Do Outdoor String inverter exist or only micro inverters for outside?

[JohnnyDangerDude]

Do outdoor string inverter exist or only micro inverters for outside?

Whenever I look at string inverters on youtube, they are always being mounted in a garage, basement, shed, etc... I don't think I have seen them ever mounted outside.

Do outdoor rated string inverters exist or if my best option the micro inverter if I wanted all the equipment outside?

Thanks.

 

[wpns]

The EG4 18Kpv family is rated for outdoor use, though I’d not mount it where it can get directly rained on.

 

[JohnnyDangerDude]

The EG4 18Kpv family is rated for outdoor use, though I’d not mount it where it can get directly rained on.

Thanks for the suggestion. A little too big for my application. It seems that most string inverters are expected to be indoors as the norm right?

Perhaps I need to be looking for inexpensive and large capacity "micro" inverters if I am looking keep things outside?

Thanks.

 

[wpns]

What approximate size are you looking for? Check the IP ratings on the smaller EG4 inverters.

Some of the Victron separate pieces are weatherproof, but not their inverters. Anything with fans is going to be difficult to make weatherproof.

 

[UTR]

Yes the exist, I see them frequently when driving around.

Basically look at the specs for IP65 or anything higher than 5 in the second spot and/or NEMA 3r/4/4X.

Indoors has the advantage of a stable climate, which could contribute to longer electronic life.

 

[Q-Dog]

New Fronius models are indoor and outdoor rated.

 

[Solar Guppy]

Every UL approved string inverter I've seen is rated for outdoor use, been this way for as long as I've been in solar since 2002, mounting indoors is a personal preference, not a requirement.

 

[Mattb4]

The OP needs to provide examples of the grid tie inverters he is referencing. I get the suspicion that he is confusing different things.

 

[John Hutch]

The SolArk 5k inverter that I purchased is rated for outside usage.

 

[timselectric]

Do outdoor string inverter exist or only micro inverters for outside?

Whenever I look at string inverters on youtube, they are always being mounted in a garage, basement, shed, etc... I don't think I have seen them ever mounted outside.

Do outdoor rated string inverters exist or if my best option the micro inverter if I wanted all the equipment outside?

Thanks.

Most grid-tied string inverters are rated for outdoor.

 

[UTR]

The OP needs to provide examples of the grid tie inverters he is referencing. I get the suspicion that he is confusing different things.

I did not read that as referencing a specific inverter. Rather, it seems he is confusing people in YouTube video choosing to place string inverters inside with string inverters be unable to installed outside.

 

[Mattb4]

I did not read that as referencing a specific inverter. Rather, it seems he is confusing people in YouTube video choosing to place string inverters inside with string inverters be unable to installed outside.

Possibly. I just have noticed in his other Threads a problem with some basics. So not specific but a definition and labeling problem. Thus I wanted him to give an example of which actual grid tie inverters he thought needed placing inside.

There are cheap micro inverters for sale that are plug into your house wiring. Many new to solar folks mistakenly think this is a great way to hookup a system.

 

[UTR]

Possibly. I just have noticed in his other Threads a problem with some basics. So not specific but a definition and labeling problem. Thus I wanted him to give an example of which actual grid tie inverters he thought needed placing inside.

There are cheap micro inverters for sale that are plug into your house wiring. Many new to solar folks mistakenly think this is a great way to hookup a system.

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Gotcha, I do not recall reading other threads by the TS.

Is there even a legitimate audience for those? I'm new to solar, but not new to electricity and the longer I think about them the worse it is.

 

[solarfunnc]

The Growatt MIN TL-X and TL-HX series are NEMA 4X I believe. And relatively inexpensive.

I missed the chance on the 5000TL-X for $677. Maybe you'll have better luck.