If you could generate your own energy, slash your reliance on ‘the system’ as well as the size of your bills and actually do something to benefit the environment, why wouldn’t you? Well, with a solar power system, you can! Add to that re-sale appeal, low maintenance and a range of incredible government incentives and rebate schemes, and ‘going solar’ becomes a no-brainer. And at the very heart of your system is not just your panels, but a little something known as the solar inverter. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into a question that so many people don’t even consider until something is not quite right: What to do when you strike solar inverter problems?
How long do solar inverters last?
First, the great news – solar inverter troubleshooting isn’t something you’ll need to worry about too often. You can expect somewhere between one decade or even two out of your unit until you ever notice your solar inverter not working. Most standard warranties fall somewhere in that range, and in most cases, there’s not even any maintenance to do at all. Just keep it clean and you won’t have to deal with many solar inverter problems.
But that doesn’t mean solar inverter problems don’t exist! However, if you’re ready with a smart solar inverter troubleshooting guide (like this one!), you’ll be as empowered and prepared as possible. So let’s get started.
Solar panel inverter not working? Here’s why:
1. Faulty installation
More good news: perhaps the biggest reason for your solar inverter not working isn’t your fault, and wasn’t even the manufacturer’s fault either! Whoever installs yours – and make sure it’s a fully-qualified and licenced solar electrician – needs to both connect and program the inverter just right. The manufacturer’s installation blueprint needs to be strictly adhered to, and then the system must be subjected to testing for:
- Yield tests
- Remote activation/deactivation
- Reactive power regulation.
2. Overheating
Similarly, the most common sign of an inverter that’s on the way out or on the road to a fault is overheating. Like most electronic components, overheating can severely affect the way your inverter works – and things get really bad once that inverter heat really starts to soar. Again, the quality of your installation could be a reason for the problem, as sufficient cooling capacity and ventilation should always be considered. Also crucial is sufficient space between cabinetry and inverter housing, and the ongoing full. functioning of dust filters.
3. Isolation fault
In the solar energy game, one common solar inverter problem is referred to as an ‘isolation fault’ – which is basically a short circuit. It’s usually triggered by cabling damage and moisture, but poor installation – such as with the DC cable connection – can also be an issue. It’s also something more common in more tropical or seaside areas. The result is often total inverter failure, but there’s a safety factor here too as voltages can soar.
4. Failed restart
Unfortunately, many solar power system owners report that their inverter doesn’t turn back on after a blackout or other grid faults, like a voltage surge. Often, the inverter will be damaged, or you’ll need a solar electrician to successfully restart it. To avoid this issue, ask your inverter supplier about which solar inverter brands are better at resisting these grid-related problems, and also look into whether an inverter monitoring system might work for you.
5. Maximum Power Point Tracking
Otherwise known as MPPT, this isn’t a problem – it’s the principle upon which all of your separate panels work consistently together in ‘strings’. It means when one panel or ‘string’ is producing less power, the overall system is configured to keep working as optimally as possible. When MPPT problems occurred, it’s often because the right performance tests may not have been done at the point of installation.
Solar inverter problems? We can help!
Is your solar panel inverter not working properly? Perhaps yours:
- Isn’t turning on
- The battery isn’t charging
- An alarm is sounding
- An error code is showing
- Is noisy or overheating.
No matter what’s up with your inverter, get a top-notch solar technician on the case today! Here at Static Electrics, our fully-qualified solar electricians have seen it, done it, got the T-shirt – from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, from Moreton Bay to Redland Bay, and beyond. In fact, we’re the best-known and most trusted solar inverter repair services across the entire region, so give Static Electrics a call today for a great deal.
