Home / Solar Inverter Replacement
Solar Inverter Replacement
Panels often outlast the equipment that converts their output into household power. If your system is 10 or more years old and production has dropped or stopped, the inverter is a common suspect. This guide covers what to expect and what to ask.
How Long Inverters Last
According to pv magazine USA article on residential inverter lifespans, EnergySage puts a typical string inverter at about 10 to 15 years, so replacement during the life of the panels is likely. The same article says microinverters can last about 25 years and that standard string inverter warranties run 5 to 10 years, often with an option to extend to 20. Panels are said to last 25 to 30 years or more. Those are general ranges, and your equipment may differ.
Signs An Inverter May Be Failing
- No display, a red or amber light, or an error code on the unit
- Production falls to zero in daylight while panels look fine
- The system shuts down repeatedly or restarts during the day
- Odd noises or a burning smell (turn off the equipment at the breaker, stay clear, and call a licensed pro)
- The monitoring app shows the inverter offline. This may be a network issue instead. See Solar Monitoring Stopped Working.
Step By Step
- Photograph the error code and the label. Note the model, serial number, and install date.
- Check warranty status. Standard string inverter warranties run 5 to 10 years per the article above, and many can be extended to 20 years. Call the maker with the serial number.
- Confirm who does the labor. A manufacturer may replace the unit while you pay for the electrician. Ask what the warranty covers.
- Get two or three quotes. Ask each for the exact model, warranty length, labor, permits, and the total.
- Check compatibility. A new inverter must match your panels and, if you have one, your monitoring and battery setup.
Replacement Choices
| Option | Things To Weigh |
|---|---|
| Same type of string inverter | Simple wiring and a central location, per the pv magazine article. One inverter serves the whole array, so if it fails, the array stops producing. |
| Hybrid inverter | Can support a battery later. Ask whether it fits your array voltage. |
| Microinverters or optimizers | Panel level conversion, which is often used on shaded roofs. Usually a bigger project than a straight swap. |
If Your Installer Is Gone
The manufacturer warranty usually does not depend on the installer, though labor coverage may. Read Installer Went Out Of Business, then hire a licensed company that services your brand.
Related: Monitoring, Repair, And Inspection, Solar Warranty Help, Installer Went Out Of Business.
Get A Cleaning Quote
Tell us about your system. We match you with one local solar cleaning company and tell you who it is before anyone contacts you.
Get A Cleaning Quote