Australia is advancing in the 2023 energy revolution with solar power swiftly replacing traditional energy sources. The heroes behind this shift? Solar inverters. Our top solar inverter picks are leading the charge.
Selecting a suitable inverter is eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, cutting ties with expensive conventional electricity. Dive into our top solar inverter picks for a smart choice. But there’s more to consider than just specs and brands when choosing an inverter. Our top solar inverter picks help navigate these considerations, maximizing the benefits of your solar setup.
This article guides you through different inverter types and leading brands like Sungrow, GoodWe, Growatt, Fronius, and SolarEdge to find the best fit for your needs. Interested to know more? Keep reading!
Here Are Top Solar Inverter Picks in Australia
1. Sungrow
Sungrow is a Chinese company specializing in solar products, which plays a significant role worldwide in offering renewable energy solutions. When you opt for a Top solar inverter from Sungrow for your energy needs, the company can help you fulfill your requirements. You can get various Sungrow inverter power models, including single-phase and three-phase options, at an affordable cost
Important Features of Sungrow Inverters
- High Efficiency: Sungrow Inverters are meticulously crafted to achieve energy conversion efficiency, ensuring solar panels generate electricity. Take their SG5.0RT model, for example, which maintains a peak efficiency of 98.4%.
- Wide Range of Models: You can easily find the Sungrow inverter to suit your needs, ranging from the versatile 4.5 KW (Single Phase) option to the robust 18 kW (Three Phase) solution.
- Monitoring and Communication: Many Sungrow Inverters offer communication options, including Ethernet, WLAN, RS 485, and DI (Ripple control & DRM), enabling you to have control and monitoring capabilities.
Product Overview
| Type Designation | SG5.0RS | SG5.0RT |
| Phase Type | Single-Phase | Three-Phase |
| Max PV Input Power | 7.5 kW | 7.5 kW |
| PV Input Voltage | 600 V | 1100 V |
| MPPT Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| Max Efficiency | 97.90% | 98.40% |
| Surge Protection | DC Type II/ AC Type II | DC Type II/ AC Type II |
| Topology | Transformerless | Transformerless |
| Degree of Protection | IP 65 | IP 65 |
| Operating Temperature | -25 ℃ to 60 ℃ | -25 ℃ to 60℃ |
| Cooling Method | Natural Cooling | Natural Cooling |
| Communication | Ethernet/WLAN/RS 485/DI (Ripple control & DRM) | Ethernet/WLAN/ RS 485 |
| Warranty Period | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Advantages of Sungrow Inverters
- Sungrow Inverters offer good value for money, making solar energy more accessible to consumers.
- Sungrow’s reputation for producing reliable inverters ensures long-term performance and peace of mind for the system owners.
Disadvantages of Sungrow Inverters
- Some users have reported that Sungrow’s monitoring platform can occasionally be less intuitive or less detailed than those of other manufacturers.
- Some users may believe that European or American brands have a better build quality or longer lifespan, even if this perception isn’t always based on empirical data.
Awards and Certifications
- Sungrow was honored with the TÜV Rheinland All Quality Matters Award, Intersolar Award, Red Dot Design Award.
- They prioritize high-quality standards and sustainability by maintaining ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.
2. Goodwe
GoodWe is a prominent solar product manufacturer based in China, highly regarded for its solar inverters and energy storage solutions. The company is committed to producing cutting-edge and reliable products for both residential and commercial systems. When you opt to replace traditional energy systems with a solar inverter, selecting GoodWe, a Top solar inverter choice, can be a wise decision.
Important features of GoodWe Inverters
- High Efficiency: GoodWe Inverters achieve high conversion efficiency, ensuring optimal energy extraction from solar panels. For instance, their GW6KDT model maintains a peak efficiency of 98.2%.
- Hybrid Inverter Capability: Some GoodWe inverter models offer integration support functionality with battery storage systems for efficient energy storage and self-consumption.
- Multiple Communication Options: GoodWe prioritizes user convenience by providing various communication options like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and RS485 connectivity. It enables effortless integration with monitoring systems for system management.
Product Overview
| Type Designation | GW6000-DNS-30 | GW6K-DT |
| Phase Type | Single-Phase | Three-Phase |
| Max PV Input Power | 6 Kw | 6 Kw |
| Max PV Input Voltage | 600 V | 1000 V |
| MPPT Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| Max Efficiency | 97.90% | 98.20% |
| Surge Protection | DC Type II/ AC Type II | DC Type II/ AC Type II |
| Degree of Protection | IP 65 | IP 65 |
| Operating Temperature | -25 °C to +60 °C | -30 ℃ to 60 ℃ |
| Cooling Method | Natural Convection | Natural Cooling |
| Communication | Ethernet/WLAN/RS 485/DI/DO | Ethernet/WLAN/RS 485/DI/DO |
| Warranty Period | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Advantages of GoodWe Inverters
- GoodWe has built a reputation for producing reliable and durable inverters, leading to long-term and trouble-free operation.
- GoodWe’s hybrid inverters allow seamless integration of batteries for storing excess solar energy for those interested in energy storage solutions.
Disadvantages of Goodwe Inverters
- As with many inverters, there can be issues of compatibility when trying to integrate GoodWe inverters with specific battery storage systems or third-party monitoring platforms.
- Similar to other Chinese brands, there might be a perception among certain users that European or American brands offer better build quality or longer lifespans.
Awards and Certifications
- GoodWe has received the Top Brand PV Seal from EuPD Research, and was honored with the Intersolar Award for their remarkable contributions to the industry.
- GoodWe Inverters have been certified by TÜV Rheinland, a renowned testing and certification organization.
3. Growatt
Growatt is a well-established Chinese solar inverter manufacturer specializing in producing grid-tied inverters for residential, commercial, and industrial solar systems. The company has a global presence and is recognized for its reliable and cost-effective inverters. When you decide to replace your traditional energy source, opting for a Growatt solar inverter can be a smart choice. Being one of the top solar inverter picks in the market, Growatt stands tall among its competitors, embodying the quality and efficiency sought in top solar inverters.
Important Features of Growatt Inverters
- High Efficiency: Growatt Inverters deliver high conversion efficiency, ensuring optimal energy yield from solar panels. For instance, its MIN 4600TL-X model maintains a peak efficiency of 98.4%.
- Multiple Inverter Models: Growatt offers various inverter models, catering to various system sizes and installation requirements. You can get different inverters for your specific needs, from the basic 3.5 KW (Single-Phase) to 7.2 kW (Three-Phase).
- Integrated Communication: Growatt Inverters often have built-in communication options like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and RS485, facilitating monitoring and data collection.
Product Overview
| Type Designation | MIN 4600TL-X | Growatt 6000TL3-S |
| Max PV Input Power | 6.44 Kw | 6 Kw |
| Phase Type | Single-Phase | Three-Phase |
| Max PV Input Voltage | 550 V | 1000 V |
| MPPT Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| Max Efficiency | 98.40% | 98% |
| Surge Protection | DC Type II/ AC Type II | DC Type II/ AC Type II |
| Degree of Protection | IP 65 | IP 65 |
| Operating Temperature | -25 to +60 °C | -25 ℃ to 60 ℃ |
| Cooling Method | Nature Convection | Natural Cooling |
| Communication | RS485/WiFi/4G | Ethernet/WLAN/RS 485/DI/DO |
| Warranty Period | 10 years | 10 Years |
Advantages of Growatt Inverters
- Growatt Inverters are highly regarded for their affordability, providing consumers with a cost solution to solar energy.
- Growatt boasts a distribution network and excellent customer support, ensuring access to its products and services across different regions.
Disadvantages of Growatt Inverters:
- There have been instances where users have found it challenging to connect the inverter to their monitoring platform, or have experienced inconsistent reporting.
- Some users have reported reliability issues with certain Growatt inverter models. These issues may include early failure or malfunctioning of the unit, requiring replacements or repairs.
Awards and Certifications:
- Growatt has been honored with Intersolar Awards, Red Dot Design Award, and TÜV Rheinland certification.
- Growatt has obtained an ISO 9001 for quality management systems and ISO 14001 for environmental management systems.
4. Fronius
Fronius is a known company based in Austria that specializes in manufacturing quality solar inverters and energy solutions. With their experience in the energy industry, Fronius has built a solid reputation for producing reliable, efficient, and technologically advanced inverters suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Their products often feature among the Top solar inverter picks, showcasing a blend of innovation and reliability that sets them apart in a competitive market.
Important Features of Fronius Inverters
- High Efficiency: Fronius inverters are specifically designed to achieve conversion efficiency. It ensures that solar system owners can maximize energy production and get a return on their investment.
- Advanced Monitoring: Many Fronius inverters offer monitoring capabilities that allow users to track the real-time performance of their systems through interfaces and user-friendly apps.
- Grid Support and Compliance: Fronius inverters are equipped with active and reactive power control features to support grid stability and meet all grid connection requirements.
Product Overview
| Model Name | Primo Gen 24 Plus | Symo 3.0-3-S |
| Phase Type | Single-Phase | Three-Phase |
| Power Output | 6 Kw | 6 Kw |
| Input voltage | 65-600 V | 150-1000 V |
| Efficiency | 97.60% | 98% |
| MPPT | 2 | 1 |
| Communication | Ethernet/WLAN/RS 485/DI/DO | Ethernet/WLAN/RS 485/DI/DO |
| Temperature | -40 °C to +60 °C | -25 ℃ to 60 ℃ |
| Cooling Method | Active Cooling Technology | Regulated Air Cooling |
| Warranty Period | 5+5 Years | 5+5 Years |
| Degree of Protection | IP 65 | IP 65 |
Advantages of Fronius Inverters
- Fronius is renowned for manufacturing inverters that offer reliability, ensuring lasting and trouble-free operation.
- Fronius inverters possess high conversion efficiency, optimizing solar energy utilization and resulting in long-term cost savings.
Disadvantages of Fronius Inverters
- While Fronius inverters may entail an investment compared to other brands, their performance and reliability often justify this upfront cost.
- Some Fronius inverters can be relatively large and heavy, making installation and maintenance more challenging, especially for DIY enthusiasts.
Awards and Certifications
- Fronius has received the Intersolar Award, Red Dot Design Award, European Solar Prize, and TÜV Rheinland certification.
- Fronius holds ISO certifications such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management systems.
5. Solaredge
SolarEdge is an Israeli provider of smart energy solutions and is recognized for its excellence in manufacturing solar products. Their inverters are designed to optimize the performance of power systems by harnessing monitoring, safety features, and efficiency. As a top solar inverter choice, SolarEdge stands out for its power optimizers and inverters that are specifically tailored for commercial and utility-scale solar installations.
Important Features of SolarEdge Inverters
- High Efficiency: SolarEdge inverters excel in converting energy into electricity efficiently. For example, the SE5000H model maintains a peak efficiency of 99%.
- Power Optimizers: Working with power optimizers installed on each panel SolarEdge inverters enable panel-level optimization and enhance overall energy harvest.
- Advanced Monitoring: SolarEdge offers a user monitoring platform that facilitates real-time assessment of system performance and swift identification of any issues. This platform supports Smart Energy communication protocols like RS485, Ethernet, and ZigBee.
Product Overview
| Model | SE5000H | SE5K-AU |
| Phase Type | Single-Phase | Three-Phase |
| Max PV Input Power | 7.75 kW | 6.75 Wp |
| Max PV Input Voltage | 480 V | 600 V |
| Max Efficiency | 99% | 98% |
| Degree of Protection | IP 65 | IP 65 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 ℃ to 60 ℃ | -40 ℃ to 60 ℃ |
| Cooling Method | Internal Fan | Internal Fan |
| Communication | RS485, Ethernet | RS485, Ethernet, ZigBee for Smart Energy |
| Warranty Period | 12 Years | 12 Years |
Advantages of SolarEdge Inverters
- Power optimizers enable panel-level optimization resulting in energy production compared to string inverters. It is particularly beneficial for installations that experience shading or partial obstruction.
- The ability to monitor panels facilitates prompt detection of any issues ensuring minimal system downtime and maximum performance.
Disadvantages of SolarEdge Inverters
- The upfront cost of power optimizers and the advanced technology involved can make SolarEdge inverters more expensive than traditional string inverters.
- Installing power optimizers and additional monitoring components may increase the complexity of setting up the system compared to string inverters.
Awards and Certifications
- SolarEdge has been recognized with accolades, such as the Intersolar Awards, Red Dot Design Award.
- SolarEdge inverters hold certifications from organizations like UL and IEC to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
Conclusion
Evaluating your specific energy needs is crucial when exploring the top solar inverter options available in the market, such as single-phase and three-phase inverters.
- Sungrow emerges as a leader in this domain, offering top solar inverters known for efficiency and advanced monitoring.
- GoodWe also presents notable top solar inverter options, facilitating smooth integration with energy storage systems.
- Growatt and Fronius bring to the table cost-effective and advanced top solar inverters respectively, each with a unique design ethos.
- SolarEdge impresses with power optimizers, enhancing energy production. Professional consultation can provide tailored advice to select the top solar inverter aligning with your energy goals
