Your solar panels are only as good as the inverter they’re connected to. This often-overlooked component is vital for optimising energy harvest and ensuring the long-term reliability of your solar system. With Australia’s diverse climate, choosing an efficient and robust inverter is crucial. This guide provides the information you need to decide and secure your solar investment.
The basics of solar inverters
Inverters are important for your solar panels because they convert Direct Current (DC) electricity to usable Alternating Current (AC) power. Hence, choosing the right one is vital for system performance.
There are different types of inverters today. String inverters follow a traditional setup in which panels are connected in a “string,” feeding DC power to a central inverter. This is a cost-effective solution suitable for simple installations without shading. However, performance may be significantly impacted by shading on even one panel.
Another type is the micro inverter, where each panel has its dedicated inverter. The good thing about this type of inverter is that it can maximise energy harvest even with partial shading. The downside? It has a higher upfront cost.
Finally, hybrid inverters combine solar conversion with battery management. It allows battery storage for backup power and increased self-consumption. This is also one of the reasons that a hybrid inverter comes with the highest upfront cost among these types of inverters.
Top brands of solar inverters
The following brands of inverters have been categorised as premium, mid, or budget tier. The different tiers should provide you insight according to the needs of your home.
Premium Tier
Ideal for: Homeowners and small business owners who value reliability, cutting-edge technology, and long-term performance.
Fronius
Fronius is a standout name in the solar inverter market and a favourite among Australians, thanks to its local headquarters. Renowned for their reliable string inverters designed for residential and small commercial systems, Fronius has earned its reputation as one of the industry’s longest-standing and most trusted brands.
What truly sets Fronius apart is their SnapINverter technology—a brilliantly simple hinge system that lets the inverter swing open like a car boot, making servicing quick and stress-free. Most of their models are approved by Clean Energy Council (CEC), ensuring eligibility for Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Their inverters also excel in monitoring, with advanced mobile and web access that keeps users connected to real-time energy production and system performance.
The Fronius GEN24 Primo series, popular for residential setups, offers single-phase options ranging from 3.0kW to 10kW, making it ideal for smaller solar PV systems. Meanwhile, the newer GEN24 series ditches the LCD screen for sleek status lights and incorporates the Dynamic Peak Manager. This feature optimises energy output in shaded conditions—no extra optimisers or micro-inverters are needed.
Fronius continues to deliver innovative, user-friendly, and high-performing solutions for solar users looking for reliability and long-term value.
SMA Inverters
SMA has been a powerhouse in the inverter market for over 40 years, earning a reputation for reliability that truly stands the test of time. What sets SMA apart is their industry-leading free built-in monitoring system, capable of detecting faults and anomalies early and notifying both the system owner and installer—ensuring peace of mind and minimal downtime.
Their product lineup includes the highly popular Sunny Boy series, designed for smaller residential solar systems. These single-phase inverters come with dual Maximum Power Point (MPP) trackers. They offer power capacities ranging from 1.5kW to 6.0kW, making them a perfect fit for homes seeking efficient, dependable solar solutions. With SMA, you’re not just getting an inverter but investing in decades of innovation and trusted performance.
Enphase Microinverters
Enphase is a leading global manufacturer of microinverters, which are devices that convert the direct current (DC) output of individual solar panels into alternating current (AC). Their most recent innovation, the IQ8 Series Microinverters, is noted for being the industry’s first ‘grid-forming’ microinverters with split-phase power conversion capability. Designed to match the latest generation of high-output photovoltaic (PV) modules, the IQ8 Series features high efficiency, reliability, and the ability to operate in both grid-tied and off-grid modes. These microinverters are part of the comprehensive Enphase Energy System, which includes IQ Batteries and the Enphase App for monitoring and analysis.
In the Australian market, Enphase has firmly positioned itself as a significant player. Australia is one of the largest residential solar markets in the world, and Enphase’s products have gained considerable traction due to their efficiency and reliability3. Enphase entered the Australian market in 2012 and has since established a strong presence with offices in Melbourne and Sydney, using Australia as a base for their Asia-Pacific operations. Their microinverters, which boast a 25-year limited warranty, have been praised for maximising energy production, especially in conditions where solar panels might be partially shaded.
Mid-tier
Ideal for: Cost-conscious buyers who want quality performance without the premium price tag.
GoodWe
GoodWe has been a big name in solar since 2010, carving out a reputation as one of the world’s largest solar inverter manufacturers. Their Australian journey began in 2012 with the opening of their Melbourne office, cementing their commitment to the local market.
What sets GoodWe apart is its extensive lineup of inverters, including single-phase, three-phase, and hybrid models. Thanks to their industry-leading range of storage inverters, they’re a go-to brand for homeowners planning future battery installations.
Their MS series is the only single-phase inverter in Australia with 3 MPPTs. This makes it perfect for homes with panels on multiple roof orientations—north, west, and east—without needing pricier micro-inverters or power optimisers.
For those seeking value, the DNS series is a crowd favourite among residential users. This single-phase inverter offers ratings from 3kW to 5kW, making it a great fit for 6kW systems. It’s an affordable yet reliable option with a maximum efficiency of 97.8%.
GoodWe combines innovation, versatility, and affordability, making it a strong contender in the solar inverter market for Australian households.
SunGrow
Sungrow is a global solar powerhouse, manufacturing over 100GW of inverters across 60 countries since entering the Australian market in 2012. Their inverters, approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), boast impressive efficiency ratings between 97.7% and 98.6%, with most models exceeding 98%.
Manufactured in China, Sungrow inverters are competitively priced, making them a budget-friendly alternative to European brands without compromising quality. They offer a range of solutions, including string, central, and turnkey inverters for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
For residential and small business users, the RT Series shines as a 3-phase option, delivering outputs from 5kW to 20kW and peaking at 98.5% efficiency. Sungrow’s SH Series hybrid inverters are perfect for pairing solar with battery storage, providing flexibility and future-proofing your system.
With high efficiency, affordability, and a diverse product lineup, Sungrow balances value and performance, making it a top contender for Australian solar customers.
Budget tier
Ideal for: Those who need affordable yet reliable inverters for residential use.
Solis
Founded in 2005, Solis has become a key player in the global solar inverter market, combining affordability with solid performance. As one of the first inverter brands to hit the Australian market, Solis operates 29 regional offices worldwide, including one in Melbourne, giving it a strong presence Down Under.
Solis inverters are all transformerless and boast impressive efficiency ratings, ranging from 98.3% to 98.7%. Take their Solid-3P model—a three-phase inverter with smart meter integration, 24/7 energy monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a slick mobile app for real-time performance updates. Their popular S5 Series caters to smaller systems, offering power ranges from 3kW to 10kW with a maximum efficiency of 98.0%.
What makes Solis stand out is its cost-effectiveness. By manufacturing at scale in China, the company delivers reliable, CEC-approved inverters at some of the best price points in the market. Solis could be the perfect fit for your solar setup if you’re after value without compromising on quality.
Growatt
Growatt is known for delivering wallet-friendly solar inverters without skimping on efficiency. Their CEC-approved, transformerless designs boast an impressive maximum efficiency of 98.2% to 98.4%, making them a strong contender in the residential solar market.
With some of the most affordable pricing, Growatt is a go-to for budget-conscious buyers. However, their track record and long-term reliability haven’t yet caught up to premium brands, making them an excellent choice for upfront savings but potentially less ideal for those prioritising longevity and proven performance.
As the unsung hero of your solar system, the role of inverters in converting DC to usable AC power is vital. It’s not only about immediate energy harvest, but it’s also about long-term system reliability and maximising your return on investment, which is important in Australia’s diverse and often harsh climate.
Choosing wisely between string, micro, or hybrid inverters is the difference between a system that merely functions and one that truly thrives. Investing in a quality inverter from a reputable brand, whether it’s a premium option like Fronius or a budget-friendly choice like Growatt, isn’t an expense but an investment in the longevity and efficiency of your entire solar system, ensuring you reap the full benefits of clean, renewable energy for years to come.
Energy Matters has been in the solar industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
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