Whether you are having solar panels installed in Valkenburg, Hoensbroek, Maasbree or wherever, you will also need an inverter for the solar panels. This converts the direct current generated by the solar panels into usable power for your electrical appliances. But once you have picked one for solar panels, where will you place it? That’s the big question we’re going to answer in this blog. In fact, it is not so easy to determine where to place the inverter and we are happy to give you advice on this.
Different places to place the inverter
The possible options for where to place the solar panel inverter are quite limited. This is because they take up quite a lot of space. Moreover, they form a junction of cables and can emit a high-pitched beeping sound in sunny weather. So it is nice if the device is placed a bit away from your living space. The three places that might be suitable are in the garage/barn, in the attic (under the roof) and outside (under a shed). Should you eventually want to add solar panels, you may need an additional inverter. If this is on your mind during installation, it is a good idea to plan for that space in advance.
The best place to place inverters
An inverter for solar panels, where do you place it? This is a question we often receive. The answer depends on several aspects, but there is some general advice. An inverter is best placed in a place that is not too dusty. It is also important that the inverter can dissipate its heat properly. A frequently asked question is, “Can an inverter be placed in the meter box?” We advise against that. A meter box is usually cramped and poorly ventilated. As a result, the inverter cannot function optimally. You would be better off thinking about a garage or attic. A garage often stays cool. In an attic, the shadow of solar panels creates a favorable temperature, allowing the inverter to work properly.
So now you have three possible options, but now you are probably asking yourself, “Is it best to place it directly under the roof?”, “Do I go for the shed?”, “Or is outside still the best option?”. This choice is not so easy to determine. What things determine the best location?
Cooling
An important aspect in choosing the best location is heat dissipation. This is because inverters produce a large amount of heat and it is important that this heat can be properly dissipated. If this is not the case, then efficiency will be lost in prolonged sunshine and the lifespan of the device will be shortened. Therefore, it is not smart to place the inverter under a poorly insulated roof. Ideally, choose a spot that is cool. The better the cooling, the higher the efficiency of the solar panels.
The cable length
Another important aspect in choosing the best installation location is the length of the cables. The longer the cable to the inverter, the greater the risk of DC loss. This means that with a longer cable, you can lose about 1% efficiency faster. That’s a waste of the green power you have generated yourself.
Resistance of the cable to the meter box
It is also necessary to examine whether it is better to place the inverter close to the meter box or close to the solar panels. If it is placed close to the meter box, then a longer DC (direct current) cable is needed. If the inverter is hung close to the solar panels, then a longer AC (alternating current) cable is needed.
When transporting electricity, there is always a small loss. This is because electricity cables always have a certain resistance. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the cable route from the solar panels to the meter box as short as possible.
The answer to the question of how high the loss is and whether it is better to place the inverter close to the solar panels or close to the meter box depends largely on the number of solar panels. In general, if many solar panels are connected in series, it is better to place the device close to the meter box.
Size and sound of the inverter
Large models usually have a fan. In sunny weather, this fan kicks on and begins to produce a high-pitched, buzzing sound. So we recommend not hanging it in a place where you want to conduct your daily activities undisturbed.
Also, it is not convenient to place the inverter in the bedroom. This is because in the summer, the device can start ticking and beeping early in the morning. This noise will deprive light sleepers of sleep.
Modern and small models are generally quite quiet. They produce only a very soft sound. Thus, with these there is less need to take noise into account when looking for a suitable place.
Suitable for outdoor mounting?
Should you consider installing the inverter outdoors, you should of course check that it is suitable for outdoor installation. Not every inverter can withstand moisture and condensation. Nowadays, most are suitable for outdoor installation; they often do not even need to be under a roof.
It is best to place it in a place where it can dissipate its heat well, a place that is not too dusty and a place where you will not be bothered by the noise. Often it is also smart to place it as close to the meter box as possible. An ideal place, for example, is a cool garage.
Professional advice on solar panel inverter installation
We understand that it can be difficult to decide where to have the inverter for your solar panels placed. If you buy solar panels in Limburg from De Duurzame Jongens, our experts will be happy to visit your home to advise you on the best place for the inverter. Please contact one of our expert staff for this.
