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Written by

Tara Farmer

November 10,

Edited by

Sarah Noel

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average solar inverter cost

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.

Average solar inverter cost - ChartAverage solar inverter cost National Average Cost $2,300 Minimum Cost $900 Maximum Cost $5,000+ Average Range $1,500 to $3,000

• Solar inverter cost typically makes up 6% to 9% of your total solar system cost.

• The average cost to install solar panels is $10,600 to $26,500 total (after tax credits), including the inverter.

• A solar battery storage system costs $5,600 to $11,200 installed (after tax credits) and may require a separate inverter if it doesn't have one built in.

What is a solar inverter, and what does it do?

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.

Depending on the type, contractors install inverters directly on the backside of the solar panel, on the side of the house, on the roof, or inside a garage.

A solar inverter mounted on a home's exterior wall

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Solar panel inverter cost factors

Factors that affect solar inverter costs include:

• 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.

• Efficiency &#; The industry standard for peak efficiency is 97%. More efficient models often cost more.

• 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.

• Grid-tied vs. off-grid &#; Most grid-tied systems cost less than off-grid systems since an off-grid solar system requires batteries to stock the energy.

• 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.

Be sure to confirm inverter compatibility if you're installing a hybrid solar system tied to the grid that also uses a battery bank.

Types of solar inverters

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.

Benefits and drawbacks of each solar inverter type Inverter type Pros Cons String inverter
(central inverter)

• Affordable
• Easy to replace
• One inverter connected to multiple panels

• Shorter warranty
• Not ideal for shady areas
• Whole-system failure if the inverter breaks

Microinverter

• Better performance than string inverter
• Longer warranty
• Easier to add panels later

• Costs 15% to 25% more than string inverter system
• System still functional if one panel fails

String inverter with power optimizer

• Improves string inverter performance
• May allow for solar battery installation
• 25-year warranty (some models)

• Increases overall system cost
• Not compatible with all systems
• Dependent on string inverter with much shorter lifespan

Hybrid inverter

• Combines panel inverter and battery inverter
• Keeps battery charged using grid power

• Typically more expensive than other types
• Not ideal for shady areas or complex roof layouts

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.

A large residential solar inverter mounted on the side of a home's exterior

Solar inverter FAQs

Which inverter is best for solar panels?

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.

How long does a solar inverter last?

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.

How many inverters do you need per solar panel?

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.

• One string inverter is typically sufficient for most residential solar systems. Larger systems may require more.

• If you use microinverters, you'll need one microinverter for every solar panel, as these devices work individually.

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."

Can you overload a solar inverter?

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.

Getting estimates from solar inverter installers

Follow these guidelines when searching for a solar inverter installer or solar contractor near you:

• 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).

• Check for positive customer feedback on HomeGuide and Google.

• Compare at least 3 estimates with similar details.

• Select a licensed, bonded, and insured solar contractor who has been working for 5+ years.

• Get a detailed contract and warranty in hand before the work begins.

• Avoid making large payments up front. Follow a payment plan instead.

  The company is the world’s best Multi String Inverter supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

• Beware of the lowest estimates that can indicate low-quality workmanship.

Questions to ask a solar inverter contractor

Ask these questions to help you choose the best solar contractor for your inverter installation:

• How long have you been in business in this area?

• What solar certifications or licensing do you have?

• Do you have a list of references I can contact?

• What type of inverter do you recommend for my solar panel system, and why?

• Have you worked on homes like mine before with my existing solar panel system?

• Will you install an inverter for me if I buy the parts?

• Does the estimate include all labor, materials, and cleanup fees?

• What extra costs might come up during an installation like this?

• How long will the installation take?

• What method do you use to calculate which size inverter my system needs?

• Does this project require a permit, and if so, will you obtain it?

• Who should I contact for troubleshooting after the installation?

• How long should the inverter last?

• What does the warranty cover, and for how long?

How we get this data

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

How Much do Microinverters Cost?

In solar panel systems that experience partial shadowing, microinverters are utilized. Central inverters operate as a string or circuit, and if just one panel is shaded, they can be disconnected. Micro inverters allow each panel in the system to operate independently. A microinverter costs $1.15 per watt, compared to $0.75 per watt for central inverters; you may alternatively use a power optimizer instead of a micro-inverter, which costs around $1.00 per Watt and achieves the same thing.

Cost per Watt: String VS. Microinverter

  String inverter Micro inverter Power optimizer Cost per Watt $0.75 $1.15 $1.00 Cost per KiloWatt $750 $1,150 $1,000 4kW system $3,000 $4,600 $4,000 5kW system $3,750 $5,750 $5,000 6kW system $4,500 $6,900 $6,000 10kw system $7,500 $11,500 $10,000

Benefits of Microinverter Systems

Microinverters offer several advantages over other types of solar power inverter systems. Here are some of the most important features:

25-years warranty

When choosing an inverter, one of the most important considerations is its expected lifespan. The inverter is the most expensive and most prone to fail component of your solar system. It's comforting to know that microinverters have the same 25-year warranty as solar panels. Other inverter systems, such as string and hybrid inverters, offer 8 to 12-year guarantees.

Easy to Install

In addition to integrating microinverters into their solar panels, LG solar panel manufacturers have developed systems that make it easy for installers to wire the panels together. This reduces costs since labor hours are a sizable part of your investment.

Performance monitoring

With microinverters placed behind each panel in your PV system, you may track individual panel performance using a smartphone app. Smart applications like the Enphase Enlighten system may alert you when power performance falls short of expectations.

For example, if the weather is clear and sunny but your panels are not producing as much electricity as they should, you will be notified that your panels are not producing within their typical range. This allows you to check for any trash, bird excrement, or equipment damage that may be affecting the functioning of your system.

Optimal performance

Even if part of your solar array's panels are shaded in the morning or evening, microinverters guarantee that your fuse box receives the maximum amount of AC power from each panel. This is due to the fact that microinverters enable each panel to generate as much energy as possible without relying on the performance of an adjacent panel.

This feature is also valuable for complicated roofs with numerous angles. Even if a few panels face the sun at a slightly less efficient angle, the remainder of your system will continue to produce watts at peak levels.

System expansion is quick and easy.

You may expand your solar system in the future by using microinverters. This might be useful if you have a restricted budget today but know that you'd like to gather more energy in the future. Perhaps you are aware that you will require more energy in the future because you are caring for a brood of children or want to establish a home-based workshop.

Because the DC to AC conversion occurs at each panel, your system does not require a central inverter. More panels may be easily added to your system by your solar contractor.

Drawbacks of Microinverter Systems

The following are some issues to consider when selecting a microinverter because no particular type of inverter will check all of the criteria.

It's more expensive

Microinverters are expensive. They must be attached to the rear of each and every solar panel. They are usually more expensive than a string inverter on a basic 5kW household solar installation.

Unless you choose a panel-integrated microinverter like the LG type, installer work hours will make up the majority of the cost difference between string inverters and microinverters. This fee might vary greatly depending on the installer you use and how difficult your roof is to work on.

An Upgrade is Required

Although microinverter manufacturers claim to offer a monitoring system, they do not always include it in their package unless you purchase an upgrade.

They could take this action in order to save themselves and their installers from support calls relating to faulty microinverters. Without panel-level analysis, rather than the system-wide monitoring that is typically provided instead, it is very difficult to tell whether only one or two microinverters out of around 25 have failed.

Least suited for battery backup systems

Microinverters are not the best option for adding battery storage to your solar system. For optimal power production, connect your panels to your battery before converting the current to AC and then back to DC.

Because batteries run in direct current and solar panels produce direct current, we suggest utilizing DC power optimizers or hybrid inverters instead. They work best when combined with DC batteries.

Adding more technology to your roof

Microinverters are designed to be placed below each solar panel on your roof, which adds up to a lot of electrical equipment. We'd be concerned about each microinverter being a lightning rod if you had an older property with more exposed wood timbers.

Enphase, the primary maker of microinverters, answered a customer's query about whether lightning may damage microinverters. While they claim their surge protection is superior to string inverters, they warn that if local requirements demand it, you may need to install extra lightning protection. However, the company makes no mention of the increased likelihood that your roof would be struck by lightning.

What Types of Solar Systems Are Compatible With Microinverters?

Microinverters may be used with almost any arrangement, however, there are a few situations where they are very useful. If you wish to compare solar micro inverters to centralized string inverters, consider the following:

• You have a complicated solar installation with panels pointing in different directions or at different angles.
• There is some shadowing in the location where your panels will be installed.
• You want to be as efficient as possible.
• You want to be able to individually check each panel's health and productivity.

Are power optimizers the same?

Yes. The only distinction is that they continue to transfer electricity to a central inverter to convert it from DC to AC. Nonetheless, they, like microinverters, separate your system into independent portions, protecting it from partial shading. These convert your DC solar panels into direct-use AC solar panels.

Are they worth it?

They are needed if you have partial shade from trees or other barriers between the major power harvesting hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  It is not required to install them if you do not have any shading problems.

Next steps

The advantages of microinverters cannot be overstated. They outperform string inverters in terms of efficiency, safety, energy harvesting, and system monitoring, as well as dependability and ease. If you're looking to get solar panels on your roof, Forme Solar can help. There has never been a better time to switch to solar! If you're ready to get started, simply fill out this short form with a few brief facts, and we'll link you with local specialists who will offer you free, customized quotations.

For more information, please visit User-friendly single phase string inverter.