ᐅ Inverter and Energy Storage Installed Under the Roof?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to build a semi-detached house this year and I’ve realized that not enough space has been allocated for the utility systems.

I had assumed that installing photovoltaic panels would be less problematic since everything can be placed in the insulated attic under the roof. However, a friend advised me against this yesterday due to heat and noise concerns.
Inverters and battery storage systems need to operate continuously at temperatures between +5°C (41°F) and +35°C (95°F). Without expert knowledge, I doubt if this is easily achievable in a well-insulated attic during the summer.
Additionally, inverters generate noise while operating, and if the bedroom is located directly below, it could become an ongoing disturbance.

So, what do you think? Where should the inverter and storage system go? My planner has only allocated a utility room of 7m² (75 sq ft), which already seems insufficient.

What are your thoughts on placing the inverter and storage in the garage? It is about 30 meters (98 feet) away from the house.
I am aware that the direct current cable run from the solar panels to the inverter should be as short as possible to minimize losses.

Best regards,
Flo

This will also be an issue for me, although I’m mostly to blame myself.
I believe that if your attic is insulated, the temperature should be less of a problem. If necessary, you can always set up a split air conditioning system for the height of summer. There should be enough electricity available for it if needed.

Regarding noise, I would worry less about it. Do you often sleep when there is a lot of sunlight, or do you use a lot of electricity then?

nullhorn schrieb:

So, what do you think? Where should I put the circuit breakers and the storage tank? Unfortunately, my planner only designed a utility room of 7m² (75 sq ft), which is already too small.

Can’t you find an unused square meter somewhere on a wall?

Mycraft schrieb:

Don't you find at least one unused square meter on a wall somewhere?

Actually – no! ;-( That’s the problem when you have an architect design your house.
Of course, they have expert knowledge, but they tend to be very conservative with utility connections if it helps improve the design.
I didn’t even notice this at first; I only learned about it during the initial discussions with the electricity and heating providers.

... I just called the solar panel company. They said (of course) something similar to what we all say: “There’s always a space somewhere,” “Better the attic than the garage,” “A well-insulated attic usually won’t exceed 35°C (95°F); otherwise, insulate the storage area again.”...
Hmm, as always, good advice is hard to come by!

nullhorn schrieb:

Yes, I know that the cable length from the module to the inverter should be kept as short as possible for DC to reduce losses.

Usually, it’s the other way around for these reasons:
- DC voltage is typically between 700 and 1000 V instead of 230 V, resulting in lower current on the inverter’s DC side
- Usually 6 mm² (10 AWG) cable is used on the DC side, while on the AC side it’s 2.5 mm² (13 AWG)