Best Solar Inverters in Australia
What are the best solar inverters in Australia that will help maximise the output of your solar power system? With the solar industry presenting many great options, there are several factors to consider before deciding which solar inverter to get.
Here, we will explore the best solar inverters available in the market with every item on the list included based on efficiency, warranty, and features. But first, let’s find out the most important considerations when choosing the best solar inverter in Australia.
What does the best solar power inverter deliver?
The best solar inverter in Australia is one that can provide high efficiency, innovative features, durability, and a solid warranty. Let’s discuss further below.
Maximum efficiency
A high conversion efficiency means your solar power system is converting substantial amounts of DC power to AC electricity, the latter of which powers home appliances. The best solar inverters will have a maximum efficiency ranging from 96.5% to 98%, with the higher being more efficient.
How does a solar inverter get its efficiency rating? All inverters are tested by independent authorities. There’s also a European efficiency rating that’s included on almost any inverter datasheet.
Warranty
A good warranty ensures your peace of mind so customers will naturally seek for brands offering a longer coverage. Since the warranty period varies depending on the manufacturer, it’s ideal to choose an inverter with a warranty period of 10 years, which is the industry standard at present.
For those who want an extension, some brands provide such an option for an additional cost, offering up to an additional 20 years.
Reliable and build to last
Well-made solar power inverters are designed to last around 10-15 years or even more in some particularly high-quality ones. Ideally, the best solar inverter in Australia is built using premium and sturdy components that can withstand extreme environmental conditions.
Best solar inverters to consider
Fronius
Hailing from Austria, Fronius is renowned for its high-quality European tech used in solar inverters and other renewable energy solutions. Fronius inverters, which currently consist of four series — Fronius Symo, Fronius Eco, Fronius Primo, and Fronius Galvo — are also considered to be some of the best in the market.
Each of the inverter series guarantees an efficiency rating of 95%-98%. Within its design is the use of Advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology, securing maximum energy output.
Fronius also offers the GEN24 and GEN24 Plus, hybrid inverters that can serve as a battery storage system to secure backup power in your home.
Warranty: 5 years + 5 years (parts only) upon registration
Goodwe
China-based Goodwe contributes to making solar power systems accessible to many Australian households thanks to its cost-effective solar inverters. With a vast operation spanning over a decade, Goodwe stands out in the competition by providing affordable solar solutions while adhering to strict standards. Compared with other brands like Fronius, Goodwe is definitely the more affordable option even though the quality of their inverters are just as good. A testament to its quality and reliability is its efficiency rating, producing up to 96.5% to 98.3%.
Offering eight product series, Goodwe is versatile in terms of scalability and the plenty of options it offers to solar customers, catering to various needs. Some of Goodwe’s best features are: seamless energy storage, real-time monitoring, and high IP protection rating to ensure that your inverter can withstand harsh weather events.
Warranty: 5 years + option to extend
Sungrow
Sungrow is another budget inverter brand that’s also made in China. Sungrow solar inverters are particularly reliable with an excellent warranty and it helps that they have a substantial customer support presence in Australia. In terms of efficiency, Sungrow impressively delivers up to 97.7% to 98.6%, with the majority of its inverters over 98%.
Warranty: 10 years
SMA
SMA is a German company founded in 1981. Their operations have expanded since then, culminating to a strong, well-regarded presence in over 18 countries. From their wide range of string inverters, SMA’s Sunny Boy is the suitable choice for small PV systems while Sunny Tripower Smart Energy, a three-phase hybrid inverter, is ideal for average to large homes. Regardless of the model, SMA inverters are known for their high efficiency, often reaching up to 98% or higher.
Warranty: 5 years + 5 years upon registration
SolarEdge
SolarEdge, an Israel-founded company, is an established brand in Australia with many installers recommending the brand to homeowners. Main features that make it a top pick are lightweight and flexible design, performance monitoring, and panel-level monitoring to provide comprehensive PV performance. This helps detect any failures in the modules early on.
SolarEdge inverters also include power optimisers using the Maximum Power Point Tracking technology (MPPT). Through this, each module reaches its own fullest potential, unaffected by the performance of other modules. SolarEdge inverters also guarantee a record-breaking 99% efficiency.
Warranty: 12 years and 25 years for the power optimisers
How much does a solar inverter cost?
The best solar inverters can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,600, although inverters are usually installed as a part of a solar system. In large-scale operations, every solar panel might even be attached to a central inverter.
Volteam, for instance, offers customisable solar plans that include all components and installation and flexible payment schemes. Ready to start solar? Call us today at 1300 865 832 or head to one of our product pages to request for a personalised quote.
About the author
Marcin Hernik
Marcin Hernik is the Managing Director at Volteam Electric Pty Ltd, leveraging his expertise honed from TAFE Queensland's Electrical and Electronics Engineering, following his graduation from the University of Technology and Humanities in Radom. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence in electrical engineering and leadership in the industry.