Best Solar Inverters of 2024

What’s the top solar inverter available?

After reviewing a variety of popular solar inverters on the market, the SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter stands out as our top choice. Among all the inverters we evaluated, it demonstrated the highest efficiency, allowing homeowners to maximize the energy output from their solar panels. SolarEdge also provides a comprehensive warranty, ensuring peace of mind for long-term use. The accompanying mobile application has garnered positive feedback from users, enhancing the system’s overall appeal by offering an intuitive way to monitor and manage energy production.

What exactly are solar inverters?

Imagine installing solar panels, only to realize that you have no way to use the energy they generate. This is where solar inverters play a critical role. Simply put, a solar inverter’s main job is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by your solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity needed to power your household appliances. Not all solar inverters are created equal. Choosing the right one for your home can be tricky. While your solar installer will typically guide you through this process, they may offer a variety of inverters to choose from. As you explore solar energy, you’ll likely come across different inverter options, each with its own set of features and benefits.

Do solar panels help cut costs?

Each inverter we’ve highlighted underwent a thorough evaluation, with a detailed rating system based on multiple criteria. Our approach involved carefully reviewing various inverter specifications and consulting industry professionals and experts to identify the key factors in selecting an inverter.

We specifically focused on single-phase, grid-connected, and hybrid inverters suitable for U.S. households, excluding DC power optimizers from our assessment and rating of string inverters. DC power optimizers are commonly used as components that can enhance the performance of string inverters. It’s important to note that our evaluation was based on research and product specifications rather than hands-on testing of the inverters mentioned.

Top Solar Inverters of the Year

Enphase IQ8 Microinverters

Microinverter Leader

While the selection of microinverters is more limited than string inverters, Enphase’s IQ8 stands out as a top choice in the residential microinverter market. Each unit delivers solid efficiency and comes with a robust 25-year warranty. However, Enphase falls short when it comes to customer service and sizing options. In terms of pricing, their offerings are comparable to other products available in the market.

SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter

Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency

The SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter stands out, achieving top scores in almost all categories.

It boasts the most impressive efficiency amongst residential inverters we’ve reviewed. Offered in multiple sizes and backed by a robust warranty, its accompanying app also has outstanding user reviews. A notable downside: the cost of SolarEdge inverters is on the higher side.

Tesla Solar Inverter

Well-balanced Choice

Tesla’s solar offerings, including their inverter, can be best described as ‘balanced.’ It garners decent efficiency and app reviews. A standout feature is its unparalleled limited inverter warranty duration. However, its sizing options are limited and Tesla’s customer service feedback leaves much to be desired.

SMA Sunny Boy

Reliability

Sunny Boy inverters, part of SMA’s TL series, have long been among the best-selling solar inverters globally. Renowned for their German engineering, these inverters have earned a reputation for reliability, making them a trusted choice in a market increasingly filled with less dependable alternatives. This reliability has remained a key selling point as the solar industry has grown and evolved.

Growatt Hybrid Inverters

Hybrid Top Performer

Growatt stands out as the top hybrid inverter we reviewed. Available in various sizes, it offers a solid warranty and respectable efficiency. What sets it apart is its more affordable pricing compared to other hybrid inverters, which typically come with a higher price tag. A drawback is its app, which can be less intuitive and occasionally glitchy.

Assessing the Premier Solar Inverters:

Choosing the ideal solar inverter is a tailored endeavor, varying based on specific needs and sites. Zeroing in on the ‘best’ without a personalized assessment would be a challenge. Our list primarily features single-phase, residential inverters. We refrained from hands-on evaluations.

Our evaluation leaned on objective criteria to distinguish standout inverters. Here’s our approach:

Our initial step involved identifying evaluation categories. Each category was assigned a weightage, reflecting its significance to an average buyer. Our comprehensive research, coupled with insights from industry experts (who remained impartial), resulted in the following evaluation categories and their respective weight:

Warranty: 25%

Efficiency: 25%

Peak efficiency: 10%

User interface/app: 15%

Inverter sizing variety: 10%

Cost: 5%

Brand reputation: 10%

We assessed ten leading inverter brands, collating data across each category. Every category, for each inverter, was ranked in a tiered system (1-5) to discern each inverter’s performance as above, average, or below the standard set by our list.

Additional Inverters Examined

Chilicon Power Microinverters: Chilicon Power offers an alternative in microinverters. However, when compared to Enphase’s IQ8 series, they fall short in efficiency and are pricier. Furthermore, they come in just two sizes and have not received favorable app reviews.

Delta Single Phase Transformerless Solar Inverter: Delta’s inverter is decent, but there are superior choices. The top-rated inverters on our list surpass Delta in warranties, efficiency, and user app feedback. Nevertheless, Delta seems to excel in customer support, overshadowing other brands we assessed.

Fronius Primo: The single-phase inverters by Fronius Primo have reduced efficiency and user app ratings compared to others on our list. Their warranties, spanning 5 or 7 years, are the briefest we encountered. However, they offer an impressive range of sizes, from 3.8 kW to 15 kW, deserving mention.

Sol-Ark: Their residential hybrid inverter is on the costly side. It doesn’t quite match the efficiency and warranty standards of other inverters on our roster. Additionally, the Sol-Ark app isn’t popular among users due to software issues.

Choosing the Right Solar Inverter Type

Selecting the right inverter configuration for your home’s solar system is crucial and possibly the most vital choice in your inverter selection process.

Every home is unique, especially when it comes to solar setups. For instance, your home might have a steeply pitched roof or be surrounded by trees that cast shadows during certain times. These factors can significantly influence the best inverter choice for your needs.

For residential solar projects, three primary inverter options are available: string inverters, string inverters coupled with DC power optimizers, and microinverters. Each of these configurations has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a brief overview.

String Inverters Explained

String inverters, as suggested by the name, link together multiple solar panels in a string to one inverter. This inverter is responsible for transforming the DC electricity produced by every solar panel in the string. However, a setback in any panel – whether it’s due to shading, obstructions, or maintenance concerns – can hamper the efficiency and output of the entire string. To combat this, many homeowners opt to incorporate DC power optimizers in their setup alongside the string inverter.

Each solar panel gets its DC power optimizer, allowing the performance of each panel in the string to be considered separately. Consequently, even if a single panel faces shading or malfunctions, the rest can function as usual. For roofs that receive inconsistent sunlight or are not perfectly angled, the installation of DC power optimizers is often advised.

Comparatively, with microinverters, every panel has its inverter. Thus, if several of them fail, the replacement becomes a daunting task since you’d potentially have as many microinverters as panels. On the other hand, the central string inverter is typically located off the roof, simplifying the process and making it safer to replace. These inverters tend to have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, requiring replacement roughly halfway through the panels’ life.

It’s worth noting that some manufacturers mandate the use of DC power optimizers when installing their string inverters. While string inverters generally have a lower price tag than microinverters, adding DC power optimizers introduces additional costs. It’s also common for warranties on string inverters and DC power optimizers to be provided separately.

String Inverters: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Installation of DC power optimizers enables individual performance tracking of panels without affecting the overall system.
• Typically wall-mounted, making them more accessible for maintenance or replacement.
• Often more cost-effective than microinverters.

Cons:

• Without DC power optimizers, the entire solar setup is only as efficient as its least efficient panel.
• Expanding the solar system might necessitate a new inverter purchase.

Microinverters Overview

For homeowners opting for microinverters, the solar setup differs from traditional configurations. Instead of linking multiple solar panels to one central inverter, microinverters are smaller units attached to each individual panel. This setup is ideal for complex solar arrangements, such as roofs with partial shading or suboptimal angles for solar exposure. Microinverters offer a more straightforward way to expand the system. For example, if you’re only able to install panels on half your roof initially but plan to expand later, microinverters make the process easier, as each panel operates independently.

In contrast, systems using DC optimizers and a central string inverter are usually designed for the current panel count, making future additions more complicated. Microinverters are also advantageous because they typically come with longer warranties—usually around 25 years—due to their placement on the roof. Their positioning can make repairs and replacements more difficult.

One key challenge with microinverters is their location behind each panel. If one malfunctions, finding and repairing the issue can be cumbersome, requiring access to the specific panel and inverter on the roof, which is often more difficult than with a centralized inverter system. This can be a downside for homeowners, particularly in the event of a malfunction.

Pros and Cons of Microinverters

Pros:

• Extended warranty duration compared to string inverters.
• Facilitates easier system augmentation in the future.
• Ideal for roofs that are either shaded or not ideally angled.

Cons:

• The rooftop installation of microinverters complicates their maintenance and replacement.
• Generally, they have a higher price point than string inverters.

Guide to Selecting the Ideal Solar Inverter for Your Residence

Finding the perfect inverter for your home might seem daunting, but usually, a professional installer guides you through this decision. Besides relying on a trustworthy installer, there are several other factors to consider when opting for an inverter.

Selecting the Right Installer

Choosing the right solar equipment is only one part of the equation; selecting the right solar installer is equally important. Given the importance of the investment, proper installation from the outset is key to maximizing your system’s efficiency and longevity.

When beginning your search for a solar installer, prioritize certified companies with a strong local presence and a proven track record. You want an installer who not only performs the initial setup with precision but also provides ongoing support for any future service or maintenance needs.

One of the first things to evaluate when considering installers is their experience. Look for companies that have completed many solar installations and are familiar with your specific roof type and installation preferences. If you’re thinking about adding solar batteries to your system, make sure that your installer has experience with them as well.

A reputable installer will conduct a thorough roof assessment and energy evaluation to determine the best solar configuration for your home. They should be able to clearly explain the options available to you and answer any questions you may have, no matter how complex.

Experience is a strong indicator of an installer’s reliability. While new installers may make costly mistakes, seasoned professionals are more likely to deliver a flawless installation. Some installers even offer performance guarantees, assuring you that your system will continue to operate efficiently after installation.

It’s also important to check whether the installer offers guidance on how to monitor your solar panel’s performance over time. Knowing how to spot significant declines in energy production and understanding the necessary corrective actions is vital for maintaining system health. If an installer is vague or reluctant to discuss these aspects, it’s a red flag.

To make sure you’re getting a fair price, get quotes from a range of installers, both local and national. This will give you a broad view of pricing options and help you make a more informed decision.

System Compatibility and Operation

It’s essential that the inverter you choose aligns well with the specifications of your entire solar panel setup. Different inverters are designed for various system configurations, be it off-grid, partially off-grid, or exclusively on-grid. Typically, solar inverters can be categorized into three primary types.

Grid-connected inverter: These are the most frequently encountered inverters. As the name indicates, they necessitate a grid connection to function, facilitating both power extraction from and supply to the grid. A significant drawback, though, is that they cease to function if there’s any grid disruption. This makes you susceptible to power interruptions, even if you possess solar panels. Installing a solar battery and other relevant components can be a remedy for this. On the financial front, grid-connected inverters are usually more affordable than their hybrid and off-grid counterparts.

Combined inverter: Essentially merging a solar inverter with a battery inverter, the combined inverter is crafted to provide both on-grid and off-grid energy solutions. Even in the absence of a battery, this inverter can be set up. Solar batteries necessitate a specific battery inverter to energize your house. There are solar batteries available with an in-built battery inverter. However, if your chosen solar battery lacks this feature, it becomes mandatory to incorporate a compatible external battery inverter. In such cases, opting for a combined inverter might be sensible. Do note, combined inverters generally come with a steeper price tag than standard grid-connected inverters.

Isolated inverter: Tailored for off-grid solar setups, isolated inverters source power from solar batteries, ensuring energy availability both day and night. They can’t be linked to the grid and should be your choice only if you envision a lifestyle completely independent of the power grid. To truly achieve this independence, having several batteries is often indispensable.

Inverter Capacity

The size of your inverter plays a pivotal role in determining its efficiency and the overall performance of your solar system. Ensuring that your inverter is properly sized to match your solar panel system can help you avoid potential performance losses and inefficiencies.

To achieve optimal efficiency, the inverter’s maximum AC power output should align with the peak DC output of your solar panels. If the DC output of your solar panels exceeds the AC rating of the inverter, you’ll encounter inverter clipping. This means the inverter won’t be able to process all the electricity generated by your panels, resulting in wasted energy.

If you have a 7,000-watt solar panel system, your inverter should also be rated at 7,000 watts to handle the energy production efficiently. This ensures that the inverter can handle the full capacity of the system without clipping. In the solar industry, wattage (or kilowatts) is the standard unit used to measure both solar systems and inverters. A 7 kW solar system, for example, needs a 7 kW inverter.

While it may seem tempting to go for a larger inverter, it’s important to recognize that a significantly oversized inverter for your solar array can lead to inefficiencies and potential issues. An expert installer will carefully assess your solar array’s size, daily sunlight exposure, and energy needs to properly size the inverter, ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal performance.

Warranty Details

Like any significant investment, it’s crucial to understand the warranty that accompanies your inverter, including what’s covered and potential out-of-pocket expenses. The majority of solar inverters come with a standard limited warranty, typically spanning between five and 12 years, depending on the producer. Within this warranty, replacements for inverters or parts are commonly covered. However, installation labor and shipping fees often aren’t included. These costs might be addressed in an extended warranty, which comes at an extra price and can last from 15 up to 25 years.

It’s advisable to thoroughly scrutinize the warranty details to comprehend the coverage.

In the event that your inverter includes multiple parts, each might come with its own warranty. For instance, while DC power optimizers are frequently paired with string inverters, they’re distinct entities and usually have separate warranties. Roof-mounted components, such as DC power optimizers and microinverters, typically enjoy a longer warranty duration compared to wall-mounted counterparts. A 25-year warranty is the general norm for both microinverters and DC power optimizers.

Inverter Performance Metrics

The efficiency of an inverter demonstrates its ability to effectively transform the DC energy from your solar panels into AC energy to electrify your household. The more efficient the inverter, the less energy is wasted. No inverter operates at a full 100% efficiency due to inevitable energy losses, such as those due to heat or during the conversion process. Some energy may also be consumed when the inverter is in its standby mode.

Specialists highlight that while inverter efficiency is significant, what’s more crucial is selecting an apt inverter model, be it string inverters or microinverters, that suits your household needs.

Today’s inverters generally boast an efficiency of 95% or even higher, making efficiency less of a deal-breaker in most scenarios.

Peak Efficiency: This efficiency metric, also termed as maximum efficiency, signifies how well the inverter turns solar energy (DC) into household energy (AC) when functioning at its peak capacity. Simply put, it gauges the inverter’s performance at its zenith.

Efficiency: Given that an inverter doesn’t always function under ideal conditions – think of the instances of partial sunlight during a day – efficiency accounts for distinct load levels at varying voltages. This provides a more realistic idea of the inverter’s efficacy on a typical sunny day.

The real-world efficiency of your inverter is determined by a mix of power inputs at various times and efficiencies corresponding to those inputs. The efficiency rating aims to approximate this by evaluating the inverter across different power levels.

Software and User Interaction

Consider your inverter as the command center or the “nervous system” of your solar setup. Equipped with the right software, it can consistently track your home’s energy usage and the power generated by your solar panels. Most inverter makers offer an app to facilitate this monitoring. Sophisticated inverter software might have added functionalities, like managing power loads, navigating time of use charges, and archiving your energy stats to forecast your monthly expenses and highlight potential savings. In essence, the more you can engage with and manage your solar system, the more advantageous it is.

That said, these apps aren’t perfect. Certain solar tracking apps might have glitches or may not relay the panel data as intended. Checking out user feedback on app marketplaces can provide a glimpse into the real-world performance of a particular solar application.

Let 8MSolar Help You Decide

The ideal solar inverter for your home isn’t solely about the brand but hinges more on your home’s unique energy requirements. Factors like the size of your solar setup and the characteristics of your rooftop are pivotal in deciding the right inverter configuration. Professionals stress the importance of selecting a solar installer known for their expertise in the kind of installation you need.

The North Carolina solar installation professionals at 8MSolar are ready to help find the perfect inverter for your solar project.