Your Solar Inverter
How it works
Your solar system produces direct current (DC) electricity power that flows from the roof panels to an inverter. The standard system uses a conventional string inverter which converts DC to AC in an inverter unit that is typically mounted to a wall of your home. Some systems use microinverters. Microinverters, which are a component of the AC Panel, convert DC to AC at each panel on the roof and do not require an additional inverter on the wall. Please consult your inverter instruction manual for information on the display and other features. There are multiple inverters so please reference the nameplate sticker on your inverter to find your model number to identify the manual for your system.
FRONT PANEL INVERTER DISPLAY
You will be able to tell your system is on by a steady green light on the front of the inverter. Depending on the type of inverter that’s been installed, you will be able to access basic information by pressing the appropriate button, or by opening the screen near the inverter’s lid.
READING THE INVERTER DISPLAY
Depending on the size of the system installed, you may have one or more inverters. During daylight hours, the inverter displays system production data. Please note that your system doesn’t run at night, but will turn on again each day when the sun rises. During normal operation, the unit will remain turned on. It is not necessary to turn the unit on and off each day. No matter the inverter installed with your system, all will indicate the amount of total kwh produced so far for that day.
INVERTER HEAT
During the day, the inverter will become warm to the touch. This is part of the normal system operation. The inverter has been certified to ensure the maximum temperature will not exceed safety limits, though you should be cautious not to touch or leave any heat-sensitive or flammable items on or near the inverter.
Small children and pets should be kept away from the inverter.
MAINTENANCE
If your inverter has a cooling fan, do not cover or limit the airflow around the inverter, as this will prevent adequate cooling.
You are required to leave adequate distance around your inverter both for cooling and any future access by authorized service personnel.
As a general rule, if your inverter has a fan for cooling, you should leave 12 inches clear around the unit. Please refer to the inverter manual for detailed information for your particular unit.
Please note the inverters do produce a hum which is normal.
Very dusty conditions may require cleaning the inverter’s air intake filter. Do not attempt to open your inverter. Please contact a trained technician for guidance.
POWER OUTAGES
Your solar system does not provide backup power (in most cases).
The inverter is designed to shut down in the event of a grid outage or blackout.
This feature protects your home from power surges and the utility workers who might be working to restore power to the area. Your system will not be able to produce electricity during such conditions.
When utility power resumes, the inverter will automatically re-connect to the utility grid, and normal operation should begin within about five minutes. As the inverter synchronizes with utility power, there will be a momentary delay before returning to normal operation.
