With so many solar inverters entering the Australian market all the time, this is an excellent questions.
You would expect a cheaper type of inverter to last about 5-7 (most will fall into this category).
A higher quality solar inverter you would expect to last about 11-15 years
A very high end, top quality solar inverter can last you 25 years+
What solar sales companies don’t tell you when selling you a system, is that a cheaper inverter may in the long run be very costly for you. You may need to replace it 2 or 3 times over the life of your solar system.
So, a cheaper inverter may seem like a bargain, but it’s not such a good deal in the long run.
Other factors that will affect your inverter’s life are;
- how heavily it is loaded
- conditions the inverter is kept in, if it is say- in your garage and kept cool and out of the sun it will last much longer.
- How it is installed
Generally you will find that the warranty period is a good indication of expected life of the inverter.
Solar inverter and panel warranties- are they worthwhile?
Warranties are always good to have- However there is a trap there that many fall prey to regarding solar inverter and panel warranties.
Solar panel and inverter manufacturers close shop in OZ when they start to have problems, making a 10 year warranty worthless and you holding the bag (we see this all the time).
Make sure you ask your solar sales company what assurance they have to warrant the job if they, and the manufacturer close shop?
Another important point is; Check your warranty VERY carefully for any “outs” for the manufacturer..