Which is why an exchange is often the better choice

The inverter is almost the heart of every photovoltaic system. It converts the direct current, which the modules produce on the roof, into network alternating current. This is the only way to Solar power either consumed in the house or fed into the public power grid. At the same time, the inverter controls and monitors the entire system. If it is defective, nothing works anymore. So what to do in such a case?

First of all, the good news: usually you can assume a lifespan of ten to 15 years for inverters. It is also not uncommon for the devices to do their job reliably even after 20 years. Also important in this context: From the manufacturer’s side there is a two -year guarantee, which is extended to five or ten years for many high -quality providers if you register the system on the manufacturer portal.

Better buy from 800 euros repair costs

If a problem actually occurs in the inverter, you can first try a very simple measure: switch off the inverter and restart again. If this does not help, only the call to the craft company that has installed the photovoltaic system helps. The specialist looks at the device on site. If there is an error message, it can often already estimate whether it is worthwhile to send the device and have it repaired at your own expense, provided the warranty plan has already expired.

One or the other defect can actually be remedied with comparatively little effort. In the case of more complicated cases and the necessary replacement of expensive components, the repair including shipping can cost 800 euros or more. Then buying a new inverter is probably the more sensible solution-especially when replacing simple string interverters, which is already available for around 1000 euros today. New devices often also offer additional functions such as the visualization of PV yields and power consumption on the smartphone or the integration of heat pump and e-car wall box including the possibility of the PV surplus store.

Hardly send in

If the inverter does not show an error message, the recommendation is even clearer. Send the device to a good luck to send one of the specialist companies that specialize in the repair of interverters may be expensive. The error analysis alone, including shipping, can cost 150 euros or more. In addition, there may be an expensive repair calculation over several 100 euros.

What should also be considered in this context: the guarantee of one year usually only applies to the exchanged or repaired components. Solar specialist companies from the region report cases in which another part of the inverter broke a year or two later-which of course is very annoying.

String inverter vs. hybrid inverter

And another tip: If you decide on a defective string inverter, you should stay with this simple and cheap variant-unless, unless, A battery memory is also installed immediatelywhat makes the use of a hybrid inverter necessary that makes it possible to save solar power in the first place. As a precaution, the idea of ​​having a hybrid inverter installed, because a battery memory will probably be added at some point, may be tempting. But the surcharge is considerable and the technological advances are also rapid in this area, so that the built -in technology is already outdated when the battery memory is actually installed.

To the author: Martin Sambale is the managing director of the Energy and Environmental Center Allgäu, or Eza for short!.