How to install an inverter?

The inverter is a fundamental device in a photovoltaic system, its function is to transform DC into AC alternating current.

There are various components that make up a photovoltaic solar kit, but in this article we are going to focus on the inverter .

How to install an inverter?

One of the main elements of the system that will help us generate our own energy. But how do we install a solar inverter? What are the steps we must follow? What recommendations should be taken into account?

Step 1. Check

First of all, it is necessary to check that all the electrical distribution circuits in our home are working correctly . To do this, we make sure that the ground cables, which are yellow and green, the neutral cable, which is blue, and the phase cables, which are black or brown, are well connected. Next, you must separate the circuits of our home, to identify them: the lighting circuit, the plug circuit, the circuit for the oven, etc.

Step 2. Choosing the location

The inverter will always be installed higher than the batteries, but never on top of them. By installing it at a higher height, a possible deterioration of the equipment due to the vapors that some types of batteries sometimes give off will be avoided. In relation to the batteries of the installation, keep in mind that they must also be located in cool, ventilated spaces, away from direct sunlight and that the temperature inside do not exceed 25ºC. Said space must have the capacity to be able to renew the air inside it to prevent the gases caused by the batteries from permanently concentrating.

Step 3. Installation

Once the best location for the batteries and the inverter has been chosen, they are installed in their place. As you will see, at AutoSolar we have electrical material kits, thanks to which it will be easier for you to install the inverter and the batteries. You will only have to fix the base of the installation to the wall. If you decide to install it yourself, make use of plugs and lag screws to fix the inverter. As for the batteries, they must be installed on battery racks or on a smooth and totally flat surface. Remember that it is important to install protection elements at the output of the inverter, in the alternating part (line that feeds the house), we will install a general circuit breaker for short circuits. To protect the batteries, we will install a fuse or a circuit breaker in the positive line that connects the inverter with the positive pole of the batteries. From AutoSolar we recommend that you place the inverter in a dry space and away from elements that can cause an increase in the temperature of the inverter, such as stoves, kitchens, etc.

Step 4. Connecting the batteries

Once our batteries are arranged and connected in series, the next step to continue with the installation is to connect the batteries to the inverter . After that, the inverter’s AC output line is connected to the protections installed to feed our consumption. For the connection of the solar panels we will install some 1000V DC fuses, before the inverter in the positive and negative poles. Once placed, the line of the solar panels is connected.

If the installation has a system with a regulator external to the inverter, this regulator is connected to the batteries as was done with the inverter previously. Once connected to the batteries we can connect the panel line to the PV+ and PV – input. If the inverter has a charge regulator, as the batteries have already been connected, we can connect the panel line to the PV+ and PV – inputs.

Once all the connections have been made, we will check if everything works correctly . Put the battery fuse and check the voltage of the battery bank, this voltage must be correct for the inverter to work (12V, 24V or 48V). Then the panel fuses are connected to check that they charge the batteries and with an ammeter clamp it is checked that all the panels work correctly. To finish, all that remains is to reset the protections of the alternating line (power line to the house), and check that all the electrical devices and lights work correctly.