Photovoltaic power station inverter service life

How long do PV inverters last?

But the PV inverter lifespan ranges from 10 to 25 years, depending on the type. Most average inverter lifespan, and the lifespan of energy storage inverters and hybrid inverters is 10 years. However, microinverters, such as 500w inverter, last even longer. Even within one type of PV inverter, the lifespan of individual models may vary.

What is a PV inverter?

Inverters are complex systems exposed to both electrical and environmental stresses. Components inside the PV inverters may reach high temperatures, such as when mounted behind PV modules on rooftops.

Do PV inverters reach high temperatures?

Components inside the PV inverters may reach high temperatures, such as when mounted behind PV modules on rooftops. It was seen that on the discrete component or device level, methods for test to evaluate service life in view of the most common stress factors (i.e., temperature) are frequently well developed.

What percentage of PV power plant service requests are based on inverters?

The inverters constitute between 43% and 70% of the PV power plant service requests as seen in Fig. 1. Financial losses additionally accrue due to energy losses. The inverter has been reported to be the greatest factor leading to energy outages, responsible for up to 36% of the energy loss .

Do inverter failures affect the profitability of PV installations?

The cost of O&M work necessitated by inverter failures influences the profitability of PV installations. The inverters constitute between 43% and 70% of the PV power plant service requests as seen in Fig. 1. Financial losses additionally accrue due to energy losses.

What factors affect the inverter lifespan?

It is generally believed that the main culprits that affect electronic components are high temperature, dust, oxidation, moisture, etc. Therefore, the inverter lifespan is also affected by these factors, which requires operators to perform necessary maintenance to extend their inverter lifespan.