Where to Install a Residential PV Inverter?

A PV inverter is a device used in a solar power system which generates electricity from sunlight. As solar technology advances, families across the world are installing solar PV systems at home. Although installing a residential system is not the job of an average person because the professional installer will do it, knowing where a PV inverter should be installed is beneficial for you to deal with special situations and increase your knowledge about residential solar power. The following concerns are mostly required in terms of inverter installation.

1. Can the inverter be installed a little distant away from the main power switch box?

Generally speaking, the distance between a switch box and a PV inverter is not a big deal. But some users are worried that this kind of placement may affect the efficiency of the whole PV system. The truth is the longer the distance is, the more the current transmission time will be. More importantly, when the current is on the move, its energy will lose although the loss is not so much that a user should be too worried. Some installers prefer to keep the two devices together, while others may install them in separate places. To improve the system’s total efficiency, experts suggest that the distance between the inverter and the solar panels should be shortened too.

2. Where is the most popular installation place for an inverter?

A family’s house is not as big as a solar power plant, and its area is limited. To choose the best place for installing the device is very necessary. Although many installers suggest that the device can be installed in nearly everywhere of the house if the owner thinks this is convenient. However, users’ personal experiences have suggested that a garage is the most popular place for such an installation. The suggested places are loft, balcony, windowsill, sitting room, storeroom and so on.

3. What’s the importance of keeping cool and dry for an inverter in the installation?

The suggested installation places are many, while a garage is the most popular place. Why? For an inverter, the most important element of it is its efficiency. If it becomes too hot or too cold, or if it is dampened or becomes wet, its working efficiency will become low. Also, its efficiency can be affected by dust. Once it is installed in a garage, these unfavorable conditions will be avoided. Yet, if your garage is too wet or too dusty, you shouldn’t install it there. Besides, you also need to avoid installing it near swimming pools or basements where so much vapor is stored.

4. Should you need to keep the solar inverter within your view?

The most popular place for installing an inverter is your garage, while it doesn’t have to be the best place for you. Inverters are machines which might run into trouble sometimes although this is rare for most inverter products. When this situation appears, you may immediately tell it to the installer and asks him to repair the machine on time. Or if it rains or other unexpected conditions occur, you can easily check the working condition of it immediately without being troubled. For these concerns, many people suggest one with this concern can install the device within your view. In fact, some scientists have already invented products which can automatically send these signals to the installer even without your realization. In addition, installing it within your sight can keep your product from being damaged or stolen by others too.

5. Can the IP65 protection method allow me to install it anywhere of my house?

Commercials of this kind are always hyping their products like this, while the reality is different. What if the product is flushed by a storm? What if the product is scorched by summer’s burning sunlight? What if the product is stricken by a lightning? The technology is indeed very helpful but not that protective as they always say. This technology always applies to grid-tie inverters which are used in a grid-tie solar PV system. Indeed you can install it inside your house or outside it. But for safety reasons, you had better place it in a place which you think appropriate and convenient.

By reading through the five questions and answers, I guess you must have a clear idea about where you should install your PV inverter in your house. It is not a big deal but very important for a family which hopes to fully use sunlight to generate electricity for daily residential power sustenance.