The best solar inverters in Australia include Fronius, Enphase, Solar Edge, GoodWe, Sungrow, Huawei, Solmax, SMA, Fimer, GE, etc. The solar inverter is the second most important component of the solar system after the solar panels. The reason is that solar panels trap energy from sunlight and utilise it to generate DC power. Now, the DC electricity produced can’t power the home directly. So, you need a device that converts DC electricity to AC electricity, and this is the function of the solar inverter.
This means the solar panels are connected to the solar inverter, not directly to the home, as many think. As the DC electricity goes through the inverter, it’s converted into usable electricity, which is then channeled to the house.
The solar inverters also play a secondary role, and that is maximum power point tracking which involves the right mix of the voltage and current from the solar panels that will provide the highest amount of electricity possible from the solar power system.
The focal point of this article is the best solar inverter brands in Australia, but before we dive into that, let’s talk about the different types of solar inverters, the factors to consider when looking for the best solar inverters, and the different solar systems and the most suitable inverters for them.
Types of Solar Inverters for the Solar Power System
Solar inverters come in different varieties. So, it’s essential that you become familiar with them and their unique characteristics. They include;
String Inverters
This is the most commonly used solar inverter for rooftop solar installation in Australia and other countries. When it comes to string inverters, several solar panels connect as a string to a single inverter.
Central Inverters
This type of solar inverter is very similar to the string inverter, but it’s larger than it and has the capacity to handle more than a string of solar panels. Unlike the string inverter, the panels are installed in a way that the power it generates is transmitted to the central inverter box. This dedicated solar inverter is more suitable for commercial outfits and utility-scale solar farms.
Micro Inverters
This is predictably the smallest type of solar inverter. It’s installed at a ratio of one microinverter to one solar panel. This arrangement enhances the power generation of the solar panel, and even though it’s partially obstructed with shade, it will still generate an ample amount of electricity according to its capacity. The micro-inverters work by maximising the voltage output of the solar panel.
It comes with a particular advantage, and that is the solar panel system continues providing the home with AC power even if one of the inverters is not functional. A micro inverter is the best inverter to go for if you want to boost the power generation of your solar panels.
Battery Inverter
This type of inverter functions with a solar battery bank. When the solar panels generate DC electricity and charge the energy storage systems, which store it for later use, the solar battery-based inverter then converts the DC current to AC current and powers the home when the solar panels are no longer generating electricity.
The advantage that comes with using this solar generation is that the home will keep enjoying electricity even if there’s a power outage. However, there’s a downside as well. When you use battery inverters, it makes a buzzing noise which messes with the receptivity of your television set, radio, and mobile phones. To rectify this, you’ll need to install a sine wave emitter to mitigate the interference.
The Different Solar PV Systems and the Photovoltaic Inverters Best Suited for Them
Grid-tied Solar System
The grid-tied solar system is the most common solar power system installed in Australia. The setup includes solar panels and an inverter. It’s directly connected to the grid and interacts with it in the sense that it can export excess electricity from the solar panels to the grid and import electricity from the grid power to the home when the solar panels stop generating electricity. The most suitable inverter for this solar energy system is the grid-tied inverter.
Hybrid Solar System
This works with the hybrid inverter which is also referred to as the multi-mode inverter. The hybrid solar PV system is a mix of an off-grid system and a grid-tied system. It’s connected to the grid, but it’s also connected to a battery bank, but its battery has less capacity than that of the off-grid solar PV system.
Off-grid Solar Energy System
These solar panel systems are the most expensive to install, and they make you independent of the grid. It comes with a bigger battery capacity than the hybrid system, which enables it to store enough energy that can power your home when the solar panels are no longer exposed to sunlight, or there’s a power outage. This system works best with an off-grid solar inverter.
Now, what are the things to look out for when seeking out the best solar inverters for your solar energy systems? Let’s take a look.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Reliable Solar Inverters on the Market
Look out for the following so you can go for the right brand:
Warranty
This is very important because buying a solar inverter with a bad warranty policy may be detrimental to you. If something wrong happens with your solar inverter, there will be no coverage for your system. On the other hand, when you settle for an inverter that comes with a good warranty policy, you’re good to go. The warranty period for a solar inverter ranges from 5-15 years, depending on the brand. The longer the warranty period is, the better. We recommend going for an inverter that has a minimum of 7-8 years warranty.
Quality Control
Some brands have a higher quality control than others, and buying from them certainly means you’re buying a high-quality inverter that will function well and serve you throughout its expected lifespan. On the flip side, when you buy an inverter from a brand that has subpar quality control, the results will be disappointing.
Cost
The best option for many homeowners is an affordable solar inverter. Certain brands have budget-friendly products, while others are on the pricey side. If your budget is a limitation, you’re better off with affordable inverters. However, we advise that you shouldn’t go for any inverter because it’s cheap. It could be a decision you’ll regret later. The good-quality ones will incur some cost, but the value they offer makes them a good bargain. A good way to get an affordable but quality inverter is by comparing the cost of 3-5 top solar inverter brands.
Customer service
Ensure the brand you’re going for has responsive customer service because there may be issues or inquiries that may need their attention. It can be frustrating to purchase an inverter, and reaching out to the company for after-sales service is an issue. In summary, only go for companies that respond quickly on their customer support channels.
Installation service
It’s not just enough to purchase an affordable inverter from the right manufacturer. The brand should be affiliated with an installer that can execute the setup without issues or complications arising in the future. Most times, when you get a random installer to set up an inverter you purchased, they may not know the precise specifications for the process. That’s why it’s best to stick to manufacturers that have installers on call.
The 9 Best Solar Inverters in Australia
According to Australian rooftop solar installers, these are the best inverters they’ve worked with;
#1. – Fronius Solar Inverters
Fronius is a leading inverter manufacturer and arguably the best solar inverter brand. It was chosen by Australian installers as the best among other inverter brands for the third consecutive time. Fronius came into existence in 1945. It was founded by Gunter Fronius in Austria. When it broke into the Australian market, it quickly established itself as a top inverter brand in its solar industry. A significant reason for that was its proprietary installation method.
Any Fronius inverter is firmly established among the best for numerous reasons, including its smart metre that enables the installer to monitor solar energy use via WiFi, several MPPTs for enhanced efficiency, a cooling system, and an integrated solar DC isolator. The last feature eliminates the need for an isolation box – a value that many inverter brands don’t offer to their customers.
The most popular Fronius solar inverter is the Gen 24 model. If you want to buy a Fronius inverter today, that’s the model you’ll most likely get. This model is replacing SnapINverter and has some improvements over it. Firstly, Gen 24 emits less noise while functioning. Secondly, you can upgrade this inverter to control a battery.
Its contact information includes the following:
- Address: 90/92 Lambeck Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043
- Phone: +61 (0) 3 8340 2900
- Email: pv-sales-australia@fronius.com
#2. – Enphase Solar Inverters
Enphase is widely regarded as a close second to Fronius. It was established in 2006 and slowly approaching two decades in the solar industry. This inverter brand specialises in designing and manufacturing microinverters. Enphase is the first brand to commercialise solar microinverters.
Purchasing an inverter from Enphase comes with perks which include the absence of high-voltage DC – it keeps the voltage generated on your roof at 230V AC. Its inverters work well on complex roof designs and offer individual panel monitoring. The company also boasts very reliable hardware. Its inverters have a warranty period of 10 years.
The company’s current flagship microinverter is IQ7A, which is capable of working with solar panels with a wattage of up to 465 W. Enphase announced that it will release IQ8, which is reported to run without grid power or battery.
Its contact information includes the following:
- Address: 88 Market Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
- Phone: 03 8669 1679
- Email: au@enphaseenergy.com
#3. – Solar Edge Solar Inverters
Solar Edge was established in 2006 and quickly became one of the top brands in the Australian market thanks to its revolutionary innovations in solar technology. This brand is best known for maximising power generation while making the cost of producing AC electricity affordable. Its most popular inverter is EnergyHub which is an intelligent inverter system that is capable of solar system monitoring.
Solar Edge is a leading partner for various stakeholders, such as integrators, industry-leading companies in solar installations, and energy market participants. A significant perk of purchasing a Solar Edge inverter is that it comes with a warranty period of 12 years. This inverter can also be upgraded with nothing more than a backup box for control of a 10kWh battery.
Solar Edge specialises in residential, industrial, and large-scale solar energy storage systems. The company also offer grid-tied solar solutions, electric vehicle charging, virtual power plants, and residential energy management. Solar Edge currently monitors thousands of solar systems in Australia and millions across other countries. Solar Edge holds the record for the company with the first inverter-integrated electric vehicle charger in the world.
Its contact information includes:
- Address: 33 Agnes Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002
- Phone: +61 1800 465 567
- Email: support@solaredge.net.au
#4. – GoodWe Inverters
This solar inverter brand was established in 2010. Since then, it has earned itself a spot among the leading inverter brands in the world. It has significant popularity in Australia because its inverters are very easy to install and are known for having some of the best hardware on the market. GoodWe is also known for being budget-friendly. The company produces a wide range of products with inverter capacities ranging from 0.7KW to 256KW.
Aside from inverters, GoodWe also specialises in producing electric vehicle chargers, smart energy management systems, Li-Ion batteries, and solar panel building materials. In 2020, Wood Mackenzie recognised GoodWe as the top storage inverter globally. GoodWe also made it to IHS Markit’s list of the top 10 inverter suppliers and is a six-time winner of TUV Rheinland’s All Quality Matters award. This is an impressive feat considering GoodWe is the only inverter brand to win it.
In 2021, Bloomberg NEF awarded GoodWe as the most financially stable company. That same year, IHS Markit named the company as the third-ranked rooftop inverter supplier in Australia. In 2022, it won the Sunwiz Award for Top Volume Manufacturer in Australia. its most popular inverters include the MS Series and SDT G2 Series. GoodWe is widely recognised as one of the top suppliers of hybrid inverters globally.
Its contact information includes the following:
- Address: 2/6 Enterprise Drive, Rowville, Victoria 3178
- Phone: 0399183905
- Email: service.au@goodwe.com
#5. – Sungrow Solar Inverter
Sungrow has been operating as a solar inverter manufacturer as far back as 1997. It was awarded as the top-ranked Global solar inverter by IHS Markit. Aside from being one of the most budget-friendly brands out there, Sungrow has inverters ranging from 2KW to 8KW.
It also has a range of warranties for its products which are extendable at an extra cost. This company specialises in floating solar arrays, home energy storage, central inverters, string inverters, power optimisers, and system monitoring. The standard warranty for its inverters is 5 years.
Its most popular inverter is the Sungrow SG10RS which has an input voltage of 600V and an efficiency rating of 98.6%. Sungrow holds the record for the largest inverter manufacturing plant in the world, with a yearly production output of over 300GW. In 2015, Sungrow held the largest solar market share in the world
In 2022, Sungrow made history by being the first solar company to produce a 35KV solid-state transformer (SST) based PV inverter. That same year, it was recognised as the most bankable inverter brand in the world.
Its contact information includes the following:
- Address: Suite 701, 1 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney, NSW 2060
- Phone: 1800 786 476
- Email: service@sungrowpower.com.au
#6. – Huawei Solar Inverters
When a leading ICT solutions provider goes into the PV market, you know that their innovative technologies will come to bear, and that’s what the Huawei solar inverter represents. Huawei offers a solar array for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
Its range of products includes string inverters, PV controllers, and smart anti-PD modules. The most versatile and popular Huawei solar inverter is SUN2000-29.9/36/40KTL-M3>.
Huawei is one of the best inverter brands out there, with achievements to show for it. In 2019, one of its inverters (SUN2000-8/10/12/15/17/20KTL-M2>) won the Inter Solar award. This company has more than three decades of experience in the research and development of power electronics and over 600 patents in the field of energy. This easily makes it one of the most innovative inverter manufacturers.
This company offers warranty coverage of 10 years for inverters with less than 20KW capacity and five years for models that have higher capacities.
Its contact information includes;
- Address: Level 5, Tower A, 799 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, NSW, 2067, Australia
- Phone: 1800 046 639
- Email: info.fusionsolar.au@huawei.com
#7. – SMA Solar Inverters
This brand has been an authority in the solar market since 1981 bad has played a key role in global development as well as the prominence that solar technology enjoys today. SMA inverters have a range of solar products that include single-phase and three-phase inverters.
The SMA solar inverter is a good purchase because it offers reliability, efficiency, smart system supervision, a 5-year warranty that’s extendable to 20 years, and an impressive efficiency rating. SMA partners with Solar Bright in Australia, and purchasing an SMA solar inverter through the latter means an additional standard five years warranty.
Some of its popular inverters include Sunny Boy, Sunny Tripower, and Sunny Central UP.
Its contact information includes the following:
- Address: Level 1, 213 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060
- Phone: +61294914200
- Email: info@SMA-Australia.com.au
#8. – Fimer Inverters
When we talk about solar inverter manufacturers with a strong presence in Australia, Fimer has to be in the conversation. The company was founded in 1942 but commenced the manufacturing of solar inverters in 1982.
Fimer is also known as one of the most versatile brands. While other manufacturers focus on a certain type of inverter, Fimer specialises in the production of central inverters, string inverters, and legacy inverters. For its string inverters, Fimer offers both single-phase and three-phase inverters.
The company offers its customers a 10-year standard warranty on its single-phase inverters. Some of its most popular inverters include PVS980-58 2MVA and UNO-DM-6.0-TL-PLUS-Q-US. Fimer is a platinum member of the Australian Smart Energy Council. The company also has a membership status in Clean Energy Council.
Its contact information includes;
- Address: Level 2/84 Hotham St, Preston VIC 3072
- Phone: 1800769663
- Email: au.solar-support@fimer.com
#9. – GE Inverters
This brand stands out from other top manufacturers for one reason – it’s the most recent. GE launched its solar inverters in 2021. The company itself has been around for more than 120 years. Interestingly, Australia is the first market to get the goodies. Also, the company has an exclusive licensing deal with GoodWe. All GE inverters are produced by GoodWe.
Despite its very short existence in the solar industry, GE inverters wasted no time in crafting a rock-solid reputation with over-the-top smart features that its products offers.
Its shadow scan function, for instance, helps to enhance the MPPT and ensures it works at full efficiency. With this feature, multiple solar panels can generate more electricity even when partially shaded. Its inverters also have an export control that keeps the AC output within the requirements of the Distributed Network Service Provider. The inverter is also designed to monitor the entire system.
Its residential inverters range from 3.6KW to 136KW. It offers a limited warranty of 10 years for its inverters.
Its contact information includes the following:
- Address: 99, Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060
- Phone: +61370097821
- Email: support.au@gesolarinverter.com