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Solar inverters - where does the energy go when clipping?

Old_Scientist · 2025-02-17T17:37:51Z

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can't be created or destroyed, so where does the excess clipped energy go when a solar array is generating 4kW on a sunny day but the inverter clips it's output to 3.6kW? Is the 400W of clipped energy lost as heat from the inverter? My inverter is in the loft so I've no idea how hot it gets on a sunny day.

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Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

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Batpred

(@batpred)

Noble Member Member

Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 1133

27/10/2025 11:52 am

@transparent

Thank you for the information and advice. Maybe we could collect the panels when we go to Cambridge!

Our property is in a suburban area in SE England, at the base of a hill. So unlike the typically isolated properties (that I get the sense were first movers on PV).

It is a three story house (as we converted the loft).

@Judith Potentially our scaffolding requirement is just a small one built on the back extension. But this being H&S, the installer will have insurance and know the type of workers they use, etc. Ultimately their call.

8kW Solis S6-EH1P8K-L-PLUS hybrid inverter; G99: 8kW export; 16kWh Seplos Fogstar battery; Ohme Home Pro EV charger; Vaillant Arotherm Pro 7kW; 100Amp head, HA lab on mini PC

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Transparent

(@transparent)

Illustrious Member Moderator

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 3389

27/10/2025 1:41 pm

Posted by: @batpred

↑

Maybe we could collect the panels when we go to Cambridge!

You will, of course, check the dimensions and weight before attempting that with your van/lorry!

Most PV panels are around 1.6 x 1.0 metres, and between 20Kg - 25Kg.
They must be transported flat.

They are made to those specifications in order to be classed as a "one man lift" under Health and Safety regulations.

You can't just saw off a bit of a solar panel if the wheel-arch of your vehicle is in the way!

Posted by: @batpred

↑

Our property is in a suburban area in SE England, at the base of a hill.

The difference in elevation between the top and bottom of a hill isn't significant in comparison with the height of thunder-clouds.

I can assure you that all houses with vertical wires connected to solar panels on the roof will be subject to the same physics of electro-magnetism.

I would agree that houses at the top of a hill are preferentially more likely to actually suffer a direct lightning strike.

However, all houses in the area would still be affected by the ground-wave of course.

The advice to readers here is this...

Unless you do actually understand the physics sufficiently well to make calculated choices in the selection of anti-surge devices,
buy the best you can afford in order to protect your investment in solar power.

Save energy... recycle electrons!

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