Inverter maintenance will help maintain a continuous and effective production of your solar system. This is why inverters are one of the most important elements in a photovoltaic system. So, it is necessary to perform maintenance on them periodically. And it will contribute to keeping up with the expected life cycle.
Many people think that solar system maintenance only refers to solar modules. But the reality is that those responsible for converting direct current to alternating current also require maintenance to continue working optimally. That is why in this article we will explain some tips for the maintenance of solar inverters, their importance and their different types.
Types of Inverter Maintenance
There are several types of maintenance that you must perform regularly, and these are:
Periodic maintenance
This type of maintenance, as its name indicates, is carried out from time to time. Maintenance and review are carried out and through tests, it is determined what the equipment needs.
Preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance helps mitigate failures that may occur in the solar inverter, such as sudden failures, dead spots, and detection of weak points in the installation and operation, among other aspects to ensure the useful life of the equipment.
Corrective maintenance
This maintenance is carried out when a failure has already occurred in the solar inverter. So, an evaluation or diagnosis of the equipment is first carried out to find where the failure came from and to know what actions should be taken to carry out the repair or make a replacement if necessary.
But our recommendation is to install monitoring since with this, it is easier to detect the error and the possible solution, not to mention that some brands require it to apply for a warranty.
Step-by-Step Guide to Inverter Maintenance
Now that you know more about the importance of inverter maintenance and the different types that exist, we can talk about the specific actions you need to take.
And just like with solar panels, you need to protect inverters from dust, dirt, humidity, water leaks, electrical connections, etc.
KEY INFO
Remember that the electrical part is complex and requires trained personnel.
At least once a month (if the inverter has this function):
- Check the archived data and error memory.
At least every six months:
- Remove dust and dirt from the protective grilles of the air inlets.
KEY INFO
Follow safety measures. Even if you only do a simple cleaning, we recommend wearing insulating electrical gloves as you handle the inverter.
At least once a year:
Turn off the inverter and disconnect the batteries and solar panels. Then, remove the inverter cover and do the following:
- Check that the screws holding the cover are tight.
- Check that the electrical wiring connections are tight, tighten them if necessary.
- Check for rust, discolouration or any abnormality in the terminals.
- Replace damaged or oxidized connections.
- Remove the protection devices (circuit breakers, fuses) to check their condition. Replace them if they look charred.
- Remove any dirt accumulated on the fans with a brush and compressed air.
- Check that the polarity of the cable connections coming from the solar panels is correct.
KEY INFO
It is crucial to keep the inverter and the rest of the system components free of dust and dirt. Failure to do so can cause short circuits that considerably reduce their useful life.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of the inverter is crucial to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your entire solar system. By performing regular maintenance, you can protect your investment and ensure uninterrupted power conversion. Keep in mind that a well-maintained inverter is the heart of a reliable and sustainable energy solution.
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