How long do solar power inverters last?

Solar power inverters are another component to be considered in terms of overall lifespan of a solar power system. It isn’t uncommon to see 10-year old inverters being used in solar applications. Pushing a system through heavy use all the time shortens the life of an inverter.

How does climate affect solar inverter lifespan?

The climate is one of the most critical factors impacting solar inverter lifespan since extreme temperatures can cause damage to electronic components. In areas where temperature fluctuations are common, solar inverters may experience thermal stress leading to premature failure.

What is a solar inverter & how does it work?

The inverter is a core component of a solar PV system and has the vital task of converting direct current energy from solar panels into alternating current energy that our homes and appliances use to run.

How long do solar panels last?

While solar panels can last 25 to 30 years or more, inverters generally have a shorter life, due to more rapidly aging components. A common source of failure in inverters is wear and weathering on the capacitors in the inverter. The electrolyte capacitors have a shorter lifetime and age faster than dry components, said Solar Harmonics.

How do low power solar inverters work?

Low power solar inverters transform direct electric current (DC) into alternating electric current (AC) and transform the electricity to low-voltage (230 V), which then allows the current to be fed into the grid (Jungbluth et al. 2012).

How long do microinverters last?

Microinverters have a longer life. EnergySage said they can often last 25 years – nearly as long as their panel counterparts. Usually, these inverters have a 20 to 25-year standard warranty included.