KEY POINTS
- The inverter is responsible for converting the electricity generated by your solar panels into energy which is compatible for household use.
- When looking for the best solar inverter for your home, you’ll want to consider efficiency, pricing, warranty periods, battery compatibility and other features.
- One of the best overall solar inverters is still the Fronius Primo, with high yield efficiency and SnapINverter technology.
Without a high-functioning solar inverter, a rooftop solar panel system is basically rendered useless, but finding a quality inverter can sometimes be a bit confusing.
This Canstar Blue article was designed to help you take the guesswork out of finding a good solar inverter. We have compiled a list of some of the best solar inverters in Australia, comparing factors like efficiency, warranty, price and system capabilities, we share some of the key brands to look out for on your hunt for a new solar inverter.
What are the best solar inverters in Australia?
Note: Canstar Blue has picked some of the best-rated and most popular solar inverters for each category below. Before making a purchase, we strongly recommend you consult a solar installer to find the solar inverter that’s best for you.
- Overall best inverter: Fronius Primo
- Best inverter – efficiency: SolarEdge SE5000H
- Best inverter – warranty: Enphase IQ8
- Best inverter – unique features: SMA Sunny Boy
- Best inverter – price: Goodwe DNS
- Best inverter – battery storage: Huawei Sun2000
Overall best inverter: Fronius Primo
Arguably one of the top solar inverters in Australia is the Fronius Primo. As a single-phase device, available in a variety of sizes, this inverter is a heavy favourite, often regarded for its innovative technologies, high efficiency and intelligent communication and monitoring software. All Fronius Primo solar inverters come with a five-year warranty as standard, but according to the Fronius website, consumers can earn an additional five years warranty if they register their inverter on Fronius Solar.web – the company’s software that records system data and shares it via an online portal and mobile app for customers to access.
Price estimate: $1,800-$3,290*
*This estimate does not factor in installation costs
Sizes available: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8.2kW
What’s good about this inverter:
- Higher yield with a maximum efficiency of 98.1%
- SnapINverter technology which makes it easy to remove for servicing
- Uses integrated data communication, allowing solar customers to see how their system is operating via an app on their phone or online
What to look out for:
- Slightly more expensive than average inverter price
- Only goes up to an inverter size of 8.2kW
- Not solar battery ready
Best inverter – efficiency: SolarEdge SE5000H
According to Solar Choice, the SolarEdge SE5000H solar inverter has the maximum efficiency of 99.2%, which seems to be one of the highest on the market. The higher efficiency contributes to an increase of energy production over the course of the solar system’s lifetime. Solar Edge innovated matching string inverters with individual ‘DC optimisers’ on each solar panel, which allows similar technology as that of micro inverters but for a lower cost.
Price estimate: $2,290-$3,153*
*This estimate does not factor in installation costs
Sizes available: 5, 6, 10kW
What’s good about this inverter:
- Very efficient with max efficiency of 99.2%, depending on size
- 12-year extendable warranty
- SolarEdge app allows for total system monitoring
What to look out for:
- Higher upfront costs
- Only compatible with SolarEdge optimisers
Best inverter – warranty: Enphase IQ8
When it comes to an inverter with quality warranty standards, the Enphase IQ8 offers a lengthy 15-year extendable offer. This warranty can be extended to 25 years with an additional cost. Aside from warranty inclusions, Enphase is also a strong pick for buyers wanting efficiency. While a typical solar panel system has a single central inverter, the Enphase IQ8 is a micro inverter, which means that there is a smaller inverter attached to each individual solar panel. 
Price estimate: $206-$227* per micro inverter. The total price will change depending on how many solar panels your system will require.
*This estimate does not factor in installation costs or additional system upgrades
Sizes available: the IQ8AC model can be paired with 350-480W modules, the IQ8HC can go with 350-505W modules and the IQ8X can be paired with 350-505 VA.
What’s good about this inverter:
- Customers can extend warranties from 15 to 25 years
- Can be utilised with popular AC batteries such as the Tesla Powerwall 2
- Extremely efficient at 99.2% max
What to look out for:
- One of the most expensive models on the market
- Can’t connect to a DC battery without an additional inverter
- Not useful during a blackout or off-grid
Solar energy plans
Some retailers offer specific solar plans to their electricity customers which come with a higher or specialty solar feed-in tariff. To see what solar plans are on offer in your state, click on the relevant tab below.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Best inverter – unique features: SMA Sunny Boy
If you’re after a compact and efficient inverter, look no further than the SMA Sunny Boy. The SMA Sunny Boy has the patented specialty feature, Shadefix – a function that takes shading into consideration and runs the system based on this influence. The Sunny Boy is considered to be easy to look after and efficient to run – making it one of the best solar inverters for homeowners. SMA’s inverters come with five years warranty as standard but there are extended warranty options available.
Price estimate: $1,400-$2,500*
*This estimate does not factor in installation costs
Sizes available: 3, 3.6, 4, 5, 6kW
What’s good about this inverter:
- Uses specialised ‘Shadefix’ technology to keep system running optimally, even if shaded or covered
- Fairly efficient with 97% max efficiency
- Compact, takes up minimal space
- Free SMA Energy App available for monitoring
What to look out for:
- Higher price tag than the average inverter
- Only available in sizes up to 6kW
Best inverter – price: Goodwe DNS
Not all high-class, efficient inverters need a big price tag, as seen with Goodwe’s DNS series. If you’re searching for a quality inverter for an affordable price, then a DNS is probably worth considering. With a highly intelligent monitoring system and waterproof, low noise design, this inverter is considered to be a decent entry-level system that should only leave you around $800-$950 out of pocket. Goodwe’s DNS series comes with 10 years warranty as standard; however, this can be extended to up to 25 years for an additional cost.
Price estimate: $800-$950*
*This estimate does not factor in installation costs
Sizes available: 3, 3.6, 4.2, 5, 6kW
What’s good about this inverter:
- Affordable price
- Access to Goodwe SEMS system monitoring portal which shows detailed monitoring of solar PV system
- Max efficiency of 97.9%
What to look out for:
- Only available in sizes up to 6kW
- Smaller standard warranty period
- No built-in DC isolator which makes it harder to disconnect from system for servicing
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Best inverter – battery storage: Huawei Sun2000
The Huawei Sun2000 model offers high efficiency for your solar energy generation, but is also highly compatible and ready to run a battery system. As a hybrid inverter, the Sun2000 comes equipped and ready to connect to a compatible battery, without the need for extra devices or refits like other popular inverter models. Among the list of solar battery retailers, Huawei is also a quite well-regarded brand in the solar battery market and offers some of the best battery storage for inverters. Huawei inverters come with a 10-year full comprehensive warranty (parts and labour) and can be extended to a 20-year warranty.
Price estimate: $1,100-$3,500*
*This estimate does not factor in installation costs
Sizes available: 5, 10 and 29.9kW
What’s good about this inverter:
- Hybrid inverter which means it is solar battery ready
- Highly efficient, max at 98.4% for the 5kW model
- Comes with a built-in ‘Smart PV Safety’ feature which records and stores vital system data in case of system mishaps
What to look out for:
- Not suitable for homes in coastal areas (within 500m) or those areas prone to sea breeze
- Cannot sufficiently run a battery system off-grid or during a blackout
Why do you need an inverter for solar panels?
The inverter is responsible for converting the electricity generated by your solar panels into energy which is compatible for household use. Energy sourced directly from the sun comes in what’s called a ‘DC’ form; however, household appliances typically run off ‘AC’ electricity. Without an inverter to change this energy from one form to the other, any solar energy you have generated will be unusable within the home.
Whether you decide to install a single or three-phase solar system, you’ll still want to ensure that you are choosing a quality solar panel installer. There are a number of things to consider when picking an installer, from price to customer service and the quality of products they use. That’s why it’s a good idea to gather some quotes and do your research before committing to an installer.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: Fronius website, Sungrow website, SolarEdge website, SMA website, Goodwe website, Huawei Solar website, Douglas Cliff/Shutterstock.com
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