A solar inverter is a device that converts the fluctuating direct current (DC) of a solar panel into stable alternating current (AC) which can be fed into the electricity grid or off-grid electrical network. Typically, solar inverters consist of electronic components called IGBT (integrated gate bipolar transistors) that that split up the DC power into pulses, and other circuits help to modify these pulses into a sine wave.

A few popular brands of solar inverters in 2024 include Solar Edge and Enphase which are well known for high efficiency, reliability, and advanced technology.

Solar inverters play a significant role in the DC-to-AC conversion process and without these inverters, the solar panels in the power system are incompatible with most electrical systems and devices.

Let’s find out the best solar inverter brands and the important factors to consider before purchasing a solar inverter.

Types of Solar Inverters

These are the four main types of solar inverters:

1. String Inverters: These inverters have one centralized inverter connected to all solar panels in series facing the same direction. One of the main benefits of string inverters is that they are lower in cost and perform efficiently when there isn’t any shading. Here are more details about string inverters you should know.
2. Microinverters: The inverters are small units installed at each solar panel to convert DC to AC power. Despite its higher costs, there are several benefits offered by microinverters such as rapid shutdown capabilities, and panel layout flexibilities in monitoring and diagnostics. Even a shading of nearby trees or objects wouldn’t reduce the solar panel power output. There is a lot more to know about microinverters.
3. Power Optimizers: It is a module-level power electronic (MLPE) device that automatically stabilizes the voltage before sending it down to the inverter for conversion. The power optimizers are highly efficient than string inverters and less expensive than microinverters, having the facility of individual panel monitoring. There is so many benefits of power optimizers you should know.
4. Hybrid Inverters: This type of inverter can be used for both on-grid and off-grid applications, thereby allowing you the facility of energy monitoring, enhanced performance, cost savings, and versatility. Reading more about hybrid inverters can help you decide whether you should choose a hybrid inverter for your solar panel system.

There are also other types of solar inverters:

• Central Inverters: These are the large-scale inverters used in solar power plants to convert the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC). The main purpose of central inverters is to be installed outdoors and withstand high power.
• Battery Inverters: The inverters consist of specialized batteries that can be converted into electricity during power outages and provide electricity backup for longer periods having an affordable price range, without having any requirement for higher maintenance.

Types of Solar Systems

These are the three different types of solar systems highlighted with their benefits:

1. Grid Tied System: The solar system is connected to the main electrical grid that generates electricity from sunlight, supplies it to the grid, and simultaneously draws power from the grid during high electricity demands. Commonly, these types of solar installations are for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

These are the following benefits of grid-tied systems:

• Maximizes your savings on electricity bills.
• Excess energy can be fed back into the grid to claim credits through a net metering system.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Possibility of cost-effective installation.

2. Off-Grid System: Typically, off-grid systems depend on the sun to produce energy to run household appliances, and the maintenance costs are lowered due to the inclusion of LED lights which require only changing the batteries. If you prefer an off-grid system, you can experience several benefits such as:

• Avoiding power outages
• Reducing electricity costs
• Easier installation in homes
• Providing an alternative power source for rural areas to keep the environment clean and green.

3. Hybrid System: The system integrates the reliability of a grid-tied system and the independence of an off-grid-tied system to simplify the energy efficiency for homeowners. It includes main components such as a battery bank, charge controller, hybrid inverter, metering or monitoring system, and solar panels.

You can gain the following benefits using the hybrid system:

• Maximizes your savings on electricity bills.
• Highly flexible and scalable.
• Environmentally sustainable to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Reduces the risks of power outages due to technical errors or harsh weather conditions.

Popular and Best Solar Inverter Brands

These are the popular solar inverter brands in 2024 you need to know:

1. SolarEdge: Ranked as a global leader in smart energy technology, Solar Edge’s DC-optimized technology maximizes energy production.

2. Enphase: An American energy technology company that manufactures solar microinverters, battery energy storage, and EV charging stations for residential customers.

3. Fronius: It is one of the reputed brands in welding technology, photovoltaics, and battery charging technology.

4. Tigo: This is a mobile telecommunication company established in 2007. The smart hardware and software solutions are developed and manufactured to increase energy output and lower operational costs for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems.

5. Tesla: This American multinational automotive company manufactures and sells battery electric vehicles and battery energy storage devices for home-to-grid scale, solar panels, and shingles.

6. SMA America: A German manufacturer of solar inverters for PV systems with grid connection, off-grid power supply, and backup operations.

Here are the best-selling solar inverter tabulated with their specifications below:

S.No	Brand	Efficiency	Size	Cost	Output	Warranty
1.	SolarEdge Home wave inverter	99%	450 × 370 × 174 mm	$1,734 to $3,100	3kW to 11.4kW	12 years
2.	Enphase IQ7PLUS-72-x-US-240	97.6 %	212 x 175 x 30.2 mm	$200	0.29kW	25 years
3.	Fronius Primo GEN24 10.0 Plus	97.3 %	530× 474 × 165 mm	$4,600	3 to 6 kW	5-year standard warranty
4.	Tigo TSI-7.6K-US Hybrid EI Inverter	98.4%	570 x 400 x 170 mm	$2,000	7.6kW	12 to 25 years
5.	Tesla Solar Inverter 7.6 kW	98%	660 x 411 x 158 mm	$1,800	7.6kW	13 years
6.	Sunny Boy 3000HF-US	95%	580 x 348 x145 mm	$2,400	3 kW	10 years

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Solar Inverter

These are the important factors you should consider before purchasing a solar inverter:

1. Compatibility: The premium quality inverter has to be compatible with your solar panels and electrical system by ensuring that the maximum voltage released out of the array is less than the specifications of the inverter. Contrarily, an incompatible inverter can cause inefficiencies or damage your solar system.

2. Output: An inverter output must match your energy needs and the wattage output should be greater than or equal to the solar panel array. An insufficient power output might not handle the adequate power generated by your solar panels.

3. Efficiency: Typically, an inverter’s efficiency determines the power generated by solar panels into usable electricity, thereby leading to higher energy savings. Mainly, the ratings reflect the current losses caused by circuit heating, lower level voltages, internal energy usage, and changes in the flow or storage of current. At times, inverters with 90% peak efficiency might not produce better output such as the modules with 85% peak efficiency.

4. Warranty: A manufacturer provides a warranty period usually for 5 years to give you a clear idea about the expected lifespan and reliability of an inverter. This scheme helps to determine the final value you get from the invested funds. Few manufacturers are offering extended warranties to protect your investment. There is a lot more about solar inverter warranties you should know.

5. Size: The size of your inverter should be identical to the DC inverter of your solar panel system. For instance, installing a most preferable 6kW system requires a 6,000W inverter with a small variation (higher or lower) percentage. Also, you should know that the independent inverters are larger and heavier in comparison to the grid-tied inverters, which are easy to transport and install.