How long do solar inverters last?

String inverters generally have standard warranties ranging from five to 10 years, and many have the option to extend to 20 years. Some solar contracts include free maintenance and monitoring throughout the term of the contract, so it is wise to evaluate this when selecting inverters. Microinverters have a longer life.

How long do solar panels last?

While solar panels can last 25 to 30 years or more, inverters generally have a shorter life, due to more rapidly aging components. A common source of failure in inverters is wear and weathering on the capacitors in the inverter. The electrolyte capacitors have a shorter lifetime and age faster than dry components, said Solar Harmonics.

How long do microinverters last?

Microinverters have a longer life. EnergySage said they can often last 25 years – nearly as long as their panel counterparts. Usually, these inverters have a 20 to 25-year standard warranty included.

How long do string inverters last?

EnergySage said that a typical centralized residential string inverter will last about 10 to 15 years, and thus will need to be replaced at some point during the panels’ life. String inverters generally have standard warranties ranging from five to 10 years, and many have the option to extend to 20 years.

Do solar inverters wear out?

Temperature: You might notice that various components in your solar power system have an optimum temperature range. The same is also true for inverters. Using the inverter in temperatures can cause it to wear out sooner than average, shortening its overall lifespan.

How often should a solar inverter be inspected?

Regular maintenance checks for inverters are recommended. Those Solar Guys said it is best practice to inspect the outside of the inverter (if it is accessible) quarterly, making sure there are no physical signs of damage, and all vents and cooling fins are free from dirt and dust.