Where is the best place to install a home solar inverter?
1. Installation on photovoltaic brackets and precautions
A common installation method for ground-mounted distributed photovoltaic (PV) projects is to install the inverter near a string of modules, using either a fixed bracket or a clamp-type mounting system to directly secure the equipment to the column. This method requires careful consideration of the strength of the bracket and column, as well as the height of the PV inverter above the ground, to prevent it from being placed too low and flooded by rainwater during heavy rains.
2. Installation on the roof and precautions
This type of installation is mainly used in large industrial and commercial buildings. Due to the open roof, lack of ceiling and parapet wall, there is nowhere to hang the photovoltaic inverter. In order to reduce cable costs, photovoltaic inverters generally need to be self-made mounting brackets to suspend the photovoltaic inverters. The brackets need to take into account the inverter's load-bearing capacity, fixing method, and typhoon resistance in coastal areas.
As we all know, for every 10°C increase in ambient temperature, the lifespan of electronic components is halved. For this type of inverter, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will greatly increase the internal temperature of the inverter, seriously affecting the lifespan of key components. To protect its internal components, the inverter will operate at a reduced rate, or even cause temperature failure due to overheating. It is recommended to add a sunshade to the photovoltaic inverter to avoid direct sunlight.
A photovoltaic inverter installed vertically on a flat roof will create a shadow. Therefore, when installing the equipment, the components should be installed outside the shade range of the inverter as much as possible to avoid shading the components.
3. Wall mounting and precautions
A common installation method for rooftop solar power systems in residential distributed systems is to install the photovoltaic (PV) inverter on the south-facing wall, with the inverter panel facing north to minimize direct sunlight. Specific installation requirements are as follows:
(1) The machine should be installed at a suitable height from the ground so that the LED display can be observed and read.
(2) When installing outdoors, the photovoltaic inverter should be covered with a rainproof and sunproof canopy to avoid direct sunlight and rain immersion. The inverter should not be directly exposed to the sun or other heat sources.
(3) Sufficient space must be provided for the installation and relocation of the inverter. For inverters with top and bottom air intake and exhaust, at least 50cm of space should be left around them. For inverters with left and right air intake and exhaust, air should be drawn from the sides, and at least 100cm of space should be left on both sides.
(4) It must have sufficient load-bearing capacity, which is more than 1.5 times the weight of the inverter.
(5) The heat dissipation duct of the photovoltaic inverter is bottom air intake and top air exhaust. The inverter must be installed vertically. Horizontal installation or upside-down installation is strictly prohibited.
(6) Photovoltaic inverters must be placed in a well-ventilated space. Inverters are divided into two types: forced air cooling and natural heat dissipation. The inverter itself is a heat source, and all the heat must be dissipated in time. It cannot be placed in a closed space, otherwise the temperature will rise higher and higher.
4. The following are the precautions for installing photovoltaic inverters:
(1) Before installation, we should first check whether the photovoltaic inverter has been damaged during transportation.
(2) When selecting a site for photovoltaic inverter installation, we should ensure that there is no interference from any other power electronic equipment in the vicinity.
(3) Before making any electrical connections, always cover the photovoltaic panels with an opaque material or disconnect the DC-side circuit breaker. If exposed to sunlight, the photovoltaic inverter array will generate dangerous voltages.
(4) All installation operations must be performed by qualified technicians only.
(5) The cables used in the photovoltaic power generation system must be securely connected, well insulated, and of appropriate specifications.
(6) All electrical installation procedures must meet local and national electrical standards.
7. The photovoltaic inverter can only be connected to the grid after obtaining permission from the local power authority and after all electrical connections have been completed by professional technicians.
8. Before performing any maintenance work on a photovoltaic inverter, first disconnect the electrical connection between the inverter and the grid, and then disconnect the DC side electrical connection. Wait at least 5 minutes until the internal components have completely discharged before proceeding with any maintenance work.
9. Any fault that may affect the safety performance of the photovoltaic inverter must be eliminated immediately before the inverter can be turned on again.
