Solar Inverters: The Brains of Your Solar System
From DC to AC, inverters make solar power usable. Explore top brands, compare models, and shop trusted equipment for your home or business.
What is a Solar Inverter and How Does It Work?
Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, but your home or business runs on alternating current (AC) power. A solar inverter performs the critical job of converting DC to AC, allowing your solar energy to power lights, appliances, and everything else that plugs into the grid.
Modern inverters also provide:
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System monitoring - track production and performance in real time
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Grid management - ensuring safe connection to utility lines
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Battery integration - when paired with solar storage
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Advanced optimization - in microinverters or power optimizers
Without an inverter, your solar system simply can't function. It's the control center for your solar panels, converting their energy into usable electricity for your home or business.
Which Inverter Type is Right for You?
There are several kinds of inverters, each suited for different projects
String Inverters
A cost-effective option where one inverter handles multiple panels in series. Best for uniform rooftops with consistent sunlight.
If one panel is shaded, the whole string is affected
Microinverters
Installed behind each panel, offering individual optimization and higher efficiency in shaded or complex layouts.
If one panel is shaded, only that panel is affected
Hybrid Inverters
Designed to work with battery storage, managing both solar generation and energy storage seamlessly.
Hybrid inverters provide backup power when the grid goes down
Solar Inverter Brands We Carry
SolarEdge — Optimized String Inverter Systems
SolarEdge is a global leader in string inverter technology with panel-level optimization. Known for high efficiency and advanced monitoring, SolarEdge inverters pair with power optimizers to maximize system output and safety, making them a top choice for residential and commercial solar projects.
SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter 5.7kW
SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter 7.6kW
SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter 10kW
SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter 11.4kW
Enphase Energy — MicroInverter Specialists
Enphase sets the standard for microinverter systems, converting power at the panel level for unmatched reliability, safety, and real-time monitoring. With a 25-year warranty and advanced features like Sunlight Backup, Enphase inverters are ideal for rooftops with shading or complex layouts.
Enphase IQ8+
Enphase IQ8MC
Enphase IQ8X
Tesla — Integrated Storage + Inverter Solutions
Tesla offers sleek, efficient hybrid inverters designed to integrate seamlessly with Tesla Powerwall storage. Whether paired with batteries or used standalone, Tesla inverters provide high efficiency, advanced grid support, and the reliability of one of the most recognized names in clean energy.
Tesla Powerwall 3
Tesla Solar Inverter
What is an Integrated Inverter?
An integrated inverter is built directly into another piece of solar equipment, most often a battery storage system. Instead of installing a separate inverter alongside your panels, the inverter is packaged inside the unit, making the system more compact and easier to install.
How Do Integrated Inverters Work?
Solar panels feed DC electricity into the system, where the integrated inverter handles two key jobs at once:
Converting DC power into AC electricity
for your home or business.Managing battery storage and discharge
during peak demand or grid outages.
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Why Choose an Integrated Inverter?
Simplified Installation
- fewer components, faster setup.Smaller Footprint
- ideal for tight spaces.Seamless Storage Integration
- designed to work natively with the battery system (e.g., Tesla Powerwall 3).Lower System Costs
- reduces balance-of-system equipment and wiring needs.
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Solar Monitoring Software
Always Know What Your System is Doing
Modern inverters come with built-in monitoring platforms that let you see how much power your solar system is generating, using, and exporting - all in real time.
Mobile Apps & Web Dashboards
Manufacturers like Enphase, SolarEdge, and others provide apps and web portals so you can track your energy production from anywhere. Many platforms also show environmental benefits like CO₂ offset and grid savings.
System Health Alerts
Monitoring isn't just about seeing kilowatts. These tools alert you if a panel or inverter isn't performing as expected, so issues can be identified and resolved quickly.
Why It Matters
By keeping an eye on performance, you'll maximize your solar savings and get peace of mind knowing your system is running at peak efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a solar inverter last?
Most solar inverters last between 10 to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer. Microinverters often have longer warranties of up to 25 years, while string inverters typically carry 10–12 year warranties with extension options.
What is the difference between a string inverter and a microinverter?
A string inverter manages power from multiple panels in series, while microinverters are installed on each individual panel. Microinverters allow for panel-level optimization and perform better in shaded or complex layouts.
Do I need a hybrid inverter if I want to add battery storage?
Yes, a hybrid inverter is designed to manage both solar generation and battery storage. If you plan to add storage later, choosing a hybrid-ready inverter can simplify installation and reduce future costs.
Can I replace my inverter without replacing my solar panels?
Yes. In most cases, you can upgrade or replace your inverter independently of your solar panels, as long as the new inverter is compatible with your system’s voltage and power output.
How do solar inverters handle shading on panels?
String inverters are affected by shading across the entire string, which can reduce performance. Systems with power optimizers or microinverters minimize the impact of shading by allowing each panel to operate independently.
What happens if my solar inverter fails?
If your inverter fails, your solar panels will stop delivering usable AC power to your home or the grid. Most modern inverters include monitoring tools that notify you of faults, and warranty coverage typically includes repair or replacement.
Do solar inverters work during a power outage?
Standard grid-tied inverters automatically shut down during a power outage for safety. However, hybrid inverters paired with battery storage can provide backup power to your home when the grid is down.
What’s the efficiency of a solar inverter, and why does it matter?
Most modern inverters operate at 96–99% efficiency, meaning very little energy is lost during DC-to-AC conversion. Higher efficiency translates to more usable electricity and greater long-term savings.
How often should solar inverters be serviced or maintained?
Solar inverters generally require minimal maintenance. Basic inspections every 1–2 years and monitoring system alerts are usually enough to ensure proper operation.
Are solar inverters covered under warranty?
Yes. String inverters often come with 10–12 year warranties (extendable to 20–25), while microinverters like Enphase typically include 25-year coverage. Always check the manufacturer’s warranty terms for details.