Whether your solar panel inverter has unexpectedly stopped working or you simply need to replace your solar power inverter to a more efficient one so you can invert more electricity and make use of your solar array more, it doesn't really matter.
The point is, you're here and you're wondering about solar PV inverter replacement and installation. You probably want to know how the installation process works, how long the work will take, and how much it will probably cost, right?
Well, here at Panelit Solar in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea we're experts at solar panel installations, and that includes replacing your solar power inverter where necessary.
So if you want to learn more about how our Newbiggin-by-the-Sea solar PV inverter installation and installation services can help you, read on below!
Before we talk about the cost of a solar inverter replacement, let's talk about your solar inverters and the role they play in solar photovoltaic panel installations.
Essentially, it is your solar inverter that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) which can be used in your Newbiggin-by-the-Sea home. Here's how it works:
AC and DC are important here, because it is AC power that we use in the UK. AC power is more efficient and means that we get better results from our solar panels.
Our solar panel inverters are therefore some of the most important components of a solar panel system. With the correct solar inverter in place, you can achieve up to 99% efficiency when inverting DC to AC too, meaning virtually no energy is wasted.
Please note: Most inverters have around 93 to 96% efficiency, but a new inverter with the latest technology can reach 99% efficiency - but this will cost significantly more.
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If your existing inverter isn't suitable for your current solar panel system, then you can expect a number of problems.
One of which is wasted energy. If you want to create excess energy, which can be stored in a battery for later use or to be sold back to energy companies for competitive pricing, then you will need an effective solar inverter. Otherwise, the direct current taken from the sun can't be turned into alternating current for your home effectively, wasting energy and resulting in less electricity output from your solar panels.
Similarly, if you want backup power as an option in your Newbiggin-by-the-Sea home, so you're less reliant on the National Grid, then you will need an effective solar inverter in a suitable location like a garage or utility room to ensure you have enough energy when your solar panels are less effective (like during the night, for example).
So, now you're probably thinking that replacing your solar inverter is pretty important if you have noticed problems with output, it's outdated, or you want to be able to store more electricity for future use rather than wasting it.
But did you know there are different types of solar inverters? And the type, along with other factors, could significantly affect the amount of money you'll spend on replacement and installation...
A micro inverter is typically a smaller inverter than their string or central inverter counterparts. Rather than being one central inverter that every solar panel in the array sends their DC energy to, a micro inverter is directly connected to each individual solar panel in the array - typically located immediately behind the solar panels themselves.
This allows the energy to be inverted at source. That means if one panel malfunctions, the rest of the solar panels will continue with operation as usual. Micro inverters are great for at-home systems because of their space-saving nature, and convenience should problems with a solar panel occur.
String or central inverters are slightly different. Here, all solar panels in the system connect to just one central inverter. String inverters get their name because of the amount of wiring necessary to link each individual solar panel with the next before connecting to the inverter. Like a string, connecting them all.
Here, all the energy is inverted together, and forms a complete system that relies on one another to perform well. They are cheaper to install and are more popular than micro inverters.
Related post: What size solar inverter do I need?
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Now you know what each inverter does, hopefully you'll know which inverter your system uses.
But how much does each inverter cost to have installed?
Installing and replacing any inverter will carry additional costs beyond the inverter themselves:
But on average, the cost of replacement micro inverters in the UK, including the cost of installing and wiring each individual inverter to their respective solar panel, is around £100 per unit. If just one inverter is causing issues, then the cost is low. But for an entire 14 panel system, you're looking at close to £2500.
String inverters will also cost quite a bit to have them installed correctly by a professional team of installers like ours at Panelit Solar. And again, different factors will affect the price range of the job.
But on average, the cost of a replacement string inverter in the UK, including wiring and installation costs, is likely to be between £500 to £1500, depending on the efficiency of your solar inverter. Cheaper, more common inverters will cost less than a newer inverter capable of up to 99% efficiency when inverting from DC to AC, for example.
Whilst it is technically possible, no, we wouldn't recommend installing an inverter yourself. They can often be quite complex and to get them connected requires a range of knowledge to help with troubleshooting etc, that you just wouldn't have without the proper training.
It's always best to contact the professionals to take care of the installation for you, for your own safety (there's a lot of roof work), and for the reliability of the inverter. Having professionals, like us here at Panelit Solar, carry out the work will ensure your solar panels are generating electricity and converting currents correctly in no time at all.
Depending on the type of inverter and its location, a replacement should take no longer than a day or two. Micro inverters are slightly more difficult because of all the wiring and connecting of each individual inverter to the solar panel and then to any batteries you have installed as part of your system.
String inverters will take less time, but their location may prove tricky for replacement, and the connectivity of each panel may prove difficult, so in these cases installation may take a while longer.
Each job is different, but it shouldn't really go beyond a day or two.
The life of a solar inverter is quite a bit different to the life of a solar panel itself. Panels have a lifespan of around 25 years, and some PV panels can last up to 40 years if well cared for.
The solar inverter, however, isn't quite that long. A string inverter unit will usually only come with a warranty for between 5 and 10 years, so depending on the quality of the inverter, you might replace it 5 times before your panels' typical lifespan is up. The length of the warranty will vary quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer - SolaX power, for example, ships with a 10 years warranty as standard, but this isn't the case everywhere.
Micro inverters will last longer, but only come with an 'up to' 25 year warranty, and you might need to extend this yourself - costing more money.
In short, you'll likely need to replace your inverter at some point, so it's important you familiarise yourself with the likely cost, even if you don't need to replace it right now.
Here at Panelit Solar in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, we offer expert services at competitive prices, and we pride ourselves on our ability to carry out even the most complex of installations with professionalism and care.
If you think your solar systems have been performing worse than usual, or you just know that the warranty on your current inverter is nearly up and will probably need to be replaced soon, then reach out today.
We'll be able to provide you with an initial quote when we know more about your needs and the type of inverter you'll require. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
If your solar inverter is failing, providing less power than planned, or displaying error codes, it may be time to replace it. Regular system monitoring and performance reviews will aid in the detection of any problems with your inverter.
In the United Kingdom, the normal guarantee time for solar inverters is from 5 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer and type. Some premium inverters may provide extended warranties for a fee.
Yes, you can replace your solar inverter with a newer model that has improved efficiency or features. Consult a certified solar installer to discover the optimum inverter option for your system while also ensuring compatibility with your existing solar panels.
Conduct frequent system checks, analyse performance data, and arrange routine maintenance with a competent specialist to maintain your solar inverter and ensure optimal performance. Keeping your inverter clean and away from excessive temperatures might also help it last longer.
