If you want to buy an inverter for your solar system and are confused about which one you should buy or what the factors are that you should look for, then this article can help you. In this article, we are going to focus on one major aspect of inverters that is their protection level. Every electrical equipment comes with some protection level, including solar inverters. To indicate the protection of solar inverters, there is an IP rating that indicates different protection levels of inverters.
Keep reading this article to learn in detail what an IP rating is and how to understand which IP rating inverter will be a better option to buy for your solar system.
What is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, which grades the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids. It indicates two types of protection, one from solids and one from liquids. In inverters you will notice that IP remains the same, but the digits that follow IP vary, because these digits indicate the level of protection. The first digit that comes after IP indicates the level of protection against solid objects; it can range from 0-6; the higher the number, the higher the protection level.
Similarly, the second digit that follows indicates the protection against liquids; it can range from 0-8, and again, the higher the number, the stronger the protection against liquids. So, for instance, if your inverter comes with IP20 protection, here ‘2’ shows the level of protection against solids, and ‘0’ shows the protection level against liquids. As the level of protection here is zero, it indicates that this inverter will not have waterproof protection.
If you have understood this rating level of inverters protection, it will become easier for you to choose an inverter according to your needs and the one that also offers a high level of protection. Here is a detailed description of each level of IP rating for your better understanding.
IP21: Basic Protection for Indoor Installations
IP21 rating is considered a basic protection level. Here the protection level against solids is 2, which indicates that it will provide protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm. Now, if we look at the liquid protection level, that is 1, which indicates that it will provide protection against vertically falling drops of water or condensation.
After understanding this protection level, it has become evident that an inverter that comes with an IP21 rating is more suitable for indoor installations, as there will be minimum exposure to dust and water.
IP65: Reliable Protection for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Now, if we talk about IP65 protection, the digits themselves are indicating a higher level of protection. Here, the protection against solids is 6, which means that this inverter will have complete protection against dust ingress. The protection level for liquids here is 5, which indicates that this inverter will have protection against water jets from any direction.
Considering this type of inverter comes with a high protection level that it provides complete protection against dust ingress and water, it can be installed both in indoor and outdoor sites. So, if you are planning to install the inverter outdoors or in any indoor site where conditions are harsh, you can rely on an inverter with an IP65 rating.
IP66: Superior Protection for Extreme Conditions
An inverter with an IP66 rating has a higher level of protection than IP65 and IP20. Its protection levels against both solids and liquids are 6, which indicates complete protection against dust ingress and water jets.
They can work perfectly even if installed outdoors in harsh environments. An inverter with this level of protection will easily withstand challenging weather conditions and is perfect for areas with extreme weather conditions.
How to Choose the Right Inverter for Your Solar System?
Now, to select a solar inverter with an ideal protection rating level for your system, you will need to consider the installation location and environmental conditions. For instance, if you are looking for an inverter for indoor installation, where there will be minimal exposure to dust and inverters, then you can rely on an IP21-rated inverter.
On the other hand, if you will install the inverter in an outdoor site where the inverter may face dust and water exposure, then you can’t depend on an IP21 inverter; rather, you will need to opt for an IP65-rated inverter.
And if you are planning to install the inverter in a location with extremely severe weather conditions, then neither IP21 nor IP65 will suffice; you will need to opt for an IP66-rated inverter, so your inverter will withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and dust storms. By carefully considering the installation conditions, you can easily choose an inverter for your site that will provide better performance.
Summing it Up!
Selecting the right solar inverter is crucial to ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your solar power system. Understanding IP ratings can significantly simplify this decision, as these ratings indicate the level of protection an inverter offers against dust and water. From IP21 for basic indoor use to IP66 for extreme outdoor conditions, each rating serves a specific purpose based on the installation environment. A well-protected inverter ensures uninterrupted performance and adds value to your investment in renewable energy. Choose wisely, as the right inverter can make all the difference in the durability and reliability of your solar setup.