How Long Do Solar Inverters Last
How long do solar inverters last? The expected lifespan of a solar inverter is between 10-15 years. However, this can vary depending on the type, brand, and/or model of the installed inverter.
With electricity prices rising across the country, residential solar power systems are becoming increasingly popular. And while most homeowners are ready to invest in solar, the choice of choosing which system to install can be confusing.
When investing in something like solar, we always provide our clients with a cost analysis and one factor we look at is how long the system will last, and in this case, the solar inverter.
What is the lifespan of a solar inverter types?
Solar inverters typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years. With so many variations it’s hard to determine the exact age your inverter will fail however, we can give fairly good estimates for different types of inverters.
How long do String Inverters last?
String Inverters have a lifespan of 10 years and are the most comment type of solar inverters installed in homes across Brisbane.
While String Inverters are more popular and less expensive, they are only compatible with grid-tier solar systems, meaning they aren’t compatible with an off-grid system. And with a life expectancy of 10 years, we recommended putting aside funds to replace your String Inverter when that time comes.
How long do Microinverters last?
Microinverters will often have a longer lifespan of 15-25 years however, they are relatively more expensive than other solar inverters.
In fact, Microinverters differ a lot from other inverters but they also have a number of advantages. Instead of a single inverter, Microinverters are installed at the back of each solar panel on your roof and produce power for their own panel. This means that the performance of your solar system won’t be disrupted if it’s shady or overcast. Typically, Microinverters provide homeowners with up to 25% more energy production than String Inverters.
How long do Inverter Batteries last?
If you’re thinking of installing a solar battery to store energy from your system, it will have a lifespan of roughly 10 years, much like a String Inverter. Although having a Battery Inverter might not be important to someone living in a suburban home, they are almost essential for off-grid solar setups.
How long do Hybrid Solar Inverters last?
You should expect a Hybrid Solar Inverter to have a lifespan of 15 years. Hybrid Solar Inverters are two functions in one as it combines a String Inverter with the charging and discharging capabilities for batteries.
How do you extend the lifespan of a solar inverter?
Although solar inverters have a limited lifespan, there are many ways to keep them running for longer. Here are 5 ideas for getting a few extra years out of your inverter.
Installing the right inverter for the size of your solar system
You can extend the life of your inverter before it’s even installed by purchasing the right one for your system. We always recommend speaking with a solar installer before making anyway decisions.
For example, if you call us on 0497 524 407, one of our friendly solar experts will visit you to understand why you’re looking to install solar. We will look over your previous energy bills to determine what size system you need, as well as looking at your roof and surrounding trees that could cause shading concerns. After we collected all of the information we need, we’ll suggest the solar inverter best suited for your home and needs.
Installing the inverter in the right location
Believe it or not, installing your solar inverter can drastically improve its life expectancy. We suggest finding a spot inside your home (usually in the garage) that is well-ventilated, has low humidity and is away from direct sunlight.
If you’re installing more than one inverter, make sure there is enough space between them so that heat doesn’t cause issues. Your solar installation expert can provide suggestions to help you.
Inverter maintenance and monthly cleaning
After having your solar system installed, it’s important to regularly clean the dust buildup off your inverter. We recommended doing this at least once a month so that your inverter doesn’t overheat.
We also recommended having your inverter and system serviced once a year by a solar repair expert so that any small, unnoticed issues can be repaired before their cause any further damage to your inverter.
Checking for warning lights
When cleaning your inverter or simply walking past, be sure to check if it’s displaying any warning lights or error codes. If your inverter is displaying these, it’s best to call a solar repair technician right away. If left unrepaired, these warnings could result in your system not producing energy or may become more serious like a fire on your roof.
Make sure you have an extended warranty
Although an extended warranty won’t extend the life of your inverter, it can help save you money if you need to buy a new one. If you have already installed an inverter and you’re not sure if you have an extended warranty, check with your solar installation company. If you can’t get in contact with them, our solar repair company could be able to help let you know or organise one for your inverter.
Contact Solarfix for Inverter Repairs
When solar inverters leave the factory, they’re built to last the same however, various factors such as installation, maintenance, operation and general wear-and-tear mean that every individual inverter’s lifespan will be different.
If you’re having problems with your inverter or would like to know more about which inverter is right for your home, contact Solarfix on 0497 524 407 and we’ll be happy to help provide you with our expert advice.
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