hello all.
i have my Giv energy battery and inverter installed outside. Whilst they IP rated, i think might be an idea to put a box of some sort around them with some insulation in (and vents off course).
Any thoughts on this, ie if necessary, if anything readymade is available or looking at DIY?
Thanks
Hemant
From memory, Giv recommend a cover to keep rain off. If this has not been fitted by your installer, get them back to fit one.
As for insulation, depends where you live. From memory, the batteries fail (by design) to charge below zero degrees C.
So, I'd be fitting some form of insulated box for winter, then removing it in spring.
And just insulation around the battery, the inverter should keep itself warm with a bit of charging or discharging! Need a gap around the inverter, can't remember the details, but it'll be in the KB site somewhere.
Actively charging and discharging your batteries over the winter (ie overnight cheap rate charge & usage during the day) will go a long way to keeping your batteries temperature up. I made a cover using foil insulted bubble wrap for my battery last winter and it never got below 7c even with outside temps of -10c. The inverter was always warmer. I now have had built a slatted wooden frame covering the battery and inverter. My plan this winter is to line the frame with the same foil bubble wrap insulation, leaving some space for ventilation