A solar inverter costs $1,500 to $3,000 total on average for a medium-sized solar-panel system installation. Solar inverter prices depend on the size and whether it's a string inverter, microinverter, or hybrid model. String inverter systems cost less up front, but systems using microinverters Contact online >>
A solar inverter costs $1,500 to $3,000 total on average for a medium-sized solar-panel system installation. Solar inverter prices depend on the size and whether it's a string inverter, microinverter, or hybrid model. String inverter systems cost less up front, but systems using microinverters last longer.
A solar inverter is an essential part of a solar-panel system. The inverter turns the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into the alternating current (AC) electricity needed for most appliances and home electrical needs.
System size – Your inverter's input-wattage rating should be close to your solar panel system's output rating. U.S. residential solar panel systems typically fall in the 5 kilowatt range.
Power optimizer – Adding a power optimizer costs $50 to $150+ per panel but improves string inverter performance if one panel receives more shade than the others.
Government incentives – Homeowners can save up to 30% with the federal residential solar energy tax credit when installing the inverter with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
DIY vs. professional install – Installing an inverter yourself saves on installation labor. However, the cost of the inverter may be higher since solar contractors often get bulk discounts on these components.
Warranty – Most string inverters have a warranty of 5 to 10 years, while microinverters often carry warranties up to 25 years. Some companies offer an extended warranty for an extra cost.
The two most common inverters are string inverters and microinverters. String inverters install easily and connect several panels together, but one panel's failure affects the whole circuit. Microinverters connect to just one panel each and run independently, so they can cost more initially but perform better.
For a DIY solar-panel system installation, consider a solar generator that typically includes an inverter, battery, and charge controller all in one user-friendly package. Portable solar generators cost $500 to $3,300.
The best solar inverter depends on your solar-panel system's size and location. String inverters are affordable, efficient, and common for residential solar systems. However, microinverters converting power on each individual panel may be better if some of your panels get shade for part of the day.
String solar inverters last 10 to 15 years on average, and you'll likely need to replace the inverter much sooner than the solar panels themselves. Most microinverters last 15 to 25 years. Be sure to check the warranty time frame and coverage when choosing an inverter for your solar system.
The number of inverters you need depends on the size of your solar panel system and the type and rating of the inverter model. The solar inverter's input-wattage rating should match or be close to your solar panel system's power-output capacity.
Discuss options with your solar contractors. Some experts recommend using an inverter with a lower wattage rating than your solar panels. This method results in "solar clipping."
You can overload a solar inverter, which is a setup typically called "solar clipping." Overloading happens when the amount of electricity generated by solar panels exceeds the input-wattage rating of the solar inverter. Overloading with a string inverter and a multiple panel array is safe.
Some experts recommend using a lower-wattage string inverter than your solar panels' maximum output potential because the maximum output is almost never reached in real-world settings. Output varies with fluctuating environmental conditions, weather changes, and the panel orientation.
Look for contractors who are members of professional organizations like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE).
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