From pv magazine USA
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In the first part of this series, pv magazine reviewed the productive lifespan of solar panels, which are quite resilient. In this part, we examine residential solar inverters in their various forms, how long they last, and how resilient they are.
The inverter, a device that converts the DC power produced by solar panels into usable AC power, can come in a few different configurations.
The two main types of inverters in residential applications are string inverters and microinverters. In some applications, string inverters are equipped with module-level power electronics (MLPE) called DC optimizers. Microinverters and DC optimizers are generally used for roofs with shading conditions or sub-optimal orientation (not south-facing).
In applications where the roof has a preferable azimuth (orientation to the sun) and little no shading issues, a string inverter can be a good solution.
String inverters generally come with simplified wiring and a centralized location for easier repairs by solar technicians. Typically they are less expensive, said Solar Reviews. Inverters can typically cost 10-20% of the total solar panel installation, so choosing the right one is important.
How long do they last?
While solar panels can last 25 to 30 years or more, inverters generally have a shorter life, due to more rapidly aging components. A common source of failure in inverters is the electro-mechanical wear on the capacitor in the inverter. The electrolyte capacitors have a shorter lifetime and age faster than dry components, said Solar Harmonics.
EnergySage said that a typical centralized residential string inverter will last about 10-15 years, and thus will need to be replaced at some point during the panels&#; life.
String inverters generally have standard warranties ranging from 5-10 years, many with the option to extend to 20 years. Some solar contracts include free maintenance and monitoring through the term of the contract, so it is wise to evaluate this when selecting inverters.
Microinverters have a longer life, EnergySage said they can often last 25 years, nearly as long as their panel counterparts. Roth Capital Partners said its industry contacts generally report microinverter failures at a substantially lower rate than string inverters, though the upfront cost is generally a bit higher in microinverters.
Microinverters typically have a 20 to 25-year standard warranty included. It should be noted that while microinverters have a long warranty, they are still a relatively new technology from the past ten years or so, and it remains to be seen if the equipment will fulfill its 20+ year promise.
The same goes for DC optimizers, which are typically paired with a centralized string inverter. These components are designed to last for 20-25 years and have a warranty to match that time period.
As for inverter providers, a few brands hold dominant market share. In the United States, Enphase the market leader for microinverters, while SolarEdge leads in string inverters. Tesla has been making waves in the residential string inverter space, taking up market share, though it remains to be seen how much of an impact Tesla&#;s market entry will make, said an industry note from Roth Capital Partners.
(Read: &#;U.S. solar installers list Qcells, Enphase as top brands&#;)
Failures
A study by kWh Analytics found that 80% of solar array failures occur at the inverter level. There are numerous causes of this.
According to Fallon Solutions, one cause is grid faults. High or low voltage due to grid fault can cause the inverter to stop working, and circuit breakers or fuses can be activated to protect the inverter from high-voltage failure.
Sometimes failure can occur at the MLPE level, where the components of power optimizers are exposed to higher temperatures on the roof. If reduced production is being experienced, it could be a fault in the MLPE.
Installation must be done properly as well. As a rule of thumb, Fallon recommended that the solar panel capacity should be up to 133% of the inverter capacity. If the panels are not properly matched to a right-size inverter, they will not perform efficiently.
Maintenance
To keep an inverter running more efficiently for a longer period, it is recommended to install the device in a cool, dry place with lots of circulating fresh air. Installers should avoid areas with direct sunlight, though specific brands of outdoor inverters are designed to withstand more sunlight than others. And, in multi-inverter installations, it is important to be sure there is proper clearance between each inverter, so that there isn&#;t heat transfer between inverters.
It is a best practice to inspect the outside of the inverter (if it is accessible) quarterly, making sure there are no physical signs of damage, and all vents and cooling fins are free from dirt and dust.
It is also recommended to schedule an inspection through a licensed solar installer every five years. Inspections typically cost $200-$300, though some solar contracts have free maintenance and monitoring for 20-25 years. During the checkup, the inspector should check inside the inverter for signs of corrosion, damage, or pests.
In the next installment of the series, pv magazine will examine the life of residential battery energy storage applications.
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The solar market is experiencing rapid growth and transformation as a part of the renewable energy revolution. By , the market size of the global solar inverter is anticipated to stand at $17.9 billion.
In this article, we will discuss the details of the lifespan of different types of solar inverters, along with the major factors that significantly affect how long solar inverters last.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of commercial pv inverters. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Solar inverters are vital parts of solar energy systems that transform the direct current (DC) electricity developed by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity convenient for use in residences, industries, and the electrical grid. There are various kinds of solar inverters, such as string inverters, microinverter models, central inverters, and hybrid solar inverters.
Read on to learn more about how long do inverters last.
It is estimated that the lifespan of many solar inverters lasts between 10 to 15 years. But, based on the type of solar inverter and several other factors, some solar inverters can last up to 25 years.
String inverters are the most common kind of solar inverters utilized in solar power systems. They operate by restoring the DC electricity developed by numerous solar panels attached in a series into AC electricity.
Coming to the working principle, the DC power from the solar panels is first transformed into AC power, and then the AC power is synchronized with the grid or utilized directly in the electrical system.
In terms of inverter lifespan, they are likely to last around 10 to 15 years. Nevertheless, with regular maintenance and monitoring, the string inverters can last up to 20 years or more.
Microinverters are an alternative to string inverters, but unlike string inverters, microinverters are established on each individual solar panel. They operate by altering the DC electricity created by each solar panel into AC electricity at the panel level.
This decentralized method authorizes for autonomous optimization and supervision of each solar panel, enhancing overall system performance.
In terms of lifespan, they normally retain a similar lifespan to string inverters, varying from 10 to 15 years.
Central inverters, also called large or utility-scale inverters, are made for larger solar power installations, like commercial or utility-scale projects. They are accountable for transforming the DC electricity developed by the solar panels into AC electricity on a larger scale.
The solar inverter lifespan can vary from 10 to 15 years based on the manufacturer, quality of components, and operating conditions.
Hybrid solar inverters are made to operate with both solar power and energy storage systems. They allow for the integration of solar panels with batteries, allowing the storage of excess energy yielded by the solar panels for later use.
Coming to the lifespan of hybrid solar inverters, is similar to that of string inverters, varying from 10 to 15 years. Nevertheless, the lifespan of batteries utilized in conjunction with hybrid inverters may differ based on the battery technology and maintenance practices.
Here is a table summarizing the estimated lifespan of each type of solar inverter:
Inverter TypeLifespanString Inverter10 to 15 yearsMicroinverter15 to 25 yearsCentral Inverter10 to 15 yearsHybrid Inverter10 to 15 years (lifespan varies for batteries)Wondering if any factors affect how long does a solar inverter last? Understanding these factors is vital for retaining the longevity of inverters in solar power systems.
High temperatures can have a detrimental impact on solar inverter components. Excessive heat can speed up the aging procedure of electronic parts, resulting in enhanced wear and possible failure.
Solar inverters must have decent ventilation and cooling systems in order to solve temperature-related problems and lengthen the inverter lifespan.
Dust, dirt, and residue can build up on the inverter&#;s parts, which will hinder its performance and result in overheating. Proper inspections, cleaning, instant repairs, and quick technical support can deter possible problems and assure optimal functioning.
The installation position of inverters can awfully affect their lifespan. Inverters that are installed in locations exposed to direct sunlight, harsh weather conditions, or high humidity are likely to experience speed-up wear.
Installing solar inverters in a well-ventilated, shaded area and conserving them from environmental conditions can expand their lifespan.
Operating within the specified voltage and current limits suggested by the manufacturer is crucial for inverter longevity. Utilizing outside of these ranges can weaken the inverter&#;s parts, resulting in premature failure.
Guaranteeing decent electrical design, including proper wire sizing and preventing overloading, is vital to maintain optimal performance and enhancing the lifespan of solar inverters.
BENY is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality solar system accessories, offering a range of innovative products and services. One of BENY&#;s standout products is its Microinverter. Our microinverter boasts several notable features:
BENY offers a 25-year warranty for our microinverters, highlighting the confidence we have in the product&#;s reliability and longevity. This warranty offers peace of mind to customers, assuring them of BENY&#;s commitment to quality and durability.
BENY&#;s microinverters allow for seamless communication through a remote monitoring system. This feature allows users to monitor the performance of their solar energy system in real time, accessing data on energy production, individual panel performance, and system diagnostics.
BENY&#;s microinverters are known for their exceptional output and efficiency. With advanced technology and design, they deliver high conversion rates, maximizing the electricity generated by each solar panel.
To conclude how long does an inverter last depends on the type of solar inverter, operating temperature, installation area, routine maintenance, etc. Though there are many solar inverter manufacturers, it is best to choose BENY for ordering good-quality, robust, and safe solar inverters.
With low MOQ and affordable rates, reach out to BENY today to get a quote and experience the benefits of our exceptional solar products for your solar energy requirements.
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