Photovoltaic inverters can convert the variable DC voltage generated by photovoltaic solar panels into mains frequency AC inverters, which can be fed back to the commercial transmission system or used for off-grid grids. Photovoltaic inverter is one of the important balance of system (BOS) in photovoltaic array system, which can be used with general AC power supply equipment. Solar inverters have special functions for photovoltaic arrays, such as maximum power point tracking and island effect protection.

Where is the best place to install a home photovoltaic inverter?

1. Installation on the photovoltaic support and precautions

The installation scheme of common ground distributed projects can be installed under a certain string of components nearby, and the equipment can be directly fixed on the column by using fixed bracket installation or hoop installation. This kind of solution needs to pay attention to the strength of the bracket and the holding column and the height of the photovoltaic inverter from the ground, so as to prevent the equipment from being placed too low and flooded by rainwater in rainy days.

2. Installation on the roof and precautions

This type of installation is mainly used in large-scale industrial and commercial plants. Due to the open roof, there is no place to hang the photovoltaic inverter. Considering the reduction of cable costs, photovoltaic inverters generally require self-made mounting brackets to hang the photovoltaic inverter. On the self-made bracket, the bracket needs to consider the load-bearing and fixing form of the inverter and the ability to resist typhoons in coastal areas.

The vertical installation of the photovoltaic inverter on the flat roof will produce shadows, so the components should be installed outside the shadow range of the inverter as much as possible during equipment installation to avoid shadowing the components.

3. Installation on the wall and precautions

The common roof power station installation form of household distributed projects, in this form of installation, the photovoltaic inverter should be installed on the south wall as far as possible, and the panel of the photovoltaic inverter should face north to avoid sunlight. The specific installation requirements are as follows:

(1) The machine should be installed at a suitable height from the ground to observe and read the LED display.

(2) When installed outdoors, a rainproof and sunscreen should be installed on the photovoltaic inverter to avoid direct sunlight and rainwater immersion. Do not expose the inverter directly to the sun or other heat sources.

(3) There should be enough space for installing and moving the inverter. There must be at least 50cm of space around the inverter that enters and exits the wind up and down. The inverter with wind in and out from the left and right enters the wind from the side, and a space distance of more than 100em should be left on both sides.

(4) There must be sufficient load-bearing capacity, which is more than 1.5 times the weight of the inverter.

(5) The heat dissipation air duct of the photovoltaic inverter is to enter the air from the bottom and exit from the top. The inverter should be installed vertically. It is strictly forbidden to install it horizontally or upside down.

(6) The photovoltaic inverter must be placed in a space with air circulation. The inverter is divided into two types: forced air cooling and natural heat dissipation. The inverter itself is a heat source, and all heat must be dissipated in time. In a closed space, otherwise the temperature will rise higher and higher.

4. The precautions for installing photovoltaic inverters are as follows:

(1) Before installation, we should first check whether the photovoltaic inverter is damaged during transportation.

(2) When we choose a photovoltaic inverter installation site, we should ensure that there is no interference from any other power electronic equipment around.

(3) Before making electrical connections, be sure to cover the photovoltaic panels with opaque materials or disconnect the DC side circuit breaker. Photovoltaic inverter arrays can generate dangerous voltages if exposed to sunlight.

(4) All installation operations must be done only by professional technicians.

(5) The cables used in the photovoltaic power generation system must be firmly connected, well insulated and of appropriate specifications.

(6) All electrical installation steps must meet local and national electrical standards.

(7) The photovoltaic inverter can be connected to the grid only after obtaining the permission of the local power department and all electrical connections are completed by professional and technical personnel.

(8) Before performing any maintenance work on the photovoltaic inverter, the electrical connection between the inverter and the grid should be disconnected first, and then the electrical connection of the DC side should be disconnected. Wait at least 5 minutes until the internal components have discharged before performing maintenance work.

(9) Any failure that will affect the safety performance of the photovoltaic inverter must be eliminated immediately before the inverter can be turned on again.