An inverter is one of the most important electrical components in our homes. They are particularly useful where solar power is used or where backup is required. Inverters convert DC voltage into AC, on which all our appliances work. But the electricity generated from solar panels or batteries is actually DC. Inverters take the energy from the solar panels or the batteries and convert it into AC. They produce no power of their own. Just convert it from one form to another.
Inverters also require proper care like all other appliances. Solar inverter repairs Sydney can be very expensive at times. Some ways that can help you increase the life of your inverters without spending too much money are:
1. Installation area
You should install the inverter in a place that has good ventilation and gives your inverter proper space. Inverters tend to heat up when used at peak voltages or when the weather is too hot. They have heat sinks and cooling fans but they need a well-ventilated place to work properly. Tight and closed spaces will not only degrade the inverter, but also affect its performance and all components connected to it.
2. Use it regularly
If there are no power cuts for a long time you should run the house on the inverter’s power at least once a month. Completely discharge the battery and then charge it again for a healthy inverter. This will keep it in running and will also highlight if something is wrong with the battery. You shouldn’t let the inverter “rust” over time by leaving it as it for long periods of time.
3. Check batteries regularly
The batteries need proper maintenance too. You should check the water levels regularly in a month or two. Keep the water above the minimum level and below the maximum. Excessive water will be rejected by the battery and it will be pushed out while little or no water will destroy the battery really soon. Be careful to use only distilled water as tap water and rain water contain a lot of impurities that affect the battery’s performance.
4. Replace the dead battery
You might find techniques to save a dead battery but be aware that the “revived” battery won’t work for long. It can be used for a few days but after that it will be useless. The only thing to do when the battery is dead is to get a new one. Keeping the dead one will degrade the whole system that the battery is connected to. This means not only the inverter to which it is directly connected to, but also the whole house or office that depends on the inverter for power.
5. Save the extra load
Inverters do work well under load but they can’t deliver effectively under extra load. Turn off the excessive electronics when on inverter power to ensure long life. Also, you can connect power saving appliances to the inverter so that the least it takes the least of load and delivers for a long time. One common mistake is to overload inverters. They do have power but not as much as the grid station that delivers power to us.