Location, location, location—it’s a saying that is relevant in far more than just real estate. In fact, location is a vital consideration when installing a solar power system. The location of your home impacts your solar panels’ performance, as do the panels on your roof. Location can also impact your solar inverter’s performance in a variety of ways. Why would location matter for a box that simply converts electrical forms? Keep reading to find out.
Direct Sunlight and Heat
Your solar panels need to be in direct sunlight to provide optimal performance. However, the opposite is true of your inverter.
Inverters operate better at cooler temperatures, which means direct sunlight actually has a negative impact on your solar inverter. You should try installing this piece of equipment in a relatively shaded location throughout the day. While you certainly can install it outdoors, you might experience better performance if the inverter is installed inside, such as in your garage, where it would be exposed to direct sunlight.
By keeping your inverter out of the sun, you can keep its operating temperatures lower and see improved efficiency in your energy conversions.
Airflow
You’ll also want to find a location that offers plenty of airflow for your inverter. This means there should be no stacked boxes, shrubs, fences, hedges, walls, or storage shelves close to the sides of your inverter.
Your inverter relies on proper airflow (and built-in cooling fans) to keep operating temperatures as low as possible. As already mentioned, lower operating temperatures mean greater efficiency, so find a location that can give your inverter a little room to breathe.
Dust and Dirt
Those built-in fans just mentioned above need to be able to pull air into them and through the inverter to help keep those interior components cool. That’s difficult to do if they’re clogged with dirt and dust. While some dust accumulation will happen just about anywhere you install an inverter, you should try to find a location that doesn’t have an extremely large amount of dust. (Regardless of where you install it, make sure you dust and clean your inverter regularly to help with airflow and keep that operating temperature as low as possible.) A cleaner environment will keep those vents cleaner so your inverter can breathe a little easier.
By installing your Cotek inverter 2000w in the right location, you’ll help lower that operating temperature, improve efficiency, reduce operational strain, and prolong its working lifespan. In the end, that means more energy for your home and less money out of your pocket, so choose your installation location with care!
