With the high cost of traditional energy sources, commercial facilities, educational institutions, and private households opt for sustainable power. Solar batteries and inverters for solar panels supplement PV systems and improve energy generation. If you are considering getting an inverter for your industrial or residential property, this guide is precisely what you need.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 solar inverters in 2024 so you can make an informed choice. Learn more about solar inverters and choose the best solution for your energy needs.
How Does a Solar Inverter Work?
A solar power inverter is an indispensable part of a sustainable power system. Its primary function is to convert photons of sunlight into electricity, which you can use to satisfy your household’s energy needs.
Source: Enlighten. Energy
An inverter transforms the variable direct current, or DC, from your PV panels into alternating current, also known as the ‘AC’ output. Let’s dive deeper into the process of solar energy generation:
- The sunlight reaches the solar panels, which consist of semiconductor layers.
- The layers combine positive and negative cells that absorb the light and junctions that allow current to flow.
- The light produces the DC electronic current.
- The produced energy either goes to solar batteries for future use or inverters.
- Inverters run energy through a transformer that converts it into AC.
What Solar Power Inverters Can You Buy?
Now, we will review the main benefits of different types of inverters for solar panels. There are six solar power inverters, each with unique properties.
1. String Inverters
String inverters are the most popular type for residential buildings. They connect a solar panel to a single inverter by a string. Roof-based solar panel systems don’t require more than two such devices. They are less expensive than other types and are placed closer to batteries and meters.
Source: Inverter
2. Microinverters for Solar Panels
Microinverters are small and practical. You can attach them to individual solar panel modules or groups of them. Your choice depends on your energy consumption levels and how much power you want to obtain from each panel.
The main benefits of microinverters are easy usage and high energy optimization. They are convenient for households with shaded areas of solar panel systems.
3. Hybrid Inverters
With a hybrid inverter, you can benefit from both AC and DC electricity to power your house. Typically installed on the roof, this solar power inverter can monitor the energy generated from the sunlight and convert it into AC for household needs. The excess energy stays in solar batteries so that you can use it in less favorable weather conditions.
4. Battery-Based Inverters
Another type of inverter is one that is capable of providing energy during winter months or acute shading. This device is optimal for those willing to fit a battery into an installed solar system. A battery inverter transforms the battery power into AC and transfers it into your switchboard wherever possible.
This solar inverter can adapt to fluctuations in energy consumption during different times of the day. For example, more charge comes through the panels during an extended period of overcast weather.
5. Central Inverters
The main disadvantage of central inverters is their large size. However, they are optimal for systems demanding hundreds of kilowatts of volume. They are popular among commercial large-scale installations and solar farms.
6. Power Optimizers
These devices enhance and monitor solar panel system performance. They condition the DC electricity from an individual solar panel and later send it to a central string inverter. Power optimizers demonstrate better efficiency than microinverters and are more affordable for solar panel owners on a budget.
What Is the Solar Inverter Cost?
It is not easy to predict the price of solar power inverters precisely. The cost depends on the size and type of the inverter. Thus, string inverters require a lower upfront investment. However, installing microinverters correlates with long-lasting performance.
Source: Home Guide
Here is the review of solar inverter costs of the most commonly used equipment type.
| Type | Estimated Expenses |
| String | For a residential system, expect to pay a maximum of $3000, with a cost range of $0.10-$0.20 per watt. |
| Power optimizers | A power optimizer costs between $50 and $100, while a cost range is $0.10-$0.20 per watt. |
| Microinverters | The price of a microinverter is anywhere between $800-$1500. The inverters demonstrate $0.50 – $1.00 per watt of capacity. |
How To Choose the Best Inverter?
Choosing the right type of inverter can be difficult. That’s why we determined five key factors you should consider before adding one to your solar panel system.
| Efficiency rates | These critical factors refer to the percentage of DC the device can convert into AC. The higher the efficiency, the more productive the system is. |
| Integration qualities | Ideally, an inverter should be aligned with your solar panel equipment, as it increases the solar panel system’s performance. Pay attention to the voltage, battery type, and charge controller to ensure optimal performance. |
| Inverter type | Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of device to choose the one that will meet your energy demands. |
| Brand | Consider the brand’s reputation, customer satisfaction rates, system monitoring, and the warranty the manufacturer provides. |
| Cost | Inverter prices may differ significantly. The amount you should pay depends on the brand you choose and the device’s efficiency levels. |
Top 10 Solar Inverters in 2024
Choosing the right type and brand of solar inverter for your home is time-consuming. Technological progress has made inverters more efficient and reliable, and their functions are becoming more diverse. The best solar inverters stand out for their efficiency and client satisfaction rates.
Here is our pick of the top 10 solar inverters for 2024:
1. SolarEdge Inverter
The SolarEdge Home Wave is a string inverter available in 6 sizes, from 3.8 kW to 11 kW. It demonstrates the best efficiency of all solar inverters tested. Its maximum efficiency peaked at 99.20%, while the CEC efficiency is 99%.
In other words, solar panel users will lose the minimum amount of electricity generated. The inverter includes access to SolarEdge’s app, which most users find compelling. In addition, the SolarEdge inverter offers a 12-year limited guarantee, which can be extended to 20 or 25 years. The extension requires additional investment.
2. Tesla Inverter
The Tesla Solar Inverter is a grid-tied model offering 3.8 kW and 7.6 kW volumes. Similarly to SolarEdge, it provides a 12.5-year limited warranty. Tesla Solar’s top efficiency rates are 98.60% and 98% for a CEC efficiency rating.
The Tesla app’s reviews are pretty good compared to other solar inverter apps. Regarding the price, Tesla Solar has less expensive options than many other string inverter manufacturers.
3. Enphase Microinverter
Enphase microinverters are available in six IQ8 models. You can connect them to the grid to supply your household during a power outage, even without a battery. These microinverters come with a 25-year warranty and function at a peak efficiency of 97.6%. The CEC efficiency rating varies from 97% to 97.5%.
4. Growatt Hybrid Inverter
Growatt’s hybrid solar inverters offer capacities ranging from 3 kW to 11.4 kW. These hybrid inverters combine an inverter and a battery to help you store energy for future uses. Despite decent efficiency scores, many users complain about the customer service and poor app quality. Regardless, these devices are worth considering.
5. Fronius Primo Inverter
Fronius Primo combines design simplicity with high-efficiency rates of around 98%. Simple installation and maintenance make them suitable for various purposes. These inverters offer energy management functions and data communication. The standard warranty covers ten years of usage; you can extend it to 20 years later.
6. Huawei SUN2000
Huawei’s SUN2000 solar inverter for home has a peak efficiency rate of 98.6%. What makes them unique is their implementation of AI algorithms to maximize energy output. Additionally, intelligent technologies help prevent maintenance issues. The warranty offered by Hiawei covers ten years of usage. These inverters align perfectly with storage systems, making them popular among residential solar panel system owners and businesses.
7. ABB UNO-DM-PLUS
ABB’s UNO-DM-PLUS efficiency levels are slightly lower and peak at 97.4%. However, they are small in size and offer monitoring and control features. These devices are a perfect fit for compact households.
Though the basic warranty package lasts ten years, you can renew it for 15 years.
8. Solex X1 Boost Inverter
Solex solar inverters demonstrate an impressive 98% efficiency rate and the integration of clever features. For instance, you can benefit from the Wi-Fi connection for real-time system tracking. In addition, you can integrate the inverters with storage systems. The standard warranty plan is ten years.
9. Outback Power Skybox
The Outback Power’s Skybox hybrid inverters combine storage and solar systems in one device. You can use it for off-grid and on-grid applications and benefit from intelligent monitoring features. The system is easy to integrate with existing solar devices. Like previous inverters, Outback Power Skybox is ready to provide a warranty for ten years of usage.
10. Delta H5A Flex Inverter
Delta H5A Flex Inverter is a durable and efficient solution. It has MPP trackers that maximize energy output under severe circumstances. The system is suitable for outdoor usage according to its IP65 classification. The peak efficiency is 98.3%, and the warranty lasts ten years.
Selecting the Ideal Solar Inverter
To sum up, choosing your best solar inverter requires developing a unique strategy. You should consider your household’s energy consumption levels, the size of your PV system, and the circumstances under which your panels generate energy. Lastly, you can compare solar inverter manufacturers to choose the device with the optimal efficiency rates, positive customer experience, and integration features.
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Andy is a Founder, Chief Content Officer, regular contributor, and idea generator behind Solar Power Systems. He is well-versed in various aspects of solar energy, including photovoltaic systems, solar policy trends, and green technology innovations.
