Where do ye have installed your solar inverter?

Buffman

Regarding placing an inverter outside, something to bare in mind is pretty much every manufactures manual I've read has instructions to only mount it in sheltered areas out of direct sunlight and direct weather.

So that pretty much limits it to a sheltered north-facing wall, or similar, which may not be available on many buildings.

Also, some inverters are specifically indoor only, like the Mastervolt Soladin.

Lewis_Benson

Attic.

The eddi is installed next to the fuse board, I wanted to install it in the hot press / airing cupboard, but the installers didn't want to do that for whatever reason.

Buffman

Here's what my Growatt manual says about locating an inverter:

"This is guidance for installer to choose a suitable installation location, to avoid potential damages to device and operators.

The installation location must be suitable for the inverter's weight and dimensions for a long period time. (Refer to section 3.3)

Do not install the inverter on structures constructed of flammable or thermolabile materials.

Never install the inverter in environment of little or no air flow, nor dust environment. That may derate the efficiency of the cooling fan of the inverter.

The Ingress Protection rate is IP65 which means the inverter can be installed outdoors and indoors.

Do not expose the inverter to direct sunlight, in order to avoid the power and efficiency derating caused by excessive heating.

The humidity of the installation location should be 0~100% without condensation.

The ambient temperature should be below 40℃ to ensure optimal operation.

The installation location must be freely and safely to get at all times.

Vertically installation and make sure the connection of inverter must be downwards. Never install horizontal and avoids forward and sideways.

Do not install the inverter near television antenna or any other antennas and antenna cables.

Do not install the inverter in living area, the noise caused by the machine may affect on daily life.

For security reasons, don’t install the inverter in place where the children can reach.

Don't put any things on the inverter. Do not cover the inverter.

Inverter requires adequate cooling space. Providing better ventilation for the inverter to ensure the heat escape adequately.

Do not expose the inverter to direct sunlight, as this can cause excessive heating and thus power reduction.

Observe the minimum clearances to walls, other inverters or objects as shown in the diagram below in order to guarantee sufficient heat dissipation.

There must be sufficient clearance between the individual inverters to ensure that the cooling air of the adjacent inverter is not taken in.

If necessary, increase the clearance spaces and make sure there is enough fresh air supply to ensure sufficient cooling of the inverters.

The inverter can’t install to solarization,drench,firn location. We suggest that the inverters should be installed at the location with some cover or protection"

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120867062#Comment_120867062

The hot press is possibly the worst place for it. Inverters can create a good bit of heat and need a bit of air available across the cooling fins on the back to keep themselves cool. So enclosing it in an small already very hot enclosure will likely lead to overheating and damage.

The manual will specify a minimum distance to be kept clear around the inverter also, along the lines of 30cm.

DC999

Ours is on a south facing wall and it's perfect. Windy spot so that cools it naturally. Huawei which is outdoor rated. It's a lower operating temp versus an attic in summer.

Installer said all the solar farms have them outside.

micks_address

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120867062#Comment_120867062

It's easier to install the Eddi beside the fuseboard. It's can't be done in some cases. If any other circuits have been taken from your immersion circuit like lights etc which they shouldn't but can be in some houses..the Eddi would kill the whole circuit