A growing number of South African homeowners with solar power systems face thousands of rands in repair costs, or even complete system failure, due to a dire mismatch between solar panels and inverters.  

Solar expert Rein Snoeck Henkemans, chief executive officer of Alumo Energy, warns that this problem has arisen as rapid advancements in solar panel technology outpace some inverter specifications.  

This has led to potentially costly incompatibilities – a risk most consumers remain unaware of. 

A matter of control 

The amount of solar power an inverter can handle is governed by the specifications of its maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller.  

He explains that these specifications are crucial in the design and installation process, in an era when most solar panels produce higher currents as technology improves.  

“Imagine driving to the coast from Gauteng with your vehicle’s engine revving at 6 000 to 7 000 RPM for the entire trip.  

“Your car might seem fine for an hour or two if you’re lucky, but somewhere along the road, you’re going to blow something expensive.” 

Mismatch mayhem 

Just as an overworked engine will inevitably fail, the same principle applies to solar systems.  

When a 5kW inverter with an MPPT input current capacity of 13A has solar panels connected to it that produce 13A or more, the inverter’s warranty could become void.  

For ease of reference, most of the latest Tier 1 panels greater than 480 watts will produce more than 13A. Forcing a component to handle more than its designed capacity will eventually lead to trouble.  

“The inverter’s MPPT simply cannot handle all the power the solar panels produce,” says Snoeck Henkemans. 

A successful solar system depends on compatibility between solar panels and inverters.

Panel power 

While some popular solar system brands in South Africa have adapted to handle the increased power of modern panels, not all have kept up. 

“In my experience, there are a few popular brands that customers should think carefully about,” cautions Snoeck Henkemans. 

“It’s my view that the 5kW inverters from Deye, INVT, Sofar Solar and Sunsynk are among a rising number of products that warrant further investigation into whether the solar panel being sold with these systems is compatible, before a purchase is made. The panel amps should not exceed the inverter’s MPPT limitation.” 

Compatibility issues 

Snoeck Henkemans explains: “Unfortunately, not all solar installers and distributors are aware of this issue, and may well be installing panels that are not compatible with the inverter.  

“It’s best to contact an established provider such as Alumo Energy for advice, where a solar expert can recommend components to best match your system’s requirements.” 

Another challenge is that, even though installers may suggest using alternative systems, many buyers rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, selecting their solar system based on anecdotal evidence rather than informed decisions.  

What’s in a name? 

“We’ve had customers requesting these popular brands based on name recognition alone, or because their neighbour swore by it,” he says.  

“What they may not realise, is that their neighbours may still be using older panels that match the inverter’s capacity, or the system was only recently installed and hasn’t yet shown any issues. 

“Additionally, our main concern is that some consumers don’t know that pairing modern panels with some inverters immediately voids the five-to-ten-year warranty.” 

Technical expertise 

He identifies the so-called “bakkie brigade” as one of the culprits behind the issue, noting that it’s difficult to discern between installers who possess the technical expertise to assess the compatibility between inverters and solar panels, and those who do not.  

“We’ve seen cases where both homeowners and installers were unaware of these limitations, or simply didn’t care, and were surprised when they couldn’t claim on their warranty due to a mismatch of system components. And ultimately, it’s the consumer – not the manufacturer or installer – who has to pay the price for the mistake.” 

Speak to a solar expert who can recommend components that best match the system’s requirements.

How to select fit-for-purpose solar components 

Before making this significant investment into energy freedom, Snoeck Henkemans encourages consumers to do their homework. “Start with your own research before approaching an installer,” he advises. “This will ensure you have enough background to understand whether his recommendation is suitable for your household or business.” 

Research 

When researching different brands, analyse the manufacturer’s track record of keeping pace with evolving panel technology, rather than relying solely on a once-strong reputation. “Many brands rely on past successes and the fact that the market is often slow to realise that their technology has fallen behind the times.  

“It’s important to assess a company’s track record, overall pedigree and trustworthiness, but it’s even more important to ensure that their current offerings align with the latest solar panel technology.” 

Verification 

Next, verify that the inverter’s MPPT capacity aligns with the wattage and efficiency of the chosen solar panels, ensuring they can work together without strain or voided warranties. It’s also crucial to pay close attention to the warranty terms and conditions, as well as the availability of prompt, knowledgeable after-sales support.  

Then consider how easily the system can be scaled to add more panels or battery storage later, rather than being trapped by an inverter that becomes obsolete too quickly.  

Integration 

Finally, check that the inverter integrates smoothly with energy storage solutions and load management systems, to optimise how electricity is generated, stored and consumed, increasing both durability and cost-effectiveness. 

“The fact of the matter is that some installers pair panels with inverters that are not compatible. It’s important that the industry raises the alarm around this issue. Until then, we urge consumers to search for products that fit their needs and won’t void their warranties, especially for the deals found on Facebook,” he concludes. 

Issue: Mismatched solar components can lead to costly and dangerous repairs. 

Solution: Buyers should research, verify and confirm the integration of solar systems before purchase. 

For more information, contact Alumo Energy: 

Tel: +27 87 133 0033 

Email: sales@alumo.co.za 

Website: https://alumo.co.za/