As renewable energy continues to gain popularity, the demand for solar inverters has also risen significantly. Nevertheless, understanding the cost implications of solar inverters is important to any individual or business who is looking to invest in solar power. In this article, we discuss all you need to know about how much solar inverters cost.
2 main factors play a role in Solar inverters cost
Solar inverters are an important part of the solar panel system, and when we are considering the cost of the solar panel systems, the solar inverters have the second place in the total cost after the solar panels themselves. Here, we are aiming to provide you with the necessary information and factors that influence the cost of solar inverters and delve into the financial considerations and the return on investment. There are Two main factors play a role in price changes:
1. Capacity and Efficiency
Among the factors that affect the solar inverter cost, one is the capacity and efficiency of a solar inverter, which plays a significant role in determining the price. If the solar inverter has higher capacity and efficiency, it is going to have a higher upfront cost but can also lead to greater long-term energy savings in the system.
2. Additional Features
Another factor that affects the solar inverters’ cost is the fact that whether or not they come with advanced features like monitoring capabilities, and smart grid capabilities, in addition to extended warranties that often come with a higher price tag for customers. These features are added benefits and peace of mind in addition to contributing to the overall cost of the inverter.
Types of Solar Inverters and Their Pricing
There are many different types of solar inverters available in the market, and your chosen solar inverter type will depend on the intricacy of the roof, the extent of shade on the target roof, the purpose of the solar power usage, your residential location’s utility guidelines, and other factors.
In this part, we are going to talk about three of the main types of solar power inverters, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
1. On-grid solar inverters
The on-grid inverters are also known as grid-tied inverters, which are designed for solar systems that are connected to the utility grid. This means that this group of inverters can convert DC power from solar panels into AC power so that it can be fed directly into the grid or used to power household appliances.
On-grid inverters also incorporate safety features, which happen to include anti-islanding protection, which makes certain that the system automatically shuts down in the case of a grid outage so that it can prevent backfeeding.
Generally speaking, you will find on-grid solar inverters in the market ranging from around $250 to $5000.It’s good to mention that higher-priced inverters usually provide users with advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, smart capabilities, and enhanced efficiency in addition to the size of the inverter.
2. Off-grid solar inverters
Stand-alone solar inverters, which are also known as off-grid inverters, are designed for that group of systems that are not connected to the utility grid. These inverters are mostly used in remote areas where grid access is limited or almost nonexistent. They also play a crucial role in charging the battery bank that stores excess energy for use during periods of low solar generation or even at night.
The cost for off-grid solar inverters happens to be, in most cases, higher than on-grid inverters, which range from $500 to $5000; the reason is because of the additional parts that are essential for off-grid operation. If you want to have access to growatt off grid inverter you can do so by visiting the website and prices.
3. Hybrid solar inverters
The next category we are going to talk about is the Hybrid inverters, and as the name suggests, these inverters are a mix of on-grid and off-grid solar features. These types of inverters are designed to work with both grid-connected systems and systems with battery storage. They also have the option of converting DC power from solar panels into AC power for immediate use, in addition to charging solar batteries and feeding additional power back to the grid.
The price range of the hybrid solar inverters can depend on many factors. The power capacity of the inverter is measured in kilowatts (kW), and in some cases, the solar inverter cost per watt is considered too and affects the overall cost.
The cost of hybrid solar inverters normally ranges from $900 to $5,000 for residential systems. As for larger commercial systems, the final cost can surpass $10,000, specifically for higher-capacity inverters that come with advanced features.
If you choose to use a hybrid inverter, you can also check the Growatt Hybrid inverter price for gaining information and comparison.
What’s the Average Solar inverters cost?
Inverters usually range from $1000 to $1500. The cost may go up since the installation get bigger. solar inverters cost about $0.18 per watt, but range from a 0.09$ to 0.27$. The standard 5.6-kilowatt installation costs a total of $16,408 and the cost of the inverter is about $1,000. You can see solar inverter price list on below:
Inverter Type
Cost
Lifespan
Up to
String inverters £500 – £1500 10 – 15 years 10 panels Micro inverters £20 – £100 each 25 years 1 panel Hybrid inverters £1200 – £1500 25 years 20 panelsOther factors that affect the Solar inverters cost
Several factors can influence the Solar inverters cost. The size of the solar power system, the efficiency of the inverters, and the brand all play an important role in determining the overall cost. It’s very important to consider the specific needs of your property (whether it is residential or commercial) and the amount of energy consumption patterns when you want to select the right type of solar inverter. Some of the factors are as follows:
Buy solar inverter at the best price
In this paper, we discuss Solar inverters cost. Understanding the price range of solar inverters is important for anyone who is considering having a solar power system installed. By paying attention to the type of inverter, its capacity, efficiency, and additional features, anyone can make informed decisions about which solar inverter best suits their needs and budget. You must consider investing in a high-quality solar inverter so that you can maximize the benefits of solar energy and ensure long-term reliability and performance.
You will be able to have access to the Growatt inverter price list on our website so that you can make an informed choice regarding your solar inverter. Feel free to contact us for more information about growatt inverter price list.
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Written by
Tara Farmer
November 10, 2023
Edited by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer
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 $3,000Solar 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.
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 wallGet free estimates from solar panel installers near you.
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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.
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 inverterFor 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 exteriorThe 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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Beware of the lowest estimates that can indicate low-quality workmanship.
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.