🤔 “My inverter is making a sound—should I be worried?”
⚙️ First, Why Do Inverters Make Noise?
Solar inverters are electronic devices that convert DC (from panels or batteries) into AC (usable by your appliances). As they work, they often produce some sound, especially when:
- The cooling fan kicks in
- The transformer is active
- The system load increases
- There’s AC ripple or interference
✅ Normal Inverter Sounds
1. Low Fan Whirring
- Sounds like a laptop or desktop fan
- Usually comes on during hot afternoons or high power demand
- Especially common in hybrid or high-capacity inverters
2. Soft Hum or Buzz
- Usually electrical, not mechanical
- Happens when system is converting power actively
- Gets slightly louder under load (like when your fridge or AC starts)
3. Startup Beeps or Alerts
- Most modern inverters beep at startup, low battery, or switching modes (solar → battery → grid)
⚠️ When to Be Concerned
1. Loud, Continuous Beeping
- Could mean:
- Battery is low
- Overload
- System error
- Solution: Check the display or use your inverter’s app (if it has one). Or contact your installer (hopefully Jeho Ashar 😄).
2. Clicking or Ticking Sounds
- Might indicate:
- Relay switching rapidly (possibly faulty)
- Loose internal component
- Action: Needs inspection. Switch off and call a technician.
3. Burning Smell or Sharp Crackling
- 🔥 Warning! This could mean:
- Electrical short
- Overheating
- Faulty wiring
- Turn off the system immediately and call your installer.
🛠️ Jeho Ashar’s Inverter Standards
At Jeho Ashar Energy, we:
- Use low-noise, high-efficiency inverters (Victron, Growatt, Solark, etc.)
- Install inverters in cool, ventilated, low-traffic areas
- Ensure surge protection and wiring quality
- Offer remote diagnostics for smart inverters
🏡 Real-Life Tip for Nigerian Homes
Place your inverter in a hallway, storeroom, or garage if possible.
Avoid installing it in bedrooms or living areas—especially if you’re sensitive to sound.
If you’re using a fanless inverter (like some Victron models), they are almost completely silent unless under heavy load.
💬 Final Word
Not all inverter sounds are bad.
Some noise is normal—it’s just your system working hard to power your home.
But if it’s sudden, loud, or persistent, don’t ignore it. With Jeho Ashar, you get full support—from design to diagnosis.