How to pick the Best Solar Inverter
This guide will help you to choose the best solar inverter for your prjoect. Use this handy reference table to compare the facts. Quickly see the difference in features, performance, warranty and more. Make an informed decision so you know what you are buying. However, these products are ever-changing, with new models or capabilities being added all the time. We'll do our best to keep you up to date with the industry.
| TYPE | STRING |
STRING + OPTIMIZER |
MICRO-INVERTER | HYBRID |
| DESCRIPTION | Most common and economical option, works great in direct sun. | Add device to back of each panel to "optimize" performance. Each panel operates independently. | Add device to back of each panel to "optimize" performance AND convert from DC to AC power. | String inverter that works gird-tied or off-grid; Connects solar + optional backup battery to the house. |
| GRID-TIED OPERATION |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OFF-GRID OPERATION |
No | No | No | Yes |
| BATTERY READY |
No | No | No | Yes |
| RAPID ROOF SHUTDOWN | Optional | Integrated | Integrated | Optional |
| PERFORMANCE IN DIRECT SUN |
Up to 98% Efficient | about 2% more | about 2% more | Varies |
| SHADE MANAGEMENT |
Each string | Each panel | Each panel | Varies |
| PANEL OUTAGE |
Affected string non-operational | Each panel operates independently | Each panel operates independently | Varies |
| MONITORING |
Whole system or each string | Each panel | Each panel | Varies |
| WARRANTY STANDARD |
10 years | 12 years | 10 to 25 years | 5 to 10 years |
| WARRANTY EXTENDED |
20 years | 25 years | N/A | 20 years |
| COST |
Most economical | Add 6% to 10% to system cost | Add 6% to 10% to system cost | Add 10% to 25% to system cost |
| COMMON BRANDS |
SMA Fronius Delta |
Enphase Energy APSystems Chilicon |
Generac PWRcell Outback Power Panasonic EverVolt Schneider Electric SolarEdge Energy Hub Sol-Ark |
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| WIRING CONCEPT | Panel output cables are wired together to form a string, up to a dozen or so panels. Inverter has input for 2 to 4 strings. The inverter then combines the output and converts to AC power connected to the electrical box. |
Panel output cables are wired to a small optimizer device mounted to the back of each panel. The optimizer's are then connected together to form a string, usually 8 to 15 panels. Inverter has input for 2 to 4 strings. The inverter then combines the output and converts to AC power connected to the electrical box. |
Panel output cables are wired to a small micro-inverter mounted to the back of each panel. The micros are then connected together to form an AC circuit, with up to 11 to 16 panels. Each AC branch circuit can then be combined, or wired to it's own circuit breaker connected to the electrical box. | Similar to String or string + optimizer wiring. |