Can you mount an inverter on an interior wall?

To answer this question, I'll share my insights on properly mounting inverters on internal walls like gyprock and cement sheets. I'll walk you through the ideal installation method using studs, secondary fixings, and the challenges different inverter designs pose. Plus, I'll touch on alternative mounting solutions, such as using racking to accommodate various wall types and improve weight distribution.

Ideal Inverter Installation

Inverters are often fitted to internal walls, gyprock & cement sheet alike.

Ideally, your installer will find a stud or other piece of structure behind the sheet & that will offer purchase for something like a couple of 40mm long screws. These will take the weight of the machine.

Secondary Fixings: Toggle Bolts and Special Inserts  

The subsequent screws might either be toggle bolts :

Or special inserts that screw straight into the wall sheeting. Either of these may be considered secondary fixings, which just stabilise the assembly, or in some cases, may take the entire weight of the unit.

Mounting Challenges with Different Inverter Designs

Where caution must be exercised is with inverters that don't sit flush on the wall. Models like the Fronius Snap or Gen24 have their weight close to the surface you're screwing to and a broad area to fix through, making them easy to mount.

Whereas cheaper inverters often have a small mounting bracket that offers little choice in fixings. Even on a brick wall, these can be a pain.

The bigger issue is that many units have a large heat sink on the rear, and the bracket spaces them off the wall for cooling reasons, so the machine's weight, hanging well away from the mounting surface, has greater leverage on the screws.

Alternative Mounting Solutions: Using Racking

If you're in doubt, then your installer may mount the inverter on a couple of pieces of racking, either as spreaders to get screws into more wall studs or as legs to carry the weight and avoid irregular, freestone or mud brick walls, as seen in this installation :

To wrap it up, mounting inverters the right way is super important for both safety and getting the most out of your solar system. A skilled solar installer knows the ins and outs of various inverter designs, how to use the right fixings, and alternative mounting techniques for a rock-solid setup. In the end, going with a trusted and experienced installer makes all the difference for a top-performing and long-lasting solar investment.