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An ant trail beneath a Fronius inverter
Why Ants Nest in Solar Inverters (and how to deal with them)

They appear in almost every corner of the world, inside, outside and anywhere there’s food or shelter; but ants can also appear in solar systems, too.

If you’ve noticed a trail of these invading insects entering your premises and aiming for your inverter, you’re not alone. 

Although some locations won’t see a large number of ants, certain ant species are more attracted to electricity and warmth, leading to a nest being built in your inverter. There are a few reasons and ways that ants will sneak into an inverter, and a few different methods you can use to deal with them. 

 

Why do ants love solar? 

There are a few reasons ants will take up residence in a solar inverter:

  1. The electricity. Magnetic fields attract certain types of ants,or change their foraging pathways. Fortunately, the electricity attraction appears to vary by ant species, meaning only certain types of ants are likely to build a home in your inverter. 
  2. The warmth. Ants will often seek out warm spaces, especially during cold or rainy seasons.
  3. Shelter. Some ants, which don’t make their own nests, may be attracted to electric equipment as a safe place to live. 

 

How do ants get into inverters?

There are a few ways ants can sneak into your solar equipment.

  1. Unused MC4 connectors. A quick way in, a hollow section in an empty MC4 connector can make for easy access.
  2. The AC connection. Another quick entry is by going through the AC connection via the conduit, because the wires may not be sealed where they leave the house. 
  3. Unsealed cable. If your solar has been installed carelessly by a solar installer without enough experience, there may be unsealed manufacturer’s entry points in the inverter. 

 

How to deal with ants in inverters. 

If ants have started a party in your electrical equipment, it’s worth checking in with a solar professional to ensure there is no lasting damage that could put your solar system at risk. A solar professional will also be able to provide advice and assist in properly sealing up any open areas that may be allowing the ants access to the inverter. 

You can also talk to a pest control agency, who can ensure the problem is nipped in the bud. If you prefer, you can also use natural methods of killing ants, although you should avoid touching or messing with any electrical parts.  

If you’re having an issue with ants, get in touch and we’ll work with you to find a solution to your pest issue.