Inverters and battery banks have varying installation requirements if you want to choose an ideal environment. If you’re installing both a hybrid inverter and a battery bank that connects to it, it’s important to consider all of the contributing factors so that you can choose an ideal spot for both pieces of equipment. Keep reading for a few tips on choosing the best spot for both your inverter and your battery bank.
Cool, Dry Environment
Temperature control is important for both batteries and inverters. While their ranges of safe operating temperatures may differ somewhat, in general, you want a temperature-controlled area that’s free of moistures. Both pieces of equipment perform best in a cool, dry environment, and excessive heat can reduce their efficiency or shorten their lifespan. Avoid installing any of the equipment in direct sunlight or unventilated areas.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important for temperature control, as mentioned above; because both batteries and inverters can generate heat during operation, installing them somewhere with good ventilation will help to dissipate that heat and maintain safe temperatures for the equipment. If you’re installing them in a closed room, make sure there’s enough airflow to disperse the heat. (You can add a fan to the room to help if needed.) Even if you’re installing them in a larger space, make sure they have some clearance around them to allow for adequate airflow around the equipment.
Somewhere Accessible
While you might want to keep your inverter and batteries tucked away out of sight, it’s important that you’re able to easily access them for routine maintenance, system monitoring purposes, and emergency shut offs when needed. Avoid places that are hard to get to, and mount the inverter at eye level if possible.
Avoid Moisture
Avoid anywhere in or around your home that may expose the equipment to moisture. For example, if your basement is prone to water intrusion in rainstorms, you won’t want to install your inverter or batteries there. If installing outdoors, try to keep the equipment under an awning to avoid excessive moisture, and always install batteries in a battery cabinet that’s rated for outdoor use.
Keep It Close to the Electrical Panel
To minimize energy loss and improve efficiency, install your inverter and battery bank close to the main electrical panel on your home. The shorter the cable runs between parts, the less energy that’s lost due to resistance in the cables. On a similar note, keep the Fronius single-phase hybrid inverter and battery bank installed close to each other as well, for the same reasons just mentioned.
