Which is the best solar inverter?

Choosing the right solar inverter is crucial for building an efficient solar energy system. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which can be used by household electrical appliances. Many inverter manufacturers compete in the market with the best solutions, but which one is the ideal choice for you?

This article provides a detailed solar inverter comparison, examining popular Deye, Huawei, SolaX, and SolarEdge inverters, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages, and exploring their unique technological solutions. The comparison considers price ranges, technical specifications, and various features to help you find the most suitable solution for your needs.

How to compare solar inverters? Prices, features, and recommendations

When selecting the right solar inverter, several factors should be considered to ensure the system’s efficient operation and long-term reliability. Comparing inverters is not just about price categories but also about technical parameters and available features.

Inverter types and operation
Inverters can be classified into different types depending on the system they are designed for and the features they offer:

• Traditional string inverters: These inverters operate only when connected to the grid and cannot supply energy during a power outage, even if the solar panels generate enough electricity.
• Hybrid inverters: These inverters support energy storage, allowing the use of solar energy later in the day. However, they can only power a property during a blackout if a backup (off-grid) system is also installed. Some hybrid inverters support phase asymmetry, enabling different loads to be supplied across phases.
• Optimized inverters: In optimized inverter systems, each solar panel has a separate power optimizer that ensures the best possible performance for each module, even in cases of partial shading or different orientations. Solutions like SolarEdge require optimizers, while some other manufacturers offer optional power optimization for specific models.

Performance and efficiency

The inverter’s power rating (kW) determines how much energy it can convert. It is essential to consider the maximum efficiency, which typically ranges between 96-99%. A highly efficient inverter minimizes energy loss during conversion, increasing the system’s overall performance.

Features and smart solutions
Modern solar inverters offer various additional functions:

• Phase asymmetry handling: Some inverters can distribute different power outputs across different phases, providing more flexible energy distribution, especially in three-phase systems.
• Remote monitoring: Energy production and consumption can be tracked via Wi-Fi and mobile apps, often with additional smart meter support.
• MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking): Optimizes the panel’s output based on sunlight conditions.
• Safety features: Overvoltage protection, overheating protection, and short-circuit protection.

Price-value ratio and warranty

Inverter manufacturers offer different warranty periods ranging from 5 to 25 years. Prices vary widely, so it is essential to consider the warranty period, built-in technology, and manufacturer reliability when making a choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of Deye solar inverters

Deye inverters have gained increasing attention in the solar market in recent years, mainly due to their hybrid solutions, wide product range, and favorable price-performance ratio. The manufacturer offers inverters across various power categories, from residential solutions to industrial-scale systems.

Advantages:

• Wide product range – Deye offers everything from micro-inverters to single-phase low-power inverters and high-capacity three-phase industrial models. This ensures that there is a suitable solution for different system sizes.
• Off-grid capability – Many Deye hybrid inverters can operate not only when connected to the grid but also in off-grid mode. With the proper configuration and battery storage capacity, properties can function independently of the power grid, which is especially beneficial in areas with frequent outages or unreliable grid access.
• Battery compatibility – Most Deye hybrid inverters support not only Deye’s own batteries but also various third-party batteries, including low-voltage and lead-acid batteries, providing greater flexibility in energy storage options.
• Multi-energy source management – Deye inverters can utilize not only solar energy but also integrate diesel generators and certain wind turbines, which is useful in locations where solar energy alone is insufficient.
• Wi-Fi and remote access – Most Deye inverters support remote monitoring, allowing energy production and consumption tracking via a mobile app or web interface when a monitoring system is set up.

Disadvantages:

• Less widespread service network – Deye is a relatively new player in the market, so finding an official service center may be more difficult in some regions compared to larger, internationally established brands. However, SolarKit is an official Deye service center, ensuring smooth repairs and warranty replacements.
• Complex configuration options – Due to their advanced features, Deye inverters are not always easy to configure, especially for users without deep technical knowledge. Professional assistance is recommended to maximize functionality.
• Varying warranty conditions – Warranty periods may differ depending on the distributor, so it is essential to check the exact conditions before purchasing.

Features of Huawei solar inverters

Huawei inverters are among the most innovative solutions on the market, particularly in terms of smart features and reliability. The company leverages its telecommunications expertise to develop inverters with outstanding performance and advanced energy management solutions.

Advantages:

• High efficiency and reliability – Huawei inverters typically achieve a maximum efficiency of 98-99%, providing some of the best energy conversion rates available.
• AI-based system diagnostics – Huawei inverters offer Artificial Intelligence-based arc fault detection (AFCI) and automatic fault analysis, predicting potential failures in advance. This reduces maintenance needs and increases system reliability through self-learning algorithms that continuously monitor performance.
• Intelligent energy management – Huawei’s user-friendly FusionSolar monitoring system provides energy production, battery charge level, and consumption optimization with 15-minute data updates.

Disadvantages:

• Limited battery compatibility – Huawei inverters are only compatible with their LUNA2000 battery system, limiting integration with third-party energy storage solutions.
• Higher price range – Due to their advanced technology and reliability, Huawei inverters are typically in the mid-to-premium price category, requiring a higher initial investment.
• Additional devices may be required – Some smart energy management functions, such as consumption meter integration or export limitation, require additional purchased accessories.

What do SolaX solar inverters offer?

SolaX inverters have gained popularity mainly due to their hybrid technology and a wide range of energy storage solutions. The company aims to provide efficient, intelligent, and affordable inverters for residential and small business applications.

Advantages:

• Outstanding hybrid solutions – The SolaX X-Hybrid series is one of the most well-known hybrid inverter families, enabling battery energy storage to enhance energy independence.
• Phase asymmetry capability – SolaX three-phase hybrid inverters can operate with phase asymmetry, meaning they can distribute different amounts of power across the three phases. This is particularly beneficial for systems where the load is not evenly distributed across phases.
• Off-grid capability – SolaX hybrid inverters support off-grid operation, meaning that with the right battery setup and configuration, a property can become completely independent of the power grid. In case of a blackout, the inverter automatically switches to off-grid mode to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
• Micro-grid functionality – SolaX inverters feature a micro-grid function, allowing them to run on-grid inverters in an off-grid setting. The hybrid inverter simulates grid voltage via the EPS (Emergency Power Supply) port, enabling on-grid inverters to continue operating during a blackout. This ensures that all available solar energy and battery storage are fully utilized.
• Wide battery selection – Although SolaX inverters are not compatible with third-party batteries, their own battery portfolio offers various capacity and voltage options, ensuring flexibility for different storage needs.
• High efficiency and MPPT optimization – With efficiencies of up to 98%, SolaX inverters utilize Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to optimize solar panel performance under varying light conditions.
• Smart energy management – The SolaX Cloud platform allows real-time monitoring and remote control of energy consumption and production.

Disadvantages:

• Complex setup and configuration – As with most advanced systems, features like phase asymmetry, off-grid mode, and micro-grid functionality require proper configuration. Therefore, professional installation and setup by an expert are recommended.
• Varying warranty conditions – The warranty period and terms may differ based on the model and distributor, so it is important to check the details before purchasing.

SolarEdge inverters and their unique solutions

SolarEdge inverters stand out from competitors due to their power optimization technology, which ensures that each solar panel operates at maximum efficiency. This is especially useful for systems where some panels are partially shaded or installed at different angles.

Advantages:

• Power optimizer system – Unlike traditional string inverters, SolarEdge inverters require power optimizers for each solar panel. This prevents an underperforming panel (due to shading or dirt) from reducing the efficiency of the entire array.
• Advanced safety features – The system includes SafeDC™ technology, which automatically reduces voltage in the event of a power outage or system failure, enhancing electrical and fire safety.
• Modular expandability – SolarEdge systems are easy to scale up, allowing additional panels or energy storage solutions to be added later.
• Smart energy monitoring – The mySolarEdge monitoring system provides detailed data analytics, allowing users to track the performance of each panel individually, as well as overall energy production and consumption.

Disadvantages:

• Higher price category – SolarEdge systems tend to be more expensive than traditional inverters, as each panel requires a separate power optimizer.
• Works only with optimizers – Unlike standard string inverters, SolarEdge inverters are compatible only with their own power optimizers, meaning that panels cannot be connected directly to the inverter.

Summary

The ideal solar inverter depends on several factors, including system capacity, energy consumption needs, battery compatibility, and installation environment.

• Deye inverters offer a wide product range, flexible battery compatibility, and the ability to integrate multiple energy sources.
• Huawei inverters stand out with high efficiency and advanced safety technology, though they are limited to Huawei’s own LUNA2000 batteries.
• SolaX inverters provide excellent hybrid solutions and various battery storage options, but they are only compatible with SolaX batteries.
• SolarEdge inverters use power optimization technology to maximize efficiency, though they are more expensive and require SolarEdge optimizers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which solar inverter is the best choice?

The best solar inverter depends on your specific needs. If you need a hybrid solution with phase asymmetry, Deye or SolaX could be great options. If high efficiency and safety features are your priority, Huawei or SolarEdge may be the right choice. Consider factors like price, battery compatibility, and installation complexity before making a decision.

2. Why is power optimization important?

Power optimization ensures that solar panels operate at their highest efficiency, even in cases of partial shading or different tilt angles.

3. Which batteries are compatible with each inverter?

• • Deye: Compatible with a wide range of third-party low-voltage batteries.
  • Huawei: Only works with Huawei’s LUNA2000 batteries.
  • SolaX: Not compatible with third-party batteries but offers a variety of proprietary battery models.
  • SolarEdge: Supports SolarEdge Energy Bank batteries and some LG lithium-ion batteries.

4. What safety features should a good inverter have?

Modern inverters offer various safety features, such as:

• • AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) – Available in Huawei, Deye, SolaX, and SolarEdge inverters to help prevent electrical fires.
  • Overvoltage and overheating protection – Standard in all major inverter brands.
  • Automatic self-check and fault alerts – Inverters continuously monitor their condition and send notifications in case of faults (e.g., overheating, voltage fluctuations, power surges).
  • IP rating and weatherproofing – Outdoor installations require an IP65 or IP66-rated inverter for protection against dust and rain.

5. How can I monitor my inverter remotely?

Every modern inverter comes with a remote monitoring system that allows users to track energy production and consumption:

• • Deye: Mobile app and web platform
  • Huawei: FusionSolar mobile app and web platform
  • SolaX: SolaX Cloud mobile app and web platform
  • SolarEdge: mySolarEdge mobile app and web platform