Adequate inverter cooling

Adequate inverter cooling is a preventive action. It means following the installation procedure, using suitable cooling technology and inspecting the ventilation units regularly. It addresses Inverter Overheating and Inverter Incorrect Installation. An overheated inverter lowers its power step by step and in the worst case switches off completely. Leave the gaps the manufacturer specifies at the sides and top of the inverter. For example, one manual asks for 12 inches on the left side and above, and 20 inches between inverters mounted side by side. Keep the inverter out of direct sunlight by choosing a shaded spot or a wall that does not face the sun, or by building a simple shade structure. If a metal sheet sits behind the inverter in direct sun, leave 30 cm of clearance, or the inverter may start derating early. If an inverter overheats, clean the cooling fins and air ducts with a soft brush and remove anything blocking the filters or the heat dissipation path. Log the inverter's internal temperature in the monitoring system so you can check how well the ventilation is working. If the inverter is not given enough ventilation, or the cooling system is not maintained regularly, the inverter warranty may become void.