Do you need a shade for a solar inverter?

Here, creating a shade for the inverter comes into play. It can be as simple as installing an awning above the inverter or using material to deflect sunlight. Solar inverter covers can protect your inverter from direct sunlight and other elements. It is pivotal to ensure that your inverter cover is properly ventilated to prevent overheating.

Why do solar inverters need direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight on the inverter also contributes to faster wear and tear of the equipment. To maximize your solar inverter’s lifespan and efficiency, it is crucial to protect it against the sun’s harmful rays.

Can a solar inverter be covered?

A solar inverter can be covered if it’s installed in direct sunlight, using a suitable solar inverter cover. This means that you can’t just cover it with anything that you see online. We’ve seen plenty of old installations with a Bunnings awning shade being installed above an inverter.

Can solar panels produce solar energy in the shade?

While solar panels perform best under direct sunlight, they can still produce solar energy in the shade, during cloudy weather, in the rain, and while it snows. The impact of shade can be mitigated by using half-cell solar panels and MLPE (microinverters and power optimizers).

Do solar inverter covers block direct sunlight?

As we explained above, a solar inverter cover must maintain adequate airflow across the inverter and block direct sunlight. Unfortunately there are sub standard options on the market that do one and not the other. For inverter covers that tick all the boxes you can check out the FC Inverter Covers range here.

Do solar panels need direct sunlight?

They may be covered by shade from surrounding buildings or trees, are turned away from the sun, or are simply affected by weather conditions like clouds, rain, or snow. Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to work. Most rooftop solar panels start producing electricity shortly after sunrise on a clear day.