Your inverter converts DC power from your panels into usable AC electricity. It's the brain of your solar system — and the component most likely to fail before your panels do. Choosing the right one matters more than most people realise.
String Inverter
$1,000–$2,500
One central unit converts power from all panels. Simple, proven, cost-effective. Best for straightforward roof layouts with minimal shading.
Best for: Simple roofs, budget-conscious buyers
Microinverter
$2,500–$4,500
Small inverter on each panel. Each panel operates independently. Best for complex roofs, shading issues, or multiple orientations.
Best for: Shaded/complex roofs, maximum monitoring
Hybrid Inverter
$1,500–$3,000
String inverter with built-in battery connection. Lets you add a battery now or later without needing a second inverter.
Best for: Future battery plans, all-in-one simplicity
Fronius Gen24 Plus
HYBRID · AUSTRIA · PREMIUM
$1,800–$3,200
Warranty: 5+5 years (10 with registration)Sizes: 3kW–10kW
✓ Exceptional build quality, industry-leading monitoring (Solar.web), hybrid-ready for battery addition, excellent Australian support network.
• Premium pricing, extended warranty requires registration, some models on backorder.
SMA Sunny Boy / Tripower
STRING · GERMANY · PREMIUM
$1,500–$3,000
Warranty: 5 years (extendable to 20)Sizes: 3kW–25kW
✓ German engineering, long track record in Australia, robust monitoring, excellent warranty extension options.
• Higher cost than Chinese brands, Sunny Portal app is dated, some models less efficient than competitors.
Huawei SUN2000
HYBRID · CHINA · HIGH VALUE
$1,000–$2,200
Warranty: 10 yearsSizes: 2kW–20kW
✓ Excellent 10-year warranty, competitive pricing, built-in optimisers on some models, good battery compatibility (LUNA2000).
• Some data privacy concerns (Chinese company), FusionSolar app can be unreliable, limited third-party battery compatibility.
GoodWe DNS/SDT
HYBRID · CHINA · BEST VALUE
$800–$1,800
Warranty: 10 yearsSizes: 1.5kW–25kW
✓ Best value for money, excellent 10-year warranty, wide range of sizes, popular with Australian installers, good battery integration.
• Build quality a step below Fronius/SMA, monitoring app is adequate but not premium, brand less recognised.
Enphase IQ8 Microinverters
MICRO · USA · PREMIUM
$2,500–$4,500 (system)
Warranty: 15 yearsSizes: Per-panel (290W–480W each)
✓ Panel-level optimisation, best for shaded/complex roofs, 15-year warranty (industry best), Enphase app is excellent, no single point of failure.
• Highest system cost, more components = more potential service points, overkill for simple north-facing roofs, limited battery options (IQ Battery only).
Sungrow SG/SH
HYBRID · CHINA · HIGH VALUE
$900–$2,000
Warranty: 10 yearsSizes: 2.5kW–25kW
✓ World's largest inverter manufacturer, competitive pricing, good hybrid options, popular battery system (SBR series).
• Some earlier models had reliability issues (resolved in current generation), iSolarCloud app is basic, some installer complaints about support.
Simple north-facing roof, no shading, budget matters?
GoodWe or Sungrow string inverter. Best value, 10-year warranty, proven reliability.
Want to add a battery now or within 2–3 years?
Fronius Gen24 Plus or Huawei SUN2000 hybrid. Battery-ready from day one, no extra hardware later.
Complex roof, multiple orientations, or shading issues?
Enphase IQ8 microinverters. Panel-level optimisation means shade on one panel doesn't affect the rest. Worth the premium for difficult roofs.
Large system (10kW+), commercial quality?
Fronius Symo or SMA Tripower. German/Austrian engineering, 3-phase capable, industrial-grade reliability.
Budget is no object, want the absolute best?
Fronius Gen24 Plus with Enphase microinverters. The installer gold standard, with 10-year warranty and the best monitoring in the business.
WHAT TO AVOID
Be wary of no-name or unbranded inverters, even at significantly lower prices. The inverter is the most likely component to fail, and you need the manufacturer to still be in business when warranty claims arise. Also watch out for "5-year warranty" inverters when 10-year options cost only $200–$400 more — the extended warranty almost always pays for itself.
Ask your installer which inverter they recommend and why. Good installers will suggest a reputable brand because they don't want to deal with warranty call-backs either.