Which inverter is installed in my home?

Which inverter is installed in your home is typically decided by availability and installation size as well as placement of your solar installation (see the article linked above for more information on this).

How much does an inverter cost?

At the average $0.18 per watt and with the average installation costing $2.93 per watt, inverters usually account for about 6% of total installation costs. This means that a typical 5.6-kilowatt installation costs $16,408 in total and the inverter should account for about $1,000 of that.

Can I buy my own solar inverter?

If you want to buy your own inverter you certainly can, but keep in mind that since you’ll only be purchasing a single inverter – not a bulk order like solar companies – you’ll likely pay a higher price. How much you spend, of course, depends on the manufacturer and the size, efficiency, warranty, and brand recognition.

Should you buy a cheaper inverter?

Generally speaking, cheaper inverters will see cheaper efficiency. If you find an incredible deal on an inverter, be sure to look at its efficiency (as well as the other considerations listed here) to assure yourself it’s actually a smart move. Anything can work great for a year, but what about in 5 years?

How do I choose a good inverter?

When deciding on an inverter, cost is always the first thing we’ll look at, but be sure to evaluate its efficiency, warranty, and reviews as well. At around 6% of an installation’s total cost, inverters aren’t cheap so you need to make sure you’re getting a good product before moving forward.

Are modern inverters efficient?

Modern inverters are ultra-efficient – both the ABB and SMA inverters above are about 97% efficient. Generally speaking, cheaper inverters will see cheaper efficiency. If you find an incredible deal on an inverter, be sure to look at its efficiency (as well as the other considerations listed here) to assure yourself it’s actually a smart move.