Battery and Inverter in the loft or somewhere more accessible?

EcoScruples

66.9 degrees C was my top inverter temp (not ambient).
The unit derates above 45 degrees C, I don't know how hot the actual loft got but I didn't see it derate so ill assume its fine.

Spies

My growatt died after only 8 months in the loft - I don't think that was related to heat though, my Solax is up there now so we will see how that fairs. I don't think the loft was all that hot, maybe hit 30c in the extremes of summer.

The panels on the roof most likely help reflect some of the heat so I'd wager that the loft space is cooler now than it was without panels on it. 

Remember a lot of these inverters live in countries consistently warmer than ours. 

EcoScruples

I was thinking that yes, Huawei supply a tonne load of inverters to Australia where the temps are astronomical.
It's access that is the reason I'd avoid the loft if I could.

Heedtheadvice

Good you mentioned hot countries and e.g. Australia.

Much hotter and therefore a more serious problem!

https://support.solarquotes.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/115000928713-Where-should-my-inverter-be-located-

I did pass a roadside telecoms box in Greece this year and the fans were going round like crazy trying to keep the internals as cool as possible. I wonder what their life will be....

But it does not need to be a very high temperature to affect the electronics!

I understand that individuals can honestly report their inverter has had no adverse affect from high temperatures but should we not consider a greater number of cases and the derating effects?

There is more to location than just temperature and other environmental factors but it ought to be an important consideration. Just do a Goggle search for 'inverter temp spec' to see what the manufacturers say? Maybe do it for your own inverter? Victron, Solis, Solaredge soon will be seen.

If you do your own install , do your own research, it is your own risk....

EcoScruples

I'll come back in ten years and if it's still working then I seem that a success.

Interestingly for my inverter range there has been a case study done at Cowdown PV plant with the following summary. 
They did base some of this on operating at 45 degrees ambient temp which would be similar to my loft temp.

Heedtheadvice

I would hope for longer than 10 years from an electronic device. If you are happy with that then that is fine for you and I hope that is achieved and more to continue money saving.

I am just pointing out to any reader that best performance and life is not obtained as temperature rises.  Keeping things cool is very MSE. Should we base choices on just a few cases or take a wider view?