Where to Install an Inverter If You Have Limited Space

A solar power system requires a decent amount of equipment—and that equipment requires a decent amount of space. The solar panels themselves need enough roof space (and need the roof to be properly sloped) to catch the sunlight to power your home. You also need to find room for the solar inverter, which converts the DC power from your panels into the AC electricity that your home needs to operate most appliances. If you have limited space inside your home, you might wonder if it’s even possible to install a solar inverter. Here are three possible solutions to your space issues. effective partnership

Install It Outside

Most solar inverters can safely be installed outside, on the side of your home. Inverters have a sturdy exterior casing that will protect them from rain, snow, and wind, so you typically don’t have to worry too much about it becoming worn down from being installed outside. However, here are a few important considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking about installing an inverter on the side of your home:

• If you live close to the ocean, this might not be a great option. The salt in the air can wear out the electrical equipment quickly.
• Try to install the inverter on the shadier side of the home. Too much direct sunlight can cause it to overheat, which can decrease efficiency and shorten your inverter’s lifespan over time.
• Make sure to cut back any high-growing shrubs or other landscaping. Your inverter should have plenty of space around it to ensure proper airflow; this helps keep the interior parts cool.

So long as you keep these factors in mind, an outside installation is usually just fine for most inverters.

Invest in a Shed

Don’t have storage space inside for an inverter? Consider investing in some exterior storage space instead! A small shed can easily house your inverter while providing additional storage for other items, gardening tools, and kids’ recreation gear. It also gives you space to install a battery bank, should you decide that you want to expand your system in this way.

Just make sure to install your shed close to your home so that the inverter can easily be connected to the rest of the system without running a lot of electrical lines across your property.

Consider Microinverters

If you don’t have room for a standard central inverter in your home, then you could consider using a type of inverter that doesn’t need to go in your home at all. Microinverters attach directly to individual solar panels. Because they’re located on the roof, they don’t require any storage space in your home.

If you’re unsure that you’ll have room for SMA inverters in your home, don’t write off the possibility of switching to solar. Speak to an expert to see if you can find a solution.