/ Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect Charging
INSTALLATION TIPS TO CONSIDER
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Authored By:
Sebastian Hassell, Product Manager
hassell.sebastian@fronius.com
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
/ There is a group of solar installers having lunch at a solar convention, shooting the breeze and swapping install stories. Sooner
or later, the topic of stressful installations will emerge in the conversation. As one installer reminisces on a particular installation
that went awry, every installer who is listening is sure to respond
with, “Been there, done that!” The truth is that installing a solar
inverter is not as easy as buckling a seat belt or changing a light
bulb. In this article, Fronius’ Product Manager Sebastian Hassell
shares with us some of his tips and tricks to consider to help get
that seamless inverter installation.
/ The Fronius SnapINverter line offers a convenient,
lightweight solution to install issues. All wiring is done
on the bracket then the power stage is simply snapped
on, making these installs the most streamlined in the
INSTALLING YOUR INVERTER
The process of proficiently installing, commissioning, and connecting data communications for inverters has traditionally been
a complex task in the solar industry. Although the installation
solar industry.
WIRING AND MOUNTING
Wiring and mounting is also an important component of the
installation process to keep in mind while trying to lower
crew typically arrives at a given site with a thorough set of specific installation plans, they are still responsible for the final
steps of the layout and installation. Having an inverter that simplifies this process leads to not only faster installations, but also
higher profits for the installation companies. Choosing an inverter that is lightweight and offers convenient access for commissioning is certainly a good start. An ideal inverter installa-
your costs as an installer. Keep it simple. Inspectors will scrutinize your installations less if they see wiring that is clean
and well-organized. Some inverters can be very different than
others when it comes to wiring. Keep the simple thought in
mind that easily-accessible compartments are crucial. Product
familiarity is another key aspect in successful installations.
As the solar industry evolves and the NEC code changes, it
tion offers better esthetics, increased chances of passing
inspections, fewer chances of making mistakes, and the highest
level of safety.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Choosing a proper location is a crucial step in a successful installation. Today’s solar equipment should last up to twenty years,
helps an installer to be up to date on the latest inverter innovations available on the market. Not only are inverters now
more ergonomic and sleekly-designed, manufacturers like
Fronius have made commissioning more streamlined and easy
to perform.
but location plays a role in that lifetime. Although many inverter warranties are not voided by installation in direct sunlight,
it is best practice to install in a location that provides the cleanest, coolest setting possible. In the end, these are power electronics. Power electronics will always perform better by not derating
on hot days, and their components will last longer in the shade.
Aside from the environment of the inverter, positioning of the
inverter is important to consider as well. Consider a position
that allows ease of access, as servicing or repairing the inverter
may need to be done following an install. The standard for an
inverter rating for an install should be NEMA 4X, this is because
then the inverter is well-rated for harsh conditions when the
install doesn’t allow for that convenient, shady ease of access
point.
THE LIFE OF THE INVERTER
/ Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect Charging
Text and images correspond to the current state of technology at the time of printing. Subject to modifications.
All information is without guarantee in spite of careful editing - liability excluded. Copyright © 2011 Fronius™. All rights reserved.
Further information about all Fronius products and our global sales partners and representatives can be found at www.fronius.com
WE HAVE THREE DIVISIONS AND ONE PASSION: SHIFTING THE LIMITS OF POSSIBILITY.
/ Whether welding technology, photovoltaics or battery charging technology − our goal is clearly defined: to be the innovation leader. With around
3,000 employees worldwide, we shift the limits of what’s possible - our record of over 1,000 granted patents is testimony to this. While others progress
step by step, we innovate in leaps and bounds. Just as we’ve always done. The responsible use of our resources forms the basis of our corporate policy.
/ It’s also a great practice of a dedicated installer to educate his
customer on the power electronic just installed. Needs will surface throughout the life of their system, as customers will usually
require post-installation assistance such as servicing and commissioning the inverter. A customer who is prepared to handle the
post-install life of his/her inverter is a customer who is poised to
save both time and money, setting the stage for a positive experience with solar energy.
CONCLUSION
/ The advancement in solar technology in recent years has
given installers the ability to streamline not only a more efficient inverter, but also a more enjoyable installation process.
The result is a perfect storm for the entire industry, as esthetically pleasing products continue to perform better than
ever while also driving down the cost of solar for modern
consumers. If installers as a whole are able to combine the
best installation practices with the best inverters on the mar-
CONTACT US
/ If you have any questions about this or if you want to learn
more about our solar solutions, do not hesitate and contact
us at (219)734-5500 or PV-Support-USA@Fronius.com. We
ket, it won’t be long until those lunch table discussions are
exclusively tales of success.
are happy to help you!
Fronius USA LLC
6797 Fronius Drive
Portage, IN 46368
USA
www.fronius-usa.com
pv-support-usa@fronius.com
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