Your solar inverter is the core of your solar power system which transforms DC power from your panels into useable AC for your home. Also like any technology it has a life span. Over time performance may drop out and errors will appear which in turn will require at some point you to look into solar inverter replacement.
At Leaf Power Design we focus on the evaluation and upgrade of inverter systems. In this guide we will look at the main signs which indicate that your solar inverter is at the end of its life and in need of replacement.
Understanding the Role of a Solar Inverter
Before jumping into the signs of trouble, it is to first understand what your inverter does for you. It manages:.
- DC to AC energy conversion
- Grid synchronization
- Performance tracking
- System safety and shutdown at fault detection.
A defective solar inverter will impact the whole system’s performance which is why early detection and timely replacement is of great importance.
Frequent Error Codes and System Warnings
Most present day inverters report errors or solar inverter fault codes via the LCD screen or monitoring app. If these reports are persistent or very frequent they may indicate internal hardware problems or software issues.
While some warnings will alert you to small issues, we see that persistent errors are a sign of a broken solar inverter which will require replacement. A tech can run tests to determine if the inverter can be fixed or if in fact the unit should be replaced at this time.
Drop in Inverter Performance
One of the first signs of inverter failure is a drop in performance. If your solar panels are putting out power which your home isn’t what is expected, the inverter may be the issue.
Through the use of monitoring tools we see present performance in relation to past averages. Out of no environmental cause for instance shade or dirt build up a consistent decline reports inverter efficiency loss which is a sign that an solar inverter upgrade is needed.
Age and Inverter Lifespan
Solar inverter which will typically run for a period of time between 10 to 15 years. If your system is out at present or has passed that time mark it is often that proactive replacement is the more economical option rather than fixing an old unit.
Older inverters do not have the efficient and smart features that the new models do which is a reason to invest in an upgrade. Also for a better energy report and in the long term for savings consider microinverter and string inverter upgrades.
Inconsistent Power Output or Grid Sync Issues
When you are out of sync with the grid your system may go on and off unpredictably or stop sending power back to the grid. These issues usually point to a faulty solar inverter or internal control problems.
If you have a graph that displays energy production fluctuations with no clear cause it is time to seek out a professional for an evaluation. A new solar panel inverter may correct the issue and also increase your return on investment.
Physical Damage or Overheating
In inverters which perform at their best in cool temperatures which also have good air flow and shade. As for when you notice:.
- Burn marks
- Melting components
- Strange smells
- Overheating shutoffs
Your inverter may fail. Heat is a great issue which causes serious internal damage and also greatly reduces inverter life span. In such cases repair may not bring back full performance and the best option is to go for a full solar inverter replacement.
System Not Communicating or Offline
If out of the blue your inverter stops reporting data or the system goes offline which is not normal in sunny weather that may be a issue beyond simple connectivity. We see that communication failures may be a result of bad internal hardware, memory corruption, or software bugs in the old inverter models.
This is a known issue in older models which do not have proper cloud integration. In such cases we see that a solar inverter upgrade to a smart enabled model not only improves visibility but also we see an improvement in system performance and remote troubleshooting.
High Frequency of Repairs or Recurring Faults
If you notice you are having to repair the inverter repeatedly, that may be a sign that the unit’s useful life is ending. Also, you will notice that as the frequency of part replacements, (for which example can be fuses and controllers) increases, the cost does go up and you are better off with a one time solar inverter install instead.
New more extensive warranties as well as better durability are features of modern inverter designs which in turn gives you peace of mind and reduces maintenance issues down the road.
Final Thoughts
Your solar energy system’s performance is that of its inverter which runs it. A broken solar inverter also affects energy production and at the same time may cause your whole system’s life to decrease. Also note the signs of inverter efficiency decline which may include recurring error codes and physical damage and take timely action before a full scale failure happens.
At Leaf Power Design we work with home owners to assess their systems and take them through the process of solar panel inverter replacement which may include upgrading to a smart inverter or a microinverter install. We won’t let an out of date inverter diminish your energy production our team is standing by to help you get the full value out of your solar investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How regularly do I have to replace my solar inverter?
Most inverters have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If yours is an older model or is showing signs of performance drop, it may be time for a new solar inverter.
Can I fix a faulty inverter?
In some cases fuse replacements will do but in most which pertain to large failures we see that a full inverter change is necessary at which time also note that these tend to happen in older units.
What is the price for solar inverter replacement?
Cost per system varies by type (string, hybrid, microinverter) and size. We see prices from at which $800 to $3,000 which also includes installation.
Are newer inverters more efficient?
Yes. Modern models improve in that they use energy more efficiently, also they include better monitoring features and in many cases may be used with battery storage which in turn makes them the perfect choice for solar inverter upgrades.
What do you see as the distinction between a microinverter and a string inverter?
Microinverters are put onto each panel which in turn produces better performance in shaded conditions, also string inverters which put together groups of panels.
