Always On Energy Solar client education re a Victron Inverter.
- cobus063
- Sep 26, 2025
- 2 min read
🌞In this post I am not comparing the Victron with other Inverters re temperature degrading, because it is a different approach to Solar power generation, using a very high current external MPPT. The higher the currents the higher the temperatures.
Why Your 10kW Victron Inverter Might “Take a Breather” This Summer
Johannesburg summers are no joke—especially for your solar inverter.
If you're running a 10kW Victron inverter and pushing it hard (think 50V at 200A DC input), you're asking it to handle 10,000W of power. That’s a serious workout, and like any athlete, it needs to manage its temperature to stay healthy.
Here’s what you should know:
🔧 Automatic Power Derating.
Victron inverters are smart. When internal temperatures rise too high—especially during peak summer—they automatically reduce output to protect themselves. You won’t need to intervene, but you might notice your system delivering slightly less power during the hottest hours.
Maximum Operating Temperature:
The upper operating limit is 65°C, but performance derates significantly as temperatures rise. For example:
At 40°C, output drops to ~90% of rated power (38 +2)
At 50°C, output drops to ~82% (38 + 12)
At 60°C, output drops to ~75% (38+22)
At 65°C, output may drop to ~69% or lower depending on model (38 +31)
I don’t recommend exceeding 75% power output and that means making sure ventilation is very good, no direct sun, Main breaker of 32 Amps AC. Even though it will degrade automatically, don’t allow it to reach 65 to 69 deg C.
💨 Passive Cooling, Not Active.
Unlike some units with fans or liquid cooling, Victron relies on passive air cooling. That means heat is dissipated through metal surfaces and airflow—not forced ventilation. In high ambient temperatures, this method can struggle to keep up, especially if the inverter is installed in a poorly ventilated space.
🔥 DC Load = Heat Load
At full tilt (50V × 200A), the inverter is processing intense current. Even with high efficiency, some of that energy turns into heat. If the ambient temperature is already 35°C+, internal components can exceed safe thresholds quickly.
✅ What You Can Do
Ensure your inverter is installed in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
Avoid stacking multiple heat-generating devices nearby.
Dont exceed 60 deg and learn to manage the Victron through scheduling and measuring temperatures.
Solar is a long-term investment. Understanding how your system behaves in real-world conditions helps you get the most out of it—safely and reliably.
Let’s keep your power flowing, even when the sun’s blazing.
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