Empower your solar future with the best-in-class solar inverters for a sustainable energy solution.
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High quality solar inverters come with a 5-10 year warranty. Extended warranties are also available.
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What is a solar inverter?
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As a forward-thinking homeowner, you understand the importance of harnessing the power of the sun to power your home. A crucial component of any residential solar system is the solar inverter, which converts direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into the alternating current (AC) electricity used by most homes. Without a solar inverter, your solar panels and batteries will be unable to power your home.
As you consider investing in a residential solar system, it's essential to also take into account the best solar inverter for your needs. At ZEN, we can guide you through the process of finding the top solar inverters of 2022, and help you make an informed decision for your home.
Why is it important to have a quality inverter?
As the demand for solar energy continues to rise, so does the number of solar inverters available on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have evaluated a range of factors including efficiency levels, cost, size options, and warranty of the top solar inverters available.
- Peak efficiency: When an inverter converts DC electricity to AC electricity, it will use some of that power during the conversion. A solar inverter’s peak efficiency is the maximum amount of electricity it can produce after it has used some electricity to function. The industry average for peak efficiency is 97%.
- Cost: The size and type of solar inverter that you choose directly affects the cost.
- Size options: A range of sizes means a solar inverter can pair well with a wider variety of solar systems, which is why it is included as a factor in this analysis. Most string inverters range from 3-7 kilowatts (kW).
- Warranty: Most manufacturers offer product warranties on solar inverters. The industry standard for a solar inverter warranty is between 5-10 years. Many manufacturers offer extended warranties at an additional cost.
Take control of your energy consumption and invest in a solar inverter that aligns with your specific needs. At ZEN, we can guide you through the process of finding the top solar inverters of 2023 and help you make a decision that will power your home efficiently and sustainably for years to come.
What are the types of inverters?
You can choose between grid-tied or off-grid inverters, and select the type of solar inverter that best pairs with your solar system. The three most common types are string inverters, string inverters with optimizers, and microinverters. String inverters are usually the most cost-effective option, while string inverters with optimizers and microinverters often come at a higher cost but offer more flexibility. To gain a deeper understanding of the different types of inverters and their features, contact one of our team.
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String Inverter
String inverters have a single core function: convert the DC power of the solar panels into AC power, then send that electricity into the home circuit grid. They are the most simple and cost-effective of the solar inverter options. They are ideal for grid-tied solar systems.
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Hybrid Inverter
Hybrid inverters are smart inverters. They are able to convert DC power into AC power just like string inverters, but they are also able to manage multiple streams of electricity and intelligently send those streams where they need to go, such as to critical appliances, solar batteries, or back to the grid. They are the more advanced version of solar inverters and are ideal for hybrid or hybrid + backup solar systems.
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Off-Grid Inverter
An off-grid inverter is used in solar systems that have no connection to the electrical grid. The off-grid inverter gets DC electricity from the solar panels or battery storage and converts it into AC power for home use.
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solar inverters brands
GOODWE STRING INVERTER
Manufactured for durability and longevity under modern industrial standards, the GoodWe DNS series offers high efficiency and class leading functionality.
Based on its single-phase residential PV inverter range, GoodWe ranked 4th in global shipments in 2017.
Ability to AC couple to a battery - i.e. capable of adding a battery to the system in the future, but will require additional components and won't be a fully managed solution.
Monitoring via the GoodWe application and web portal.
HUAWEI FUSIONHOME SMART HYBRID INVERTER
The ability to connect smart home appliances, providing the ability to run appliances and adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) technology as it becomes more commonplace.
Easy to use application and web monitoring.
DC Optimisers (where and as required) - this technology allows for individual panel operation, ensuring that panels affected by shade do not impact on the overall performance of the system.
See the Huawei hybrid inverter brochure showing the integrated system.
Plug and Play battery solution, see the high voltage model in the LG Resu lithium-ion energy storage range
REDBACK TECHNOLOGIES SMART HYBRID INVERTER
RedBack Generation 2 hybrid inverter with the ability to function on-grid (connected to the public power network) or off-grid in the event of a power outage
Capable of running up to 14.2kWh of Pylontech lithium-ion battery capacity within the RedBack Generation 2battery enclosure, which sits below the inverter.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to ensure the seamless delivery of electricity to your essential loads in the event of a power outage, prioritising what you need and want when the grid goes down, and allowing the conservation of battery power and ongoing operation in off-grid mode.
Electrical relay controls ,enabling the on/off control of various appliances within the home.
SELECTRONIC SP PRO INVERTER
The SP PRO series of bi-directional inverter chargers is one of the most flexible and intelligent available in the market today. A modular approach can handle systems up to 240kW in 20kW blocks, whilst using sophisticated communications can manage up to 480kW of AC Coupled PV.
Battery Voltages of 24V, 48V and 120V are accommodated. Additionally, by incorporating unlimited DC Coupled solar, wind, backup generator or a grid supply, our ethos of never being without power is always met.
Solar battery brandS
PYLONTECH
We work with PylonTech lithium-ion solar batteries.
Modular design gives you the power of choice of capacity.
Simple buckle fixing and rack mounting capability minimise installation time and cost.
Compact and fashionable design fits in the home environment.
Pairs with the Redback hybrid system and Fronius-Selectronic off-grid system.
power monitor brands
Warranty
The Smappee Infinity provides an all-in-one solution for monitoring voltage and distributing load across solar panels, electric vehicles, and other home or building appliances through a cloud-based interface. With the addition of new phase measurement capabilities, the Infinity modules and gateway can collect more data, ultimately reducing expenses for both residential and commercial systems.
solar panel brands
LONGi
As the world's premier provider of Solar PV Solutions, LONGi's expertise in solar wafers, cells, and modules reflects our unwavering commitment to driving the clean energy revolution. LONGi develops some of the most innovative panels for the solar industry. Their panels are high-quality, dependable and efficient for both residential and commercial solar systems.
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frequently asked questions
What is a solar inverter and what does it do?
A solar inverter is an essential component of a solar energy system that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by appliances in your home or business. Solar inverters also play a critical role in maximising the efficiency of your solar energy system by ensuring that the solar panels are operating at their peak performance. By managing the flow of electricity between the solar panels, the battery storage, and the grid, solar inverters help to optimise energy usage and reduce energy waste.
What size inverter do I need for my solar energy system?
The size of the inverter you need for your solar energy system depends on the size of your solar panel array and the amount of energy you want to produce. Generally, a larger solar panel array will require a larger inverter. It's important to select an inverter that can handle the maximum power output of your solar panel array to ensure optimal performance. A qualified solar installer, like ZEN Energy can help you determine the appropriate inverter size for your specific system.
Can I install a solar inverter myself, or do I need a professional installer?
Solar inverters should always be installed by a professional installer, like ZEN Energy, with experience in solar energy systems. Attempting to install a solar inverter yourself could be dangerous and may also result in damage to the inverter, the solar panels, or other components of your solar energy system. A qualified installer can ensure that the inverter is properly installed and configured to work with your solar panels, battery backup system (if applicable), and other components. They will also be able to ensure that the inverter meets all relevant safety standards and local electrical codes. It's important to choose a reputable installer with a good track record and the necessary licenses and certifications to ensure the job is done right.
What happens to my solar energy system if my inverter stops working?
When a solar inverter stops working, it means that the DC power generated by the solar panels is no longer being converted into AC power that can be used by your home or business. This means that your solar energy system will no longer be able to generate electricity, and you will need to have the inverter repaired or replaced to restore your system's functionality. In some cases, the inverter may be covered under a warranty, so it's important to check the terms of your warranty and contact the manufacturer if you suspect an issue with your inverter. It's also a good idea to have a professional solar installer inspect your system to diagnose the problem and provide a recommendation for repair or replacement.
Can I upgrade my solar inverter in the future?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade your solar inverter in the future. As solar technology continues to advance, new and more efficient inverters may become available, and upgrading your inverter can improve the performance and efficiency of your solar energy system. However, it's important to ensure that any new inverter is compatible with your existing system and meets local regulations and safety standards. Additionally, upgrading your inverter may require professional installation and may incur additional costs.
What are the different types of solar inverters available?
There are several types of solar inverters available, including:
- String Inverters: This type of inverter is the most common and cost-effective option. It is installed in a centralised location and connects to multiple solar panels in series.
- Micro-inverters: Micro-inverters are installed on each individual solar panel and convert the DC power generated by the panel into AC power. This provides more flexibility in system design and can improve energy yield.
- Power Optimisers: Power optimisers are similar to micro-inverters in that they are installed on each individual solar panel. However, they work by optimising the power output of each panel before it is converted to AC power by a central inverter.
- Hybrid Inverters: Hybrid inverters combine the functionality of a standard inverter with a battery storage system. This allows for energy to be stored and used during times when the sun is not shining.
The type of inverter that is best for your solar energy system will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the system, the location of the panels, and your energy needs. A qualified solar professional, like ZEN Energy, can help you determine which type of inverter is best for your specific situation.
How does a solar inverter convert DC power to AC power?
A solar inverter is a critical component of a solar energy system, responsible for converting the direct current (DC) power generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) power that can be used to power homes and businesses. The process of converting DC to AC involves several stages, including the following:
- Maximum power point tracking: The solar inverter tracks the maximum power point of the solar panels to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency.
- DC to AC conversion: The solar inverter converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power that can be used by appliances and other devices.
- Grid synchronisation: If the solar energy system is connected to the grid, the solar inverter synchronises the AC power it generates with the grid to ensure that the power is properly distributed.
- Power quality control: The solar inverter ensures that the AC power it generates is of high quality and free from fluctuations that could damage sensitive electronics.
Overall, a high-quality solar inverter is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of a solar energy system.
How long do solar inverters typically last, and do they require maintenance?
How do I know if my solar inverter is working correctly?
You can monitor the performance of your solar inverter by checking the output data. Most inverters have a display that shows the energy being produced and the voltage, among other metrics. Some inverters also come with software that allows you to monitor your system's performance remotely, providing more detailed information. If you notice a significant drop in output or any other unusual behavior, it may indicate that there is a problem with your inverter. In that case, you should contact a professional to have your system inspected and repaired if necessary.