Noise from PV solar panel inverters?

dogfonos

Would appreciate feedback from those who have a PV solar panel inverter fitted.

I'm giving thought as to where in my property the inverter should be sited. Electrically speaking, I understand the inverter is best positioned close to the panels but there are other factors to consider and one of them is: does the inverter make any noise at all? Thanks.

BarelySentientAI

Yes.  Not much though.

Slinky

I hear a bit of a hum if we're force charging batteries from the grid, but otherwise nothing.

Ectophile

On a sunny day, mine makes fan noises as it keeps itself cool.  The inverter is in the loft, and I can hear it in the bedroom below.  But it's not excessively loud.

tim_p

One inverter in loft at opposite end of bedrooms, other in attached garage / utility. Can’t hear a thing from either, ever. Never heard a sound when next to them either. SolarEdge both. 

Reed_Richards

Mine makes a very slight hum but you have to be pretty close to hear it.

dogfonos

Thanks folks. That's helpful.

pete-20-11

My original solar inverter (string inverter) had a fan built in. 

My new inverter (hybrid) has a heat sync instead. Again pretty quiet unless you stand right next to it.

Think heat syncs are more common than fans these days, although perhaps cheaper string inverters might still use them? 

dogfonos

I've had a chance to check out inverters (and PV panels) and can see that options range from cheap to expensive. Seems that the pricier inverters tend to be slightly more efficient and are often quieter too. No surprise there, I guess.

I'm currently looking at my local council's solar panel installation deal (in conjunction with Solar Together). Cost estimate is very competitive but panel and inverter quality appear to fall short of the best. I'll ask if I can specify upgraded panels and inverter (for a higher quote, obviously).

Had a thought. Will the day ever come when there's enough electricity generated in the UK by households (and various other 'private' concerns) so that electricity providers don't need to generate their own electricity?

BarelySentientAI

dogfonos said:

Had a thought. Will the day ever come when there's enough electricity generated in the UK by households (and various other 'private' concerns) so that electricity providers don't need to generate their own electricity?

Electricity suppliers don't generate.

Other "private concerns" do - like the ones that own power stations.

Private concerns have generated enough electricity in the UK since 1990.

powerful_Rogue

dogfonos said:

I've had a chance to check out inverters (and PV panels) and can see that options range from cheap to expensive. Seems that the pricier inverters tend to be slightly more efficient and are often quieter too. No surprise there, I guess.

I'm currently looking at my local council's solar panel installation deal (in conjunction with Solar Together). Cost estimate is very competitive but panel and inverter quality appear to fall short of the best. I'll ask if I can specify upgraded panels and inverter (for a higher quote, obviously).

Had a thought. Will the day ever come when there's enough electricity generated in the UK by households (and various other 'private' concerns) so that electricity providers don't need to generate their own electricity?

I'd post your quote on the below section of the forum. SOme very experienced members will be able to tell you whether it's a good deal or not for  the kit.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/green-ethical-moneysaving