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Most Efficient Solar Panels Guide

Most Efficient Solar Panels Guide

Jun 18, 2022 | Solar Panels

Australia is one of the best places in the world for solar panels because of our sunny climate, and because of this, we have a great range of energy-efficient solar panels available to us.

However, this can be tricky because so much choice means that finding the right option for you can feel overwhelming.

We’ve put together a list of the most efficient solar panels, as well as some important things you need to think about when deciding on a solar panel system.

Most Efficient Solar Panels Guide

Efficiency by brand

There are two main numbers that you need to pay attention to when comparing brands of solar panels and that is output and efficiency. The output refers to the amount of energy that the system is capable of producing, and the efficiency is the percentage of the sun’s energy that the solar panel can convert into electricity.

Topping the list of energy-efficient solar panel brands is SunPower, with an output of 400W at an efficiency of 22.8%. Next on the list is LG, with an output of 380W and an efficiency of 21.7%. Third is Q Cells with an output of 340W and an efficiency of 20.3%. All three of these sit well above industry standards for both measures.

What is the industry standard efficiency of solar panels?

Average efficiency for solar panel systems sits around 15% to 20%, with only the top brands sitting at about that 20% level. This increase in efficiency will often come with a price increase, but the higher price will result in more energy produced, and the potential for savings down the line.

It’s important to note that efficiency is not only about the brand of solar panels, but can also be influenced by how and where the panels are placed, as well as the orientation and temperature.

How can I make the most of my solar panels?

Because of the cost difference between higher and lower efficiency solar panels, it’s important to get as much bang for your buck as possible. If your home has ample roof space, it may be more cost-effective for you to invest in more, lower-efficiency solar panels. High-efficiency solar panels are likely to be the right option for you if you have more limited roof space, or if you have a particularly high energy need in your home.

In addition to the efficiency of your solar panel brand, you can make the most of the energy you receive by being considerate of the other factors that impact efficiency. You can work with your installers to ensure you maximise the efficiency by placing your panels at the best angle and orientation, avoiding any shading that will prevent the sun from reaching your panels.

How can I make the most of my solar panels

Will solar panels get more efficient?

Scientists and manufacturers are constantly innovating and advancing the technology used in solar panels. This intense scientific attention means that advancements are happening all the time, and this trickles down into the commercial market.

Even just 10 years ago, the industry standard for efficiency was around 12%, and today’s efficiencies of up to 23% would have been completely unthought of. That almost 50% improvement in such a short time is an indication of where the industry is headed. Experts have suggested that in the coming years, solar panel efficiency could go as high as 30%-40%.

In addition to the increases in efficiency, scientists are continuously experimenting with new materials to create thinner and better panels. Recent developments such as the introduction of the new semiconducting material perovskites have allowed for huge advancements, and are now present in most solar panels you can purchase.

Why consider more efficient solar panels?

More efficient solar panels generally do cost more than their less efficient counterparts, so is it worth it to invest in them? The most impactful reason why you might choose more efficient solar panels is that they will simply produce more energy.

More energy produced means more savings for you in the long term, and there are a couple of scenarios in which this might be of major benefit.

Why consider less efficient solar panels

The second scenario is if you are a home that uses a high amount of power and is looking to cut your electricity bill substantially. If you own an electric car, or one or more family member works from home, your energy consumption is going to be higher and higher efficiency panels are likely going to get you closer to your goal of minimising your energy bill.

The first scenario is one we already touched on briefly, and that is if you have limited roof space on which to install solar panels. Higher efficiency panels are going to get you a lot closer to producing the amount of power that you use throughout your home during daylight hours.

Why consider less efficient solar panels?

The cost of highly efficient solar panels is undoubtedly daunting, and it’s a big reason why a lot of people end up choosing lower-efficiency solar panels. As previously discussed, lower-efficiency panels may be a more cost-effective option if you do have the roof space.

The other important thing to consider is that solar panels’ efficiency rating doesn’t tell the whole story. Even the highest efficiency solar panels won’t produce electricity in the wrong environments. If you live in an area where the weather is frequently overcast or rainy, it will take you a lot longer to recoup your investment, so you may not want to choose the more costly option.

Can I increase the efficiency of my existing solar panel system?

The efficiency of your solar panel system will change over time and the right solar maintenance can help maintain the efficiency of your system over time. There are also a few gadgets you can invest in to increase the efficiency of your solar panels and ensure they capture as many of the sun’s rays as possible.

A solar tracker is a fantastic tool that rotates the panels throughout the day to follow the sun. This ensures that your panels stay at the most effective angle for capturing energy as the sun moves throughout the sky.

If a solar tracker isn’t right for you, you could instead consider adjusting the orientation of your solar panels to maximise their exposure to the sun. Here in Australia, facing your solar panels north could produce up to 20% more power as compared with other orientations.

Another tool that you can use to increase the efficiency of your solar panels is to use solar concentrators. There is a risk of overheating with concentrators, but they can increase the output by as much as 50%.

You can also increase your solar panel output with solar call glazing. This not only helps to protect your panels from the elements, but also reduces surface reflections and improves
performance.

Can I increase the efficiency of my existing solar panel system

In summary

The best way to maintain the performance and efficiency of your solar panel system over time is to have it maintained regularly by a professional. Ensuring that your system is clean and in good working order will ensure that you have the most energy-efficient solar panels you can for years to come.

How Do Solar Feed In Tariffs Work?

How Do Solar Feed In Tariffs Work?

Feb 13, 2022 | Solar Tariffs

Feed-in tariffs are a fantastic way that solar panel users can save even more money on their electric bills, and are an alternative to capturing and storing additional energy with a battery. They are an initiative that has been adopted by many countries around the world as a way to encourage the uptake of solar panels.

What are feed-in tariffs?

A feed-in Tariff is a financial incentive that comes from utility companies, paid to solar panel users when those panels produce more energy than the household is using. The excess energy produced is then fed back into the grid, essentially being “bought” by your utility company.

Feed-in Tariffs are most common for household solar panel systems, but they can also be applied to wind, hydro, or biomass energy. In every case, the function and purpose are essentially the same.

How Do Solar Feed In Tariffs Work

The specific rates that you will be paid per kWh depend greatly on your utility provider and the state you live in. All of this information is available through research, so it’s a good idea to research which energy provider can give you the best deal in your area before installation.

The purpose of feed-in Tariffs is to encourage the use of solar, and other renewable energy sources in a bid to reduce climate change and emissions. As a user of solar panels, it has created a fantastic opportunity to reduce your energy bill, while also reducing your footprint on the earth.

In Australia, feed-in Tariffs only apply to residential users of solar panels and does not apply to commercial users. You might also hear feed-in Tariffs referred to as solar bonus schemes or solar buyback rates. It all refers to the same thing.

How do solar feed-in tariffs work?

When you install solar panels, your home becomes a little power station. It generally will produce large amounts of energy during the day, and then cease production at nighttime. Most homes, however, are using very little energy during the daytime, with lights, appliances, and heating getting the most use when everyone is home in the evening. Your solar panel system, without a powerful battery, cannot store the excess energy being produced during the day.

So how do solar feed-in tariffs work? The additional energy that your solar panel system produces can, under a feed-in Tariff, be sold back into the grid. This means that your neighbours and your community get to benefit from the clean energy your home produces, and you get to benefit from a reduction in your energy bill.

What is the best electricity company for feed-in tariff?

The rates for feed-in Tariffs vary by state and company, so this information will be broad and general. It may give you a starting point for doing your research and figuring out the highest solar feed-in tariff in your area.

When considering your options for electricity providers solar feed-in tariff, rates are likely to be a big consideration for more than 20% of Australian homes with solar panel systems. There are some big players nationwide for great feed-in rates, including Energy Australia, AGL, and Origin Energy, but that is certainly not where your search should end.

Jacana energy, for example, provides the most competitive feed-in Tariff rates in the NT. Jacana is a much smaller energy company but offers competitive rates nationwide, as do many other smaller energy providers.

As an aggregate, the highest rates nationwide are offered by Origin Energy, under their Solar Boost Plus plan. It’s most competitive for those living in New South Wales and Victoria and pays up to 25 cents per kWh.

The other thing to consider when considering rates is the difference between your earning potential during peak vs. non-peak hours. Not every provider makes this distinction, but it’s an important thing to look out for because a drop in rates during non-peak hours can significantly cut your saving potential.

What Are Feed In Tariffs

Can I claim feed-in tariffs forever?

Unfortunately, feed-in Tariffs are a somewhat limited time offer. They are currently scheduled to end on December 31st, 2030. Feed-in Tariffs are not a government initiative, but instead something that is offered by energy companies directly. Because of the enormous success of feed-in Tariffs, this date will likely be extended.

Feed-in Tariffs are also beneficial for energy companies, which is another reason they are likely to not want to get rid of them. The company is buying electricity from you at a wholesale price and then selling it back at retail price. This means they are making a profit, even if it is a smaller one.

Energy companies also don’t need to burn coal or spend the outlay to create new power sources when they are getting power directly from people’s homes. It helps them keep costs down, as well as helping you do the same, which is another reason they may be extended past the currently set end date.

Who pays your feed-in tariff?

How do solar feed-in tariffs work in terms of payment? Your feed-in tariff is paid for by your energy provider directly. The government has no involvement in feed-in tariffs, other than paying the rebate. Different energy providers have different terms and conditions, but in general, feed-in tariffs are direct trades between you and your utility company.

Companies will generally pay higher rates during peak hours, and lower rates during off-peak hours. This is because the energy that you’re producing will be more valuable during the hours when people are using power the most. This may cause fluctuations in the amount you can get paid.

The amount that feed-in Tariffs will pay can also fluctuate depending on the cost of electricity on the main grid. If and when energy companies adjust their feed-in Tariff rates, they are required to communicate that to their customers, so changes will never happen without your knowledge.

What is the eligibility criteria for feed-in Tariffs?

There are a few criteria that you need to meet to qualify for feed-in Tariffs, the first and most significant of which is that only private homes are eligible. Business locations currently do not qualify.

The second important criterion is that your system needs to be connected to the power grid. If your power system operates entirely off-the-grid, then there is no way for the power to be fed back into the system and be redirected.

The final significant criterion is that your solar panel system needs to meet Australian safety standards. So long as you have gone through an accredited solar installer, you will meet this criterion without a problem.

Depending on which energy company you are with, you may also face restrictions around using single-phase or three-phase connectors, depending on the capacity of your system. The rules are not consistent across providers, however.

Are feed-in Tariffs the same as solar rebates?

Solar rebates are another initiative designed to encourage the uptake of residential and small business solar panel users. A solar rebate is a discount that is paid upfront to help reduce the cost of installing a solar panel system.

The solar rebate initiative is a government initiative, meaning that your rebate comes directly from the government. The amount you can get varies from state to state, but it is another fantastic initiative to look into to help reduce the initial cost of installing a solar panel system.

Solar Power Feed In Tariff Contract

What is the application process for feed-in Tariffs?

Before applying for feed-in Tariffs, you will need to have your solar panel system installed and operational. You will then apply to your utility company. Have a look at your chosen energy company’s website or get in touch with them for an application form that you can easily fill out and submit.

If your solar panel system is deemed to meet all of the criteria that we discussed above, then you will enter into a contract with your energy company. The contract generally will remain valid as long as you stay with the same energy supplier, and in the same house.

Once your contract has begun, you will be unable to make any changes to your solar panel system without these changes potentially impacting your contract.

How will battery storage affect my feed-in tariff rates?

Battery storage is another way to make the most of the excess power your solar panels produce. Instead of feeding that power back into the grid, you can store the power yourself for use when the sun isn’t shining, or when you have particularly high electricity needs.

In summary

Once again, rules vary significantly from state to state. In Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, most types of batteries won’t impact your ability to take advantage of feed-in Tariffs. In the ACT and SA, you cannot use them in conjunction. The one state where this rule is not specified and varies from provider to provider.

How Does Solar Work?

How Does Solar Work?

Dec 13, 2021 | Solar Panels

Solar energy is the most abundant energy source we have. If we count up all of the solar energy that hits the earth’s surface, we could power the world 10,000 times over.

This energy abundance is why solar is fast becoming one of the most popular energy sources for homes and businesses alike.

Not only is solar power abundant, but it is also key in combatting climate change. It provides a clean, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy alternative to legacy power sources such as coal-burning and gas.

So how does solar work?

How Does Solar Work

What is Solar Energy?

When people refer to “solar energy”, they are referring to power from the sun that is converted into electricity using solar panels and other technology. Solar can produce both heat and electricity, depending on the technology being used.

Australia in particular, has the highest solar radiation of any continent, making it one of the most fruitful places to employ solar energy. Despite this, Australia has a long way to go to fully embrace this underutilised resource of ours.

Solar energy can power our homes and our businesses with ease. Many solar panel systems can even store excess energy production on sunny days that can be used at nighttime, or on overcast days.

How does solar energy work?

The sun is essentially a giant nuclear reactor that produces energy called photons. These photons travel through space and many eventually reach earth. Enough photons reach the earth’s surface every day that we could meet our energy needs for a year if we captured them all.

You may have heard of PV when it comes to solar panels before, but most people don’t know what it stands for. When photons reach the earth, some are collected by photovoltaic (PV) cells in our solar panels. The energy that this produces creates the electricity that we can then use in the electricity grid.

When photons meet with PV solar cells, they knock electrons away from their atoms. Conductors are attached to both the positive and negative sides of a cell which creates an electric field that is similar to a battery.

There has been, in recent years, a significant rise in the uptake of solar energy, but even with that, PV power accounts for only a fraction of a per cent of the energy consumed in Australia. As solar becomes more affordable and accessible, usage is predicted to increase. Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of power globally and continues to break growth records.

Solar Energy Use Increasing

How does a solar panel produce energy?

PV solar panels produce energy that flows in one direction around the circuit, known as direct current or DC energy. In the same way a battery works, electrons move from the negative side to the positive side, and then back around to the positive side. This movement generates electricity.

There is also a second type of energy production that a solar panel system may be performing, depending on the type. This is called alternating current (AC) electricity. With AC, electrons are sent in reversing directions, always being pushed and pulled to the positive and negative sides of the circuit.

Systems create AC power by spinning a coil of wire beside a magnet. The spinning coil is being turned by solar electricity, which is how it produces power. Several larger-scale solar systems use AC because it is easier to transmit over long distances. Most home solar panel systems, however, produce DC electricity.

What does a solar inverter do?

AC and DC power are not compatible with the same systems, and yet they somehow have to coexist on the same power grids. This is where solar inverters became essential. A solar inverter takes DC electricity produced by most home solar panel systems and converts it into AC power for use on the grid.

These are essential if your energy production is being fed back into the grid, which it often will be. Especially if you are using that feed-in to reduce your energy bills, a solar inverter is one of the most critical parts of your solar panel system.

Solar inverters also provide safety defence, such as ground fault protection. Additionally, they give essential system stats around voltage, current, energy production, and maximum power point tracking.

There are two main types of inverters:

Central inverters

Central inverters have long been the more present type of inverter because home solar panel systems have become more popular.

Micro-invertors

Micro-inverters can optimise each panel, rather than covering an entire solar panel system.

Having each solar panel optimised with an inverter allows each panel to perform at its maximum potential, allowing it to produce more energy. Central inverters, by contrast, can be impacted by a problem in one panel. This impacts the efficiency of the entire system.

Central and Micro Inverters

Can solar panels store energy?

Many modern solar panel systems can store energy using solar batteries. These allow solar panel users to store the excess power on-site. Solar panels will generally produce more than enough power on sunny days, which a battery will then store for use at night or in overcast ways.

This is a great option for people who want to get more ‘off-the-grid’, however, depending on your energy usage and the size of your solar panel system, you may not be able to produce enough power for your whole home all the time.

Most homes with solar panels are still connected to the grid to draw power from when they need it. There is another reason that you might want to remain hooked up to the grid, and that is to sell the energy that your solar panels produce back to the grid.

Net metering allows you to send energy that your solar panel system creates, but that you don’t immediately need back to the grid to be used by other homes and buildings. This is an alternative to having a battery connected to your system and can mean that you save a significant amount of money on your power bills. In some cases, depending on your energy usage and the amount of sun, you may even get a small payment from your energy provider.

Does the weather impact solar panels?

Solar panels rely entirely on photons produced by the sun to create energy, so how does solar work when the sun is hidden by clouds?

Lack of sun does impede a solar panel system’s ability to produce power, but it may not completely stop it. If there is still some light cutting through, solar panels will still capture that and create power. It will just be at a significantly lower output level.

The weather can also affect solar panels in a surprising way. If you think that the perfect weather for solar energy is a warm, sunny summer’s day, you’d be wrong. Solar panels do work best in unobstructed sunshine, but they also operate most effectively in colder weather. As temperatures rise, solar panel efficiency dips, and panels will produce less electricity from the photons hitting the panel’s surface.

On average, solar panels will still produce more power in summer than in winter, despite the heat. Summer tends to have more sunny days, and despite the drop in efficiency, solar panels will still produce more power over the season than in winter.

Will solar panels save you money?

Many factors will impact the amount you can save with solar panels. The first is the weather in your area. How much sun you get throughout a season and a year will impact how many photons your solar panel system can capture and turn into energy. Similarly, how warm it gets will impact how efficiently your system can perform that process.

Whether you choose to use net metering or store your excess energy in a battery is also likely to have an impact on how much money you can save. With either system, you are still likely to need to draw power from the grid on occasion, so your energy bill will be significantly lower, but probably not zero every season.

Will Solar Save You Money

Solar panel systems also require regular maintenance, which will keep them running at a higher capacity for longer. Your solar panel provider should be able to discuss with you your options for a maintenance plan to help ensure periodic checks are being carried out.

The type of inverter you choose to use will also have a significant effect on how efficient your solar panels will be. A central inverter may mean that your whole system loses efficiency when there’s a problem with one panel, whereas micro-inverters can ensure top efficiency for all panels without issues.

In summary

Solar panels are a fantastic investment, and over the long term they will not only save a lot of emissions from energy production, but they can also save you a lot of money. With enough sun, a good maintenance plan, and great solar equipment, you can ensure your solar panel system is always running at high efficiency, producing power, and bringing your energy bill down.

Do Solar Panels Work At Night?

Do Solar Panels Work At Night?

Nov 22, 2021 | Solar Panels

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular as more people begin to see their enormous value. Not only do they make your home more environmentally friendly and sustainable, but they also can save you a huge amount of money on electricity over time.

It’s important when considering investing in solar panels to have a good understanding of exactly how they work and what they can and cannot do. One of the most common questions asked by people who are new to solar panels is: do solar panels work at night?

The short answer to this question of do solar panels work at night is no, solar panels don’t produce electricity at nighttime.

Do Solar Panels Work At Night?

Solar panels need light from the sun to create energy. They can use other sources of light, such as moonlight and street lamps to generate power, but the output is negligible from these sources. Because of this, most solar panels are designed to turn off at night, meaning they will not produce any energy outside of sunlight hours.

So without any energy production, how does solar work at night to keep electricity flowing in your home? Solar panels work efficiently during the day to produce energy, and often produce more power than your home needs. Consider that during the day, when your home is naturally lit and warmed by the sun, you likely aren’t using a lot of electricity anyway. Especially on weekdays where the whole family is at work or school and there’s no one home to use power. This excess power is then stored for later use.

How does your solar panel system store electricity with a battery?

Most solar panel systems have a battery as part of their hardware. This battery stores surplus power produced during the day, which is then available to power your home at nighttime.

There are several different types of batteries with different storage capacities, which impact how much energy you can store and use at nighttime. Some larger batteries allow solar panel homes to operate completely off-the-grid, meaning that they don’t have to draw any external power.

How does your solar panel system store electricity without a battery?

Not every solar panel system has a battery to store energy built into the system. Those that don’t can still take advantage of the excess electricity produced during the daytime using net metering.

Net metering is a system where your excess energy is exported to the power grid for use elsewhere. You are then rewarded with credits that reduce your power bill. You aren’t storing the power your solar panel system produces but in effect selling it.

Net metering is not the right solution for those people hoping to permanently get off the grid, because it relies on the grid to both give and receive electricity. Instead, it works well for those in urban areas who are wanting to live in harmony with the infrastructure around them.

How Net Metering Works Diagram

Do solar panels work when there’s no sun?

Solar panels aren’t producing electricity at nighttime, but what about on days where the sun is hidden behind clouds, rain, or snowfall? As long as there is some UV filtering down, your solar panels will continue to produce energy, just at a reduced capacity.

Rainfall in particular, though it reduces your solar panel system’s output, may still benefit your solar panel system in another way. Rain washes away debris, dirt, and anything else that may be covering parts of your solar panels. This means that next time the sun is out, your panels will be able to work more efficiently.

In Australia, we are lucky enough to live in a country where lack of sunlight is far less of an issue than in other parts of the world. Depending on where you are, your panels are likely to be soaking in plenty of sunlight year-round. If you are in a cloudy area though, the reduced capacity during overcast days does not mean that solar panels are only worthwhile in sunny areas. Your solar panels will still be producing energy, and may even benefit from the cooler temperatures.

In overcast conditions, your system is still producing the electricity that it can from the sunlight available, but it may still rely somewhat on a battery or on the grid to ensure your home is getting the power that it needs.

Factors that impact solar panel efficiency

Several factors impact the efficiency of your solar panels during the daytime, which will then impact how much electricity you have available to use when the sun goes down.

Hours of sunlight

The first is the amount of sunlight that your panels can absorb during daylight hours. Shorter winter days will produce less energy than long sunny summer days. Similarly, cloudy overcast days will reduce output significantly. You can expect output around 10-25% of sunny days with cloud cover.

Daytime temperature

Perhaps counterintuitively, solar panel output is also reduced by very high temperatures. Although most systems are designed to be resistant to heat, productivity does take a hit above around 25 degrees celsius. This means that cloud cover can benefit your solar panel system if it is helping keep the temperature down.

Panel placement

Solar panel placement is another factor that hugely impacts electricity output. Solar panels cannot work at maximum efficiency if they are in a shaded area, and they also can’t be as efficient as they could be if they aren’t placed facing the sun at the hottest part of the day.

Age

Age is another factor that will impact your solar panel system’s efficiency. Systems generally remain at peak efficiency for the first 25 years, with proper care of course. After this, they will generally still function, just at a continuously reducing capacity.

Maintenance

For those first 25 years, you are likely to have some sort of maintenance agreement with your solar panel provider. Proper maintenance is another important factor in ensuring maximum output from your solar panel system. Make sure you are working with your provider to ensure they are doing everything they can, and you are doing everything you can to make sure your solar panels stay in great condition and have maximum energy output.

Factors Effecting Solar Panel Efficiency

All of these factors, plus the capacity of your battery, will have an impact on how much electricity you will have available for use at nighttime. If you don’t have enough power stored, your system will automatically switch and draw power from the energy grid. This will increase your energy bill, so it pays to keep an eye on how frequently this is happening. It could be a sign to look at reducing your power consumption, allowing you to keep your energy costs down.

Are solar panels still worth it if they aren’t producing power at night?

Do solar panels work at night? They don’t produce electricity but they can store and distribute it, or they can sell power back to the grid. Solar panels allow you to run a more eco-friendly home, whilst also saving money on your power bill. Most households use significantly more power in the evenings after the sun goes down, and without your solar panels to produce energy during these dark hours, it’s understandable to wonder if it’s still worth it.

With batteries or net metering to help take advantage of all the excess power your system is producing during the day, your solar panels will certainly still be worth it come nightfall. Batteries or net metering work well for different kinds of homes, and your solar panel provider can help you understand which option is right for you.

Solar panels will also help protect you from the rising cost of electricity because any power that you produce with your system will cost you nothing to use. You may still need to pay for some electricity at nighttime, but solar panels will ensure you pay far less. If you want to pay nothing, you’ll want to consider the efficiency factors we discussed above, and also look at how you can reduce your energy consumption during the daytime and nighttime.

In summary

Do solar panels work at night? Solar panel systems do not produce energy at night, but they are well equipped to ensure that your home is powered while the sun is down, by using either a battery to store power or with net metering to sell power back to the grid.

The amount of energy that is available for use at nighttime is dependent on a range of factors that impact the efficiency of your solar panel system during the daytime. There are factors such as cloud cover, sunlight hours, and temperature that are out of your control, but there are also factors that are within your control. Keeping up with solar panel system maintenance, making sure panels are positioned correctly, and removing any shade over solar panels are all steps you can take to ensure high efficiency. Great solar panel efficiency during the day ensures more energy to use at night and a lower energy bill.

How Long Does A Solar Inverter Last?

How Long Does A Solar Inverter Last?

Sep 17, 2021 | Solar Inverters

On any solar panel system, the solar inverter does the critical job of converting the direct sunlight that hits your panels into energy that can be used in your home. Your inverter also keeps the level of energy regulated, keeping the whole system and you safe from power surges. All of this hard work means that your inverter can’t last forever. So how long does a solar inverter last, and when should you look at replacing it?

What is a solar inverter?

A solar panel is one of the three major components of your solar panel system, and it does the critical job of converting and regulating power through the entire system.

How Long Does A Solar Inverter Last

Solar panels capture direct sunlight, which is a form of energy that cannot directly be used by our homes. Inverters convert that energy into energy that we can use.

There are many different types of inverters, some more complex than others. Most inverters these days will also perform other duties such as preventative maintenance, system repair, and power regulation. No matter what type of inverter you have, it performs an important job and requires ongoing care and maintenance to operate safely and efficiently.

If your inverter stops working or malfunctions, your entire system is likely to stop working. Even worse, problems with your solar inverter, if left unaddressed, can cause danger in your home. If an inverter’s regulation capabilities stop working, for example, you leave yourself open to power surges or worse.

How long do solar inverters last?

Your solar panel system as a whole has a lifespan of around 25 years, depending on the type of system and how well you take care of it. Your inverter, however, generally only lasts 10 years. The inverter is a complex system of electrical components, which is why it will eventually stop functioning.

Your inverter is also sensitive to heat, which can have a big impact on how long it lasts. If your inverter is positioned in direct sunlight, or you live in one of the hotter parts of the country, that could mean your inverter has a lifespan shorter than 10 years.

Maintenance is another factor that could impact the lifespan that you get from your inverter. If it’s well maintained and positioned in a cool place, you could expect a lifespan of up to 20 years, but 10 is more realistic for most inverters.

Sungrow Solar Inverter

Indoor vs. outdoor inverters

How long does a solar inverter last when it is placed inside or outside? There are two different kinds of inverters that are designed to be placed either indoors or outdoors. There is often a big difference in cost between the two, as a big difference in durability.

You’ll find indoor inverters are generally less costly than outdoor inverters. They will need to be placed somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight, such as in the garage. If these inverters are exposed to direct sunlight and excessive heat, they are more likely to fail and disrupt power flow. Indoor inverters are also not designed to withstand rain or dampness, so they will need to be installed somewhere dry and out of the elements.

Outdoor inverters, on the other hand, are designed to withstand heat and water somewhat, but you’ll still want to be careful with where you place them. They are typically placed in carports, or on a shaded side of your home. This type of inverter is more durable and can withstand the elements somewhat, but to get the longest lifespan from them, it’s still important that you keep them protected.

Something to be aware of with inverters is that, although excessive heat is likely to shorten the lifespan of indoor and outdoor inverters, it is not going to result in a dangerous situation. If an inverter begins to overheat, it will automatically shut itself down as a safety precaution.

How to maintain your inverter properly

When you are asking the question of how long does a solar inverter last, you inevitably need to consider maintenance. The most impactful thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your inverter, alongside placement, is great maintenance.

If your inverter is placed somewhere like your garage or the side of your house, it’s easy to forget it exists and never check on it. Things like dirt and dust can build up quickly in places like this, so it’s important to clean your inverter regularly to avoid clogs and damage.

You will also need to be careful about what you place around your inverter. Airflow is important for your inverter to stay cool and prevent overheating. Avoid cluttering the area around your inverter so that the air can flow freely and your inverter can regulate its temperature successfully.

Solaredge Solar Inverter

Inpsect your inverter regularly

In addition to regular cleaning and avoiding clutter, you should be doing a more thorough inspection of your inverter every few months. When you do these inspections, you are checking for any signs of serious damage, and any external changes that could cause damage to your inverter. For example, if you notice that your garage is no longer watertight and there is moisture around your inverter, you will need to get that taken care of as soon as possible.

If you do find anything that concerns you during these checks, get in touch with your solar panel service provider. An expert can assess whether the damage is going to affect the functionality of your inverter, as well as whether there is potential for danger because of the damage.

If you have signed on to a maintenance plan with your solar panel provider, you’ll be in an even better position to ensure that your inverter stays in great condition. A service provider will come out periodically to inspect every part of your solar panel system, including your inverter.

This doesn’t mean, however, that you’re off the hook with regular checks and cleaning. Ensure that you take good care of your inverter in-between servicings, and alert your provider right away if there are things that concern you. Don’t just wait until they come for the next service.

What to look out for with your inverter

When a solar panel system does suddenly stop working, the most likely culprit is the inverter. The good thing is that if you familiarise yourself with the warning signs, you can avoid this sudden system failure, and keep your power on.

Solar inverters generally will have a series of lights on them which are designed to alert you if something isn’t right. Check your user manual or get in touch with your solar panel provider if you’d like to learn what your inverter is trying to tell you with its lights.

As a general rule, a green light means that your inverter is operating correctly. A blinking green light means that your solar panels are not receiving very much sunlight, but everything is otherwise working as it should. No light means that there is not currently any sunlight on your panels. This is normal at nighttime or on very overcast days, but if you’re not seeing any lights on a sunny day, this likely signals an issue. If you’re seeing a red, orange, or yellow light, this is a definite indication that there is an issue with your inverter, and that it’s time to call your solar panel service provider.

Solar Inverter Light Explanation

Is my inverter covered under warranty?

You very likely have a warranty on your solar panel system lasting for up to 25 years. This covers the entire system, not just the inverter. The important thing to note about your warranty is that it may not cover your inverter for that entire time. Most warranties cover one replacement over the whole warranty period.

Check your warranty to see what is covered for you, but if you do have to pay for the cost of replacing your inverter once or twice during the lifespan of your whole solar system, it is a fairly easy process.

How long should an inverter last depends on how well you take care of them and what type they are. The cost of replacement will vary widely depending on your provider and the type of inverter you have, so if you want to get an idea of the cost, have a chat with your provider.

Another option you have to offset the cost of replacing your inverter is to look into an extended warranty. This will allow your whole solar system to be covered for a longer time and may afford you more maintenance and inverter replacements over time.

In summary

If you are concerned about the health of your inverter, or you are looking for advice on solar panel systems and inverters, get in touch with an expert who will be able to understand your situation and chat with you about your options. Do not leave problems with your inverter unaddressed. If you suspect it may need servicing or replacing, find out now by getting in touch with a trusted solar panel service provider.