Always On Energy Solar Client education re Solaredge Hybrid Inverter power output derating.
- cobus063
- Sep 29, 2025
- 2 min read
🔆 SolarEdge Inverter Performance in High Temperatures:
What Clients Should Know
As Johannesburg heads into peak summer, all readers now know that Solar Inverters cannot deliver full power at 38°C. Let’s unpack how SolarEdge designs for heat—and what it means for your system’s reliability.
🛠️ Temperature Design Philosophy SolarEdge inverters are engineered to operate at full power up to a specific ambient temperature threshold. For most models, including the 10kW hybrid class, this threshold is typically around 40°C internal temperature. Beyond that, the inverter initiates automatic derating—a protective mechanism that reduces output to prevent overheating and extend lifespan.
🌡️ What Happens at 38°C in Johannesburg? At 38°C ambient, your 10kW SolarEdge hybrid inverter is approaching its thermal ceiling. While it may still deliver near-full output, internal temperatures (especially with direct sun exposure or poor ventilation) can trigger throttling. Field reports and manufacturer notes suggest that output may reduce by 5–15%, depending on installation conditions. 10kW x .85 = 8.5 kW.
📉 Derating is "smart engineering". It protects sensitive components and ensures long-term reliability. But it also means that system design and placement matter. Shade, airflow, and mounting orientation can significantly affect summer performance.
✅ Client Takeaway If you're planning a solar system or already own one, make sure:
What is the ambient temperature in peak summer in the location and on the wall where the Inverter is planned to be installed?
What should the derating circuit breaker size be to protect your investment further?
How will you be monitoring performance and temperature?
Educated clients make better energy decisions. Let’s keep the power flowing—even when the mercury rises.
Always On Energy recommendation for most Solar Inverters is to limit the Power Output to 80%. A 10kW Inverter should be limited with a 35 Amp breaker. Except the Victron which should be limited to 70%, 30 Amp circuit breaker.
In all cases there are innovative ways to reduce the temperature rise in such a way that the 70/80% derating can be overcome. That will be a post for another day.
Our next Inverter is the Sigenergy Solar Inverter.
I invite readers to send me an email to cobus@alwaysonenergy.co.za to tell me how any post helped you, or how I can do better, or what else would you like me to explain in a future post about Solar or just electricity. You may want a design spec for your intended solar system.
Comments