider that your feed-in tariffs may change. The best route of action here is to book a consultation with solar experts (like us!) for advice.
Solar inverter issues can vary between every home and building. We highly recommend giving us a call on 02 9167 8209 if you think your inverter may need repairs or replacing as soon as possible!
