Why does the OnGrid Tool show information about Inverter Replacement?
Unlike modules, which typically have a 25-year performance warranty, inverters usually have shorter warrantees and are expected to fail before the end of 25 years. Most inverter manufactures will warranty their products for 10 years and some will go longer than that for a fee. OnGrid suggests that it is a conservative approach to estimate that inverters will need to be replaced in about 15 years at a cost of $700 per kW of inverter size. Inverters may last longer and may not cost as much to replace at that time (they are getting less expensive all the time, but labor and transportation is getting more expensive). As it turns out that this inverter replacement makes almost no difference to the financial results, but helps the customer see a realistic projection of what to expect from their system.
