What Happens If Your Solar Inverter Fails?

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Solar energy systems are a great source of clean, sustainable energy.  It is built to last for 25 years, and with all the energy savings that you get, it is indeed a great investment for your home.  However sturdy we think it is, solar energy systems have different individual components that may not live that long and malfunction or break.  One of the key components that we should look out for is the solar inverter.  A solar inverter is responsible for converting DC electricity from batteries and solar panels to become usable energy.  Hence, failure or breakdown of a solar inverter can cause major power interruption and can be very troublesome.

It is important to know and understand the causes of solar inverter failures so you would be able to monitor and attend to it before it gets way out of hand.

1. Wear and tear of a capacitor.

Inverters are very reliant on capacitors to provide smooth power output at varying levels of current. However, capacitors have a very short lifespan and deteriorate faster than dry components.  They are also extremely sensitive to temperature changes.  So keeping a consistent maintenance schedule and regular replacement of capacitors can help avoid failures or breakdown of inverters.

2. Overusing the inverters

Sometimes, process managers forget about inverters and the tendency is to use them beyond their operating limit, either intentionally or due to an oversight.  It is advisable to check that your inverter is running correctly from time to time and do regular maintenance schedules.

3. Over or under voltage

If the current or voltage increases to a level that the inverter is not rated for, it causes a voltage spike and the excess heat will damage the components.  These spikes can be man-made or caused by nature such as lightning.

4. Ultrasonic vibrations

Ultrasonic vibrations can cause friction and add to the unwanted heat that will be generated by the device and damage the components of the inverter.  Electrical components also tend to loosen or corrode over time, and so proper maintenance should be given and any sign of wear and tear should be noted.  Cleaning the battery box, fuses, and inverter connection should be checked at least once every six months.  Proper cleaning and correct installation is also a key to keeping everything in top condition.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that may contribute to solar inverter failure.  When it fails or breaks down due to any of the reasons above, it can cause major power failure in your home or office, and can lead to significant production losses.  Solar inverters are responsible for converting and feeding the power to the grid.  When they are faulty, you cannot reach the optimum performance of your solar energy system. Solar inverter repair can also be costly depending on the damage.  It is important then to look for a reliable, reputable solar energy company before installing your solar energy system because they will be responsible in looking after the overall well-being of your solar system.

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