The Inverter Replacement Process: Getting Your System Back Online
Assessment and Diagnosis
First thing we do is work out exactly what’s wrong with your current inverter. Sometimes it’s a simple fix—a tripped switch or loose connection—but more often than not, if your inverter’s failed, replacement makes more sense than repair. Inverters typically last 10-15 years, and once they start having issues, other components aren’t far behind. We’ll give you an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
We check your existing system specs, your roof setup, and what you’re actually trying to achieve. If your inverter’s 8 years old and just died, maybe it’s time to upgrade to something with better monitoring or battery compatibility. If it’s still under warranty, we can organise the replacement through the manufacturer and handle all the paperwork.
Quick Professional Installation
Once you’ve decided to go ahead, we can usually get your replacement done within days, not weeks. We always have stock of the most common inverter models for Hobart installations, so you’re not waiting on shipping from the mainland.
The actual installation is straightforward. We isolate your system safely, remove the old inverter, mount and wire the new one, test everything thoroughly, and reconnect you to the grid. Most replacements take 2-4 hours from start to finish. Your solar panels aren’t producing during that time, but that’s a few hours versus the days or weeks you’ve already lost with a dead inverter.
We handle all the electrical compliance paperwork and notify TasNetworks of the equipment change. You don’t need to chase paperwork or wonder if everything’s been done properly—we take care of it all.
Fast Local Service When You Need It
Being based right here in Hobart means we understand how frustrating it is when your solar system goes down. Every day without production is money you’re spending on grid electricity instead of saving, and with Tasmania’s power prices, that adds up fast.
We keep common inverter models in stock locally, so you’re not waiting on freight from Melbourne or Sydney. When you call us about a failed inverter, we can usually give you a replacement timeframe within 24 hours, and often we can get out to you same-week.
Our technicians know Hobart’s housing stock—the older homes in Battery Point with tricky roof access, the newer estates in Kingston with multiple story installations, the weather exposure you get in places like Sandy Bay. We’ve worked on solar systems right across the greater Hobart area, so there’s not much we haven’t seen.
And because we’re local, we’re here for the long haul. You’re not dealing with a fly-by-night installer who’ll be gone next year. When you need support down the track, we’re still going to be here answering the phone.
Quality Inverter Brands We Install
We work with all the major inverter manufacturers, which means you’re getting proven technology that’s going to last, not some cheap import that’ll be giving you trouble in three years.
Fronius inverters are popular with Hobart installations because they handle variable weather conditions really well and their monitoring system is excellent. They’re Austrian-made, built tough, and we rarely see issues with them. SolarEdge is another strong option, especially if you’ve got shading issues or a complex roof layout—their optimiser technology makes sure you’re getting maximum production even when part of your array is in shadow.
Enphase microinverters are what we recommend if you want the most reliable system possible. Instead of one central inverter, each panel gets its own small inverter. If one fails, the rest keep working. They cost a bit more upfront but the peace of mind is worth it for a lot of Hobart homeowners. SMA rounds out our main brands—German engineering, super reliable, and they’ve been in the solar game longer than almost anyone.
We’ll recommend what suits your specific situation and budget. Sometimes the best inverter is the one that matches your existing panels and setup. Other times it makes sense to upgrade to newer technology. We’ll walk you through the options without pushing you toward the most expensive choice.
Signs Your Inverter Needs Replacing
If you’re seeing error codes on your inverter display, that’s usually the first warning sign something’s wrong. Different brands show different codes, but they all mean the same thing—your inverter’s struggling to do its job. Sometimes a technician can reset it and you’re good for a while longer, but often it’s the beginning of the end.
Another dead giveaway is when your production just drops off for no obvious reason. You check your monitoring app and your system’s producing half what it normally does, or nothing at all. Could be the inverter’s failed completely, or it’s running but not converting power properly.
Listen for weird noises too. Inverters should run pretty much silent. If yours is buzzing, humming, or clicking loudly, something inside’s not right. And if you can smell burning or see any scorch marks around the unit, turn it off immediately and call us—that’s a safety issue.
Age matters as well. If your inverter’s over 10 years old and starting to play up, replacement usually makes more financial sense than repair. You might spend $500 fixing it today only to have something else fail in six months. At that point, you’re better off putting the money toward a new inverter that’ll give you another decade of reliable service.
Warranty and Ongoing Support
We also provide ongoing monitoring support if you want it. Some of the newer inverters send us alerts if they detect issues, which means we can often spot problems before you even notice your production’s dropped. We’ll reach out to you and let you know what’s happening.
And if you need help down the track—questions about your monitoring app, concerns about production levels, whatever it might be—you can call us. We keep records of every installation we do, so we know exactly what equipment you’ve got and how your system’s configured. You’re not explaining everything from scratch to someone who’s never heard of you before. We’re here for the long term, not just the initial sale.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inverter Replacement
Most inverters run for 10-15 years before they need replacing. Your solar panels might last 25-30 years, but you’ll probably replace the inverter once or twice during that time. It’s just the nature of the technology—inverters work hard converting DC to AC power all day, every day.
Depends on your existing system and what your panels can handle. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you’re thinking about adding more panels later, we can size the inverter to accommodate that. But there are limits based on your current array and what TasNetworks will approve.
No, your feed-in tariff agreement stays the same. We just notify TasNetworks of the equipment change. Your contract doesn’t change just because you’ve replaced a failed component.
Anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the size and type. A basic 5kW string inverter replacement might be $1,800 all-up, while upgrading to a hybrid inverter with battery capability could run $3,500. We’ll give you exact pricing based on your specific system.
Absolutely. All inverters come with manufacturer warranties—usually 5-10 years depending on the brand. Plus we warranty our installation workmanship.
Get Your Solar System Back Online Today
Don’t let a dead inverter keep costing you money on your electricity bills. Every day your system sits idle is another day you’re paying full grid rates instead of producing your own power.
Give us a call and we’ll assess your situation straight away. We can usually tell you over the phone whether repair or replacement makes more sense, and if you need a new inverter, we’ll give you a clear quote with no hidden costs. Most Hobart installations we can schedule within the same week, and the actual replacement often takes just a few hours.
We’re local, we’re licensed, and we’ve been replacing and upgrading solar inverters across Hobart and greater Tasmania for years. You’ll get honest advice about what your system needs, quality equipment that’s going to last, and professional installation that’s done right the first time.
Call us today or send through an enquiry and let’s get your solar system producing again. Your power bills will thank you for it.
