How to build cover for outdoor solar inverter?

[Sugar]

hi Guys,
Recently I have got solar installed in one of my investment property.
It is sungrow 10.56kw. This is my solar inverter. 

The inverter is outside the house. The house is double storey house.
I would like to put something to cover the inverter from rain and may be direct sunlight as well.

Are there any ways to make and install cover that are not very expensive.

While googling I found something like this : https://covermyinverter.com.au/
this is little expensive for me

I also found this in bunnings. https://www.bunnings.com.au/altamonte-1200-x-700mm-siena-tinted-canopy-with-plastic-bracket_p1010476

And I also saw someone using above product :

This is little cheaper, but when the rain comes from side, it may not block rain at all.

What could be most cost effective way to do it.

From the datasheet of this inverter, it is IP65 rating. 

Thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @Sugar,

Thank you for your question about protecting your solar inverter from the elements.

The first thing you'll need to consider is that solar inverters generate heat during operation, so they need adequate airflow around them to prevent overheating. Manufacturers typically specify minimum clearance distances around the inverter. This may vary based on the model so confirming suitability with the manufacturer's specifications is the first thing you should do.

A premade canopy such as the Altamonte 1200 x 700mm Siena Tinted Canopy With Plastic Bracket seems like a good, cost-effective option for protecting your inverter from above.

Due to the IP65 rating, there is no real need to protect the sides from rain, but if it fits within the manufacturer's specifications, you could build a screen for each side from 70 x 19mm 2.7m Pre-Oiled Merbau Solid Screening or use a premade panel like this SpecRite 1800 x 600mm Pre-Oiled Merbau Garden Fence Panel to block a lot of the driving rain.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @Noyade to see what ideas they have.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Sugar 

Id probarly want to have some kind of protection from the rain as well but truth be told it should need it as its installed correctly.

With a cover I would ensurethe manufactures specifications of air flow around the unit to cool are satisfied first and foremost. The second part I would only use metal for the cover, not plastic. If something goes wrong with the inverter down the track id rather a metal cover over it then a plastic one that would help fan the flames.

Have you looked into what the manufacturer offers?

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @Sugar 

Being rated IP65 the investor is very much protected by the weather including heavy rain. It's just not protected by the likes of a heavy hose/pressure washer. So, there isn't any actual requirement to cover it unless you feel more comfortable doing so. In which case the awning you linked would be prefect, which also @JacobZ linked in. Just as an FYI, my last home had a high-end Solax system and the invertor was fully exposed to the weather and was rated the same.

Regards, Nailbag. 

[BoeingFan]

I’m also looking at options to install a cover for my upcoming solar hybrid inverter from the W-SW direct sun my place cops from midday to sundown. 

I’d like the cover to be made from hardwood or metal, and preferably with a hinged front panel for access. 

I’m thinking this panel could be cut up to fit. My inverter is only 99mm deep, so at a depth of 200mm (or two to three slats), the cover could be a four sided box the width of the fence panel and hinged on the side with some kind of door hook and catch on the opposite side. 

Any thoughts or ideas on this?

Cheers!

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @BoeingFan 

I would only be using a metal covering. I would err on the side of caution and steer clear of flamable material. I would also make sure there is plenty of air ventilation around what ever you use to keep the sun off your inverter.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @BoeingFan,

Thank you for reaching out.

You'd have to start by confirming the clearance requirements for your specific solar inverter. The manual for your inverter will almost certainly list clearance requirements that must be followed, so we'd need to make sure that any plans for an enclosure don't infringe on the manufacturer's requirements. If you don't have the manual, you should be able to Google the brand and model of your inverter to find an instruction manual.

If you can confirm that they do not, you would then need to confirm whether combustible materials like timber can be used.

If you can confirm that it is fine to use timber, then the premade merbau panels could be an option.

We have to err on the side of caution when mains electrical equipment is in play, so if you can confirm these requirements, I can certainly assist further.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob