How to maintain your Solar inverter ?

Your solar installation does not require much maintenance. However, there are certain steps you should take regularly to ensure that it functions smoothly and provides maximum output. The solar inverter is a key part of your installation. You should check and clean it at least once a year. Here are some tips for you to develop the right habits.

Maintenance is key

The lifetime of an inverter varies between 8 and 12 years depending on the model and type of installation. However, a poorly maintained inverter will experience a greater drop in performance at the end of its life. And when the inverter malfunctions, the entire installation is affected. Proper maintenance of your inverter is therefore essential to guarantee the durability of your investment.

Annual cleaning and maintenance

First of all, it is recommended to dust off your inverter every year, especially at the air inlets, and to make sure that the ventilation grids are not blocked. The same applies to the room in which your inverter is installed: you must ensure that the ventilation systems are clean. If the room in question is dusty, it is advisable to do this more than once a year.

A simple check of the inverter then consists of checking the operation of the LEDs and displays. However, you can carry out a more complete check from time to time by checking the following points.

Inspection points

• Check that the AC and DC connection cables are properly tightened
• Check that there is no evidence of heating and/or corrosion at the connections
• Clean the AC and DC electrical boxes for compressed air inverters
• Check the internal fans
• Check the battery
• Check the inverter still works after restarting it
• Check the state of the connections and low voltage AC wiring
• Check the emergency shutdown devices

Some of these control points are possible without disassembly and therefore easy to carry out. However, if you are reassured by the services of a professional, you should be aware that some companies offer maintenance contracts for your solar installation (whether you have been installed by an installer or designed it yourself). In addition, some inverter manufacturers offer extended warranties or repair warranties (which allow you to replace your inverter with one in which certain parts have been repaired) may be interesting to ensure the longevity of your installation.