Why the inverter matters so much
Everything in a solar system passes through the inverter. It changes the DC power from your panels and battery into the AC power your home uses, and it decides when to charge the battery and when to draw from the grid. A good inverter protects itself and your appliances, reports faults clearly, and connects to a monitoring app. A poor one can leave you guessing when something goes wrong.
Hybrid or grid-tied
The first decision is whether you want power during an outage. A grid-tied inverter only works while the grid is up, so it offsets your bill but stops during load-shedding. A hybrid inverter manages both panels and a battery, so it can keep your essentials running when the grid is down. If load-shedding is part of why you are going solar, choose hybrid. See inverter installation for more.
Reading the ratings
Inverters are rated in kilowatts (kW), which is the maximum power they can supply at once. That rating has to cover two things: the total power of the loads you want to run at the same time, and the output of your solar array. If the inverter is too small, it will trip when a large appliance starts. If it is far too big, you have paid for capacity you will not use. Matching the rating to your home is the job of the design, not a guess.
You will also see efficiency figures and a "maximum PV input" rating. Efficiency tells you how much of the power is converted rather than lost as heat. Maximum PV input tells you how big an array the inverter can handle, which matters if you plan to add panels later.
What to look for in a warranty
An inverter is a working electronic device, so its warranty matters. Look at the length of the warranty, what it covers, and whether there is local support in South Africa. A long warranty from a brand with no local presence is worth less than a shorter one you can actually claim on.
Planning to add panels later
If you think you may add solar panels or a bigger battery in future, choose an inverter with the capacity and features to grow. A battery-ready inverter lets you start with backup and add panels later. Planning the system in stages can spread the cost without locking you out of a bigger system later.
Where to go next
Read about battery backup and energy storage and solar battery options in South Africa, or send us your bill and we will design an inverter to match your home.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Hybrid or grid-tied inverter: which should I choose?
If you want power during load-shedding, choose a hybrid inverter with a battery. A grid-tied inverter is cheaper but stops working when the grid goes down.
What does the inverter's power rating mean?
It is the maximum power the inverter can supply at once, measured in kilowatts. It must be big enough for the loads you want to run at the same time, and for the size of your solar array.
Does the brand of inverter matter?
Yes. A good brand means better reliability, clearer monitoring and a warranty you can actually claim on. We install brands with local support.