Solar Inverter Problems: Causes, Solutions, and Maintaining Peak Performance

Rising electricity prices and load shedding problem in Pakistan has led to quest for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, solar power stands out at top for houses, commercial buildings and Industries. A key component of any residential solar power system is the solar inverter. This device converts the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that your home’s electrical system can use.

Understanding the Importance of Solar Inverters

Solar inverters are crucial in making solar energy usable. They transform the DC electricity from your solar panels into AC electricity, which powers most household appliances and integrates with the electrical grid. Without an inverter, the energy from your solar panels wouldn’t be practical for everyday use. Additionally, inverters monitor your solar system’s performance, providing data on voltage, current, and energy production.

The Benefits of Solar Power for Your Home

Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability

Solar energy is a clean, renewable source that reduces your carbon footprint. By using the sun’s power, you can generate electricity without harmful emissions, helping to protect the environment and promote a sustainable future by reducing the cause of global warming.

Cost Savings and Financial Benefits

Solar energy users can save money on electricity bills by generating their own electricity. Solar power can reduce monthly electricity costs and protect against increasing electricity bill prices. Plus, Pakistan governments offer relaxed rules for net meter connection for solar energy, enhancing the financial benefits.

Increased property Value

Installing a solar power system can increase your properties value. Studies show that property with solar systems installed have high market value, making it a smart investment for the future.

Energy Independence and Reliability

Solar power can provide reliable electricity even during Load-shedding. This is particularly valuable in areas prone to power disruptions, ensuring your home or industry stays powered and essential devices remain functional increasing the ROI even more.

Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact

By choosing solar energy, you contribute to a societal shift toward renewable energy sources. Your decision can inspire others and amplify the positive impact on the environment and climate change.

Choosing the Right Solar Inverter for Your Home

On-Grid

These inverters only feed the solar electricity back to the grid through a net-meter. During load-shedding these inverters turn off which is why these are not recommended where the load-shedding is a problem. These may be a good option when installed in parallel to a Hybrid Inverter. The cost of on-grid inverter is lower than the hybrid inverter.

Off-grid

The solar systems with off-grid inverter only supply solar produced energy inside the building. They do so by using maximum solar output and fulfilling the energy need if required from the grid. They do not return any excess energy but they do require a battery pack which can be used to store extra energy produced during the day time. These are also not very expensive as compare to other inverter types.

Hybrid

The most expensive and most complex inverters. They can manage solar output with battery and grid. These can provide backup from batteries when load-shedding occurs and can also feed the grid with a net-meter connection when excess solar energy is being produced.  

What causes an Inverter to fail.

Overheating

Solar inverters can overheat, especially in hot climates or poor ventilation. If inverters are put under extra load from either input or output, they will have to work more and lead to over-heating. It is recommended to read and understand the specifications of each inverter before buying an inverter. First step includes, choosing the right inverter for your system and Secondly, make sure it is properly ventilated and not overloaded with solar panels.

Solution:

  • Install the solar inverter in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep the surrounding area clear of debris.
  • Clean cooling fins once in a month.
  • Try to install the inverter in a well shaded area.
  • Upgrade the inverter if the solar system is overloading the inverter.

Faulty Connections

While installing the inverter for a solar system. It is very important to make sure the wires are traced and attached correctly in the right places. Mostly, unprofessional and inexperienced technicians make connections without properly understanding the inverter specifications and working conditions. They end up making connections either in the wrong places or miss an important wire connection entirely. These connection faults may lead to the improper working of the inverter or complete failure of the inverter if left unnoticed. That is why it is extremely important to make sure a qualified electrical engineer with proper knowledge does the connections for the solar panels and the system overall.

Solution:

  • Inspect and tighten connections after one month of installation as connections tend to loosen after first month.
  • Replace damaged cables or connectors.
  • Consult a professional for diagnosis and evaluation.

Lightning Damage

Another very important reason for solar inverter burnout is a not properly grounded circuit. The solar panels on the roof are prone to lightning strikes. That is why a lighting arrestor is installed near the solar panels and the arrestor is grounded using proper guidelines to make sure the solar system circuit and the building remains safe in case of a lightning.

Lighting comes from above but what if an electricity surge comes from the grid or main line. That’s where surge protectors are installed to prevent the invertors from burning. These devices are not very expensive but most of the people overlook them to save money. Surge protectors and circuit breakers if properly installed on correct lines can save a big loss from happening.

Solution:

  • Ensure robust grounding installed with international standards followed.
  • After a strike, have a professional evaluate damage.
  • Install lightning arrestors and surge protectors.

Software Problems

Invertors have their own softwares installed which runs and maintains the whole solar system. Software glitches can cause issues. These issues are mostly diagnosed in the first few months of installation and companies with proper warranty network re-install the software for free.

Lifespan and Load

Inverters can last up to 15 years or more depending on the conditions they are working under. It is recommended to prevent invertor overloading and to make sure they are placed in a well ventilated area.

Conclusion

Choosing the right solar inverter and navigating the world of solar energy can be challenging. Pemco Engineering is here to help. Our team of experts with proper educational background and knowledge can guide you through evaluating your energy needs, selecting the right inverter, and ensuring your solar system performs optimally.

We offer comprehensive services, including maintenance and quick repairs, to keep your system running smoothly. Trust Pemco Engineering to provide a customized solar solution that meets your needs and supports your sustainability goals. Contact Pemco Engineering today to start your journey toward a sustainable, solar-powered future for your home.