Goodwe vs Fronius Inverter Review: Which Inverter Should You Choose?

Queensland is rich in solar energy with its ample sunshine, making Brisbane a great city to consider solar power. To ensure that your solar PV system brings a significant return on investment, getting a high-quality inverter can make a huge difference in the reliability and longevity of your system. If you’re looking into your options, this Goodwe inverter review is a great place to start.

Because the city’s warm climate entails higher grid demands, especially during summer,  homeowners must prepare for increased electricity costs. Moreover, the average household electricity consumption in Brisbane is around 15.76 kWh per day—the more reason to transition to solar power. 

In Australia, Fronius and Goodwe are two of the biggest solar inverter brands, but how does each one fare performance efficiency, and durability-wise? That’s what we’ll talk about in this Goodwe inverter vs Fronius inverter review. Our goal is to help Brisbane homeowners find the right solar inverter. 

Why Does a Good Solar Inverter Matter? 

Queensland’s progress in solar adoption is notable across the country, with more people embracing renewable energy alternatives. Also part of its success is government support in the form of rebates, allowing homeowners and small businesses to switch to solar power with reduced upfront costs. 

The heart of a solar power system is the inverter, as it performs the crucial task of converting direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC). This energy conversion is essential—without it, the power generated by your panels wouldn’t be usable.

It is especially important to have a top-performing inverter in hot, humid environments where power conversion relies on an inverter’s performance. By investing in a quality solar inverter, long-term reliability is guaranteed. 

Fronius is well-known for its topnotch European tech and engineering; China-made Goodwe, on the other hand, stands out for its reliable inverters that don’t break the bank. So, which one is right for your solar needs? We’re about to find out. 

A highly capable inverter is crucial for the performance and longevity of your solar power system, so it’s only right to know more about the differences between Goodwe and Fronius, primarily in terms of key features, efficiency, durability, and warranty. 

Goodwe Inverters: Overview 

Established in 2010, Goodwe’s experience in the industry is not as long as Frontius. Their more than 10 years specialising in the research and development of solar solutions, however, have proven to be prolific and innovative. Now, they are recognised as a key player in the ever expanding landscape of smart energy all thanks to their reliable yet affordable renewable energy solutions. 

For a deeper dive into their features and performance, this Goodwe inverter review will walk you through what makes them a solid contender in the Australian market.

Goodwe Inverter Series: Models and Specs

As mentioned, Goodwe offers an assortment of options to cater to various solar needs, preferences, and budget. Of Goodwe’s eight product series, here are the main ones:

• XS Series: 0.7kW – 3kW; single phase and transformerless; lightweight and compact — it’s just right for small scale residential use
• SDT G2 Series:  4kW – 10kW; three phase and transformerless; with its high efficiency, it’s suitable for medium to large homes
• MS Series:  5kW – 10kW; single phase and 3 MPPTs designed for greater flexibility and caters to complex rooftops
• ET Series: 6.5kW – 13kW; three phase and transformerless; great for medium to large homes, as well as small-scale commercial applications
• MT Series: 50kW – 80kW; three phase and transformerless; ideal for large-scale commercial applications

Goodwe Inverter features

GoodWe inverters are very cost-effective options compared to the Austrian-made Fronius. Despite Goodwe being more affordable, their standards are just as high with features that enhance your solar system’s performance. Some of these features are listed below: 

• Multiple Product List: Goodwe offers a versatile product range to cater to various solar needs. 
• Energy Storage: Inverters built by Goodwe come with seamless energy storage, allowing you to store excess solar power for later use. 
• User-Friendly Monitoring: Real-time performance tracking is made easier with its easy-to-navigate monitoring solutions. There’s a specific platform available for desktop use (Sems Portal) and mobile use (EZ-Manage). Then there’s the EZ-Logger for data logging and performance analysis. 
• High IP Protection Rating: A high IP protection in inverters means that your system can withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. 
• Smart Grid Support: Helps to improve grid stability and compatibility.

These features highlight the value that Goodwe offers for both new installations and system upgrades. That’s something we’ll continue to explore in this Goodwe inverter review.

Goodwe Pros and Cons

In this Goodwe inverter review, it’s important to tackle not only the benefits of having a Goodwe inverter, but also possible drawbacks as observed by general consensus amongst homeowners in Brisbane. 

Pros

• Offers the biggest range of inverters with hybrid options, ensuring there’s one available for any type of installation
• The MS Series provides 3 MPPTs—great for extra flexibility and increased energy production
• Over 10 years of operation in Australia

Cons

• The standard warranty is only five years for many models with the option to extend. A full 10-year warranty is clearly more ideal. 

Fronius Inverters: Overview 

Founded in 1945, Fronius’ strong presence in the energy industry spans impressive decades. With their sturdy years of experience, they have been recognised as an expert in solar technology and energy storage systems. Fronius inverters, in particular, are just one of the reasons why the company is renowned worldwide. 

Fronius Inverter Series: Models and Specs

Fronius offers various inverter series, each designed to cater to unique needs and system sizes. They are as follows: 

• Fronius Primo: 3kW – 8.2kW power rating; transformerless and single phase; ideal for residential installations 
• Fronius Galvo: Less than 3kW; single phase, use a transformer; suitable for small-scale residential systems
• Fronius Symo: 3kW – 20kW; transformerless and three phase; great for commercial and industrial purposes
• Fronius Eco: 25kW – 27kW; transformerless and three phase; ideal for large-scale installations

Fronius Inverter Features

In our Fronius solar inverter review, we elaborate the most beneficial features that this brand offers to homeowners and businesses in Brisbane. Since it is essential for solar inverters to be equipped with features that can maximise a solar system’s energy output and enhance overall performance, which is why Fronius inverters have the following key features. 

• Advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): Innovative technology in solar inverters that ensures maximum energy harvest. 
• High Efficiency: With 95% to 98% efficiency ratings, Fronius inverters can give homeowners and businesses the maximum return on investment. 
• Good Scalability: The lightweight and compact design makes for easy installation. Plus, Fronius inverters are highly flexible and scalable to accommodate expansions in the future. 
• Smart Grid Ready: The advanced technology in Fronius inverters include their optimisation to meet the technical requirements of grids in the future, making managing solar power easier. 
• Reliability and Durability: Fronius inverters are built and designed using high quality materials to guarantee resilience. They also adhere to strict standards to ensure they withstand harsh environmental conditions. 

Fronius Pros and Cons

In this Fronius inverter review, we’ll inspect its suitability for most homeowners looking for a reliable solar PV system. 

Pros: 

• Reputable solar inverter brand globally
• Availability of Australian office for sales and services queries

Cons: 

• Fronius inverters are among the most expensive brands in the market
• Below standard 5 years full + 5 years parts-only warranty 
• Premium monitoring service comes with more functionalities for a fee

Goodwe Inverter vs Fronius​ Inverter: Comparison

Goodwe Inverter vs Fronius​ Inverter: Performance

The higher the efficiency of your inverter is, the better. It means your solar system produces more energy for your home to use. With that being said, the residential efficiency of Fronius inverters is impressive, going up to 95% to 98%, translating to a solid performance.  

Goodwe’s cost-effective inverters, meanwhile, produce up to 96.5% to 98.3% efficiency, which is fantastic considering Goodwe is much cheaper than Fronius. Combining affordable pricing that’s just right for budget-conscious consumers and competitive efficiency rating, Goodwe inverters promise a faster ROI without compromising its capacity to perform well. 

With Brisbane’s warm climate, it’s also important to consider if your inverter brand can efficiently tolerate heat. As part of its overall durability, Goodwe can withstand harsh conditions, including high temperatures with IP65 protection rating. Fronius inverters can offer the same level of protection as well, with a higher IP66 rating. 

Overall, this Goodwe inverter review shows that despite its lower price point, Goodwe delivers outstanding efficiency and reliability that rivals even premium brands.

Goodwe Inverter vs Fronius​ Inverter: Reliability & Longevity

While both Goodwe and Fronius offer reliable and efficient inverters, Fronius is regarded as a top-quality brand synonymous with premium solar installations. It’s better suited for those who prefer a high-quality system that’s expected to last for many, many years. While the ROI is not as instant as Goodwe inverters (due to their hefty price tags), Frontius inverters deliver a more significant ROI over time. 

Depending on your budget and specific system needs, Goodwe and Fronius are both trusted brands known to deliver reliable products that are built to last. 

Goodwe Inverter vs Fronius​ Inverter: Warranty

It’s only good sense to consider the manufacturer warranty when buying a solar inverter. It’s a significant investment after all. Fortunately, both Goodwe and Fronius come with warranties. Goodwe offers a 5-year warranty on all its inverters, although there’s an option to extend this for up to 7, 10, 5+2, 5+5, 5+7, 5+10, 5+15, and 5+20 years.

Fronius’ bankability and the years they’ve been in the business, however, helps boost their warranties in terms of brand confidence. As of this writing, they’re offering a 5-year warranty, which you can extend for up to 10 years free, just as long as you register your product at Fronius Solar.web. You can also opt for a 20-year extension (not free) if you need extra security. 

Goodwe Inverter vs Fronius​ Inverter: Installation & Support

While both Goodwe and Fronius are popular inverter brands in Australia, their performance in terms of installation and support vary. Fronius has had a strong local presence, making customer support easier with reliable warranty claims. The quality of installation itself has always been considered excellent, which is why the brand is highly favoured for premium systems. Its monitoring platform is more advanced than that of Goodwe, but it’s worth noting that the premium version is not free. 

GoodWe, on the other hand, really shines in terms of cost-effectiveness. Installation quality is still good, and their multiple hybrid options make them highly sought after. Customer support in Australia is efficient and continues to improve, but Fronius’s service network here is just more well-established. The SEMS portal is helpful but still basic overall. 

Which Inverter Should You Choose in Brisbane? 

Goodwe inverters are better suited for customers looking for a reliable, cost-effective inverter that promises a faster ROI. Homeowners will also benefit from Goodwe’s range of options, which caters to every need. If innovative technology and durability are your primary considerations in choosing a solar inverter, Fronius is the better choice. Businesses also tend to favour Fronius for long-term efficiency and potential savings. It also helps that Fronius’ monitoring system is more advanced and business-friendly. 

We hope this Goodwe inverter review has helped you compare options and narrow down your solar inverter choices.

Frequently Asked Questions