Maximise Your Solar Potential in Macclesfield: A Look at Replacement Inverter Options

Solar panel installations in Macclesfield are on the rise, following suit with the rest of the country. In the past decade, installations in the Cheshire East region alone have increased by an extraordinary 5500%.

For those green pioneers who were in the minority getting solar installed back in the early 2010s, they may be finding their equipment isn’t performing as efficiently as it once was. Immersion controllers underperforming, bird nesting issues affecting panel power and inverter faults are some of the most common issues starting to affect these Macclesfield residents and further afield.

Inverter faults and errors are on the rise, as the time between their installation and today increases. An inverter’s typical lifespan is approximately 10 years, but for those manufacturers who no longer exist, what is the solution for these Macclesfield residents with inverter issues?

What is an inverter?

A solar panel inverter is a key component in a solar power system, essentially acting as a translator. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, which isn't the type of electricity that powers our homes and appliances. The inverter steps in and converts that DC electricity into alternating current (AC), the kind of electricity we can use for our appliances. This AC output is what gets fed into the electrical grid or used directly in your home.

Inverters work alongside other ancillary equipment such as generation metres, battery storage, immersion controllers and EV Chargers.

What types of inverters for domestic properties are there?

Solar inverters for homeowners are one of two types.

String or central inverters are the most common choice. They work most efficiently when all of the solar panels are operating under the same conditions (i.e. no shading or different orientations). However some string inverters are designed for systems that require more than one string of solar panels.

Micro inverters are ordinarily installed for panels that have different characteristics i.e. orientation on the roof, or shading. By installing micro inverters, the overall performance of the system is not affected by an individual panel or panels.

Do I need to start looking at an inverter replacement?

As time passes, solar inverters can begin to underperform due to degradation of its internal components, much like any mechanical equipment. Common components to experience degradation are the capacitors and fans, which can impact the functionality of the inverter.

Environmental factors like extreme heat, humidity, and dust can also accelerate these issues with your inverter.

Sourcing spare parts for older inverters can be difficult. These installation costs can potentially be more than a standard swap to a newer, more modern inverter model. The models are most likely out of production or discontinued, or the manufacturers are no longer trading.

Some examples of these manufacturers include;

• ABB (acquired by FIMER in 2019)

• Aurora Power-One PVI (acquired by ABB – see above!)

• Samil Power Ltd (dissolved in 2018)

• Eversolar (acquired by SMA Solar Technology in 2011)

From a cost-benefit perspective, replacing your inverter may be the best solution. According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), between 2010 and 2019, the cost of solar PV dropped globally by 82%. The cost of sourcing spare parts and the additional labour costs may add up to more than the cost and installation of a new solar inverter.

Another benefit of an inverter replacement is the advance in the technology, with inverters now including features such as online monitoring, and the ability to combine with power optimisers, allowing each panel’s power to be regulated. This allows panels, even in shaded areas, to achieve maximum power.

Which Replacement Inverter Should I Choose?

There is an array of different solar inverter manufacturers today, providing equipment to the UK solar customer. Some of these include;

• GivEnergy

• SolarEdge

• Enphase

• Solis

• Fronius

Which inverter you choose is dependent on your current solar PV system, and your electrical consumption habits.

Atlantic Renewables has supplied solar systems and inverter maintenance and installation services in the Macclesfield area and beyond since 2011. We can advise which inverter would be the most beneficial for you based on your existing array, your budget, and your current electrical consumption habits, giving you peace of mind that you have made the right choice.

We supply and install a range of different manufacturers, models and capacities, ensuring you get the perfect inverter replacement, and your solar system is back up and running at maximum efficiency.

Contact us today to discuss your existing solar PV system, and how we can assist you with any inverter issues.