Solar PV Inverter Buyer's Guide 2025
Solar PV Inverter Buyer's Guide
Solar PV Inverter Buyer’s Guide
Solar PV inverters need to do more than ever before. Solar PV inverters must interact with the grid (UL ), offer more options to meet rapid shutdown (UL ), and ease the inclusion of battery storage. The Solar PV Inverter Buyer’s Guide showcases all of that and more — from microinverters to large-scale string inverters. We asked every inverter manufacturer what’s new in the lineup this year, and what their domestic manufacturing plans are. Those answers are below, followed by a full product lineup for each company, complete with spec sheets.
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Microinverter market
At Intersolar North America , Hoymiles unveiled the new MiS Series of microinverter — its lightest, most efficient microinverter yet. Hoymiles’ fourth-generation MiS microinverter will be available later this year and is rated at 97.5% efficiency. Customers can choose from a range of options (from 350 to 1,000 VA peak output power) and expect to boost their energy returns significantly.
APsystems has recently extended its standard warranty to 25 years for its DS3 and QT2 microinverters, emphasizing confidence in product durability and long-term performance. This update aligns with industry trends toward extended warranties, providing added assurance for installers and system owners. In addition, APsystems has been ranked No. 2 globally for inverter bankability by Sinovoltaics for two consecutive quarters. Domestic manufacturing plans: APsystems is in the process of establishing U.S. manufacturing, with plans to begin producing domestic content in late Q3.
Enphase began manufacturing select IQ8 Series Microinverters in the United States in , with facilities in South Carolina and Texas capable of producing 20 million microinverters annually. The company currently manufactures the following residential IQ8 Microinverters products domestically with specific SKUs: IQ8X, IQ8HC, IQ8MC, IQ8AC, and IQ8+. The commercial microinverter, IQ8P-3P, is also produced in the U.S. with specific SKUs. In September, Enphase began producing IQ8X, IQ8HC, and IQ8P-3P Microinverters containing more U.S.-made components, including PCBA, electrical parts, and enclosure.
Hybrids for home
Fronius USA has been steadily expanding its product portfolio to address the evolving demands of the solar industry and the increasing need for energy storage solutions among homeowners nationwide. With the recent establishment of a dedicated research and development team in the United States, the company is further strengthening its focus on U.S. solar technologies. This strategic investment enables Fronius to develop advanced solutions that meet today’s evolving energy challenges while supporting their long-term vision of 24 Hours of Sun. Domestic manufacturing plans: While the majority of its solar solutions are engineered and manufactured in Austria and parts of Europe, Fronius USA products are compliant in accordance with the BAA (Buy American Act).
The Tigo EI Inverter is the centerpiece of the Tigo Energy Intelligence (EI) Residential Solution. The EI Inverter orchestrates energy production and consumption (when coupled with the Tigo EI Battery). In addition, it enables module-level monitoring, optimization, and rapid shutdown when paired with Tigo TS4 MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) through the EI platform.
Schneider Home is an all-in-one home energy management solution. It is the first integrated solution combining energy production, smart home automation, monitoring and control, all managed with one app. The system is modular and expandable, allowing homeowners to purchase according to their needs. In addition to the hybrid inverter, this offering includes a smart electrical panel and home battery.
C&I & Large-scale (with some home hybrids)
With more than 10 GWs of 3-phase string inverters installed across 20,000+ sites nationwide, CPS America continues to solidify its position as the No. 1 market shareholder for 3-phase string inverters in the United States. CPS’s new product launches include the cutting-edge 250 kW-600V inverter, the high power 350 kW-800V inverter for utility-scale applications, single-phase hybrid inverters and batteries, as well as the new Gonzo 62.5/125 kW-261 kWh C&I Energy Storage System. CPS is also expanding operations into the Canada and Latin America markets.
Solis is the world’s third largest string inverter manufacturer and rated BNEF Tier 1 supplier to homes, commercial businesses and utility-scale projects. In , Solis is adding a new, 200A pass-thru integrated 48V split-phase energy storage inverter as well as a 30-60 kW commercial hybrid energy storage inverter. Domestic manufacturing plans: No, Solis products will continued to be manufactured in the fully automated plant in China and Vietnam so not to impact product quality and reliability.
Suggested reading:Solar Energy for Businesses: The Pros & Cons
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Jiwei.
Sol-Ark has launched a 3-Stage Battery Partner Program to ensure seamless UL closed-loop communication for enhanced system efficiency and safety. Domestic manufacturing: Sol-Ark assembles inverters at its Allen, Texas, facility, reinforcing its commitment to domestic manufacturing. Technical support is provided 7 days/week in English, French, and Spanish.
SMA is known for its quality solar inverters, and over the past two years it has expanded that expertise into offering a complete renewable solution including energy storage, management and connected, innovative technology. Since its founding, SMA has always prioritized the customer, a commitment that is now more evident than ever with the launch of these seamless, integrated and comprehensive renewable energy solutions. Domestic manufacturing plans: The U.S. remains a key growth market for SMA, and the organization continues to assess the feasibility of establishing a contract manufacturing facility for residential and commercial solutions, while also exploring strategic U.S.-based manufacturing partnerships to support large-scale energy systems in the utility sector.
To aid solar companies that want to pursue the IRS domestic content bonus credit, SolarEdge Technologies and Enstall (the parent company of racking suppliers PanelClaw, IronRidge, EcoFasten) have aligned announced a partnership with CPA firm Novogradac & Company LLP and Crux to simplify the compliance process and provide a direct pathway to monetizing tax credits. The companies say they are combining due diligence, compliance validation, and tax credit monetization into a unified process.
Siemens supports utility-scale solar, community solar and energy storage in the United States with Central and Virtual Central (string inverter based) solutions. Siemens has deployed more than 5 GW of inverters in the United States in the past three years and has a network of Field Service resources nationwide. In addition, Siemens operates a Green Technologies customer experience center in San Antonio, Texas where clients can receive factory certified hands-on training on both Central and String inverter solutions. Domestic manufacturing plans: Siemens commenced manufacturing Utility String inverters with ratings from 125-155 kW at 600Vac in the U.S. in under the KACO brand which is a fully owned Siemens subsidiary
Solar inverters from A to Z
- Distributors: CED Greentech, Krannich, Soligent, Sonepar, Wesco, Fortune Energy, EDGES, iSolar Brokers, RENVU, Crescent Electric, ECO Distributing, Enertech, French Gerleman, GenPro, Ontility, Solar Wholesale, The Power Store, Van Meter, VP Supply, UMA Solar, and Wholesale Electric
- usa.apsystems.com
- www.enphase.com/installers/microinverters
- www.enphase.com/store
- Distributors: Krannich Solar, BayWa r.e., The Powerstore
- www.fronius.com
us.goodwe.com | On-demand Webinar: GoodWe’s residential and C&I ESS Solutions
Hoymiles website
- address:
- Website: www.morningstarcorp.com
- Distributors: CED, REXEL, CPS (Chint Power Systems), Solwel
- northernep.com
For more info:
- Distributors: Authorized Distributors
- address:
- Website: www.sma-america.com
- Distributors to purchase through
- solar.schneider-electric.com/
Solis website | Solis Inverter On-Demand Webinar
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Off-grid inverter.
- Distributors: CED Greentech, Soligent, City Electric Supply, AEE, Krannich, Beacon, The PowerStore, GenPro energy solutions, Zonna Energy, Inter-Island, R&R, BayWa, AltE store, Northern Arizona Wind & Sun, Renvu, Multi Batteries, Warren, HES, Sentinel, Solar Solutions, & more
- www.sol-ark.com
- address:
- Website: www.solaredge.com/us
- The Pitch: How Pure Signal Reduces Cross Talk
- Distributors
- Website: https://www.tigoenergy.com/product/ei-inverter
Which inverter to choose. | DIY Solar Power Forum
I am looking for a inverter / parallel inverters. I do not currently know my watt usage as we are building our house so it will grow as it becomes more and more of a finished full time house. The house is fully off grid.
I would Ideally like to power a standard 200amp electrical panel like a normal house.
In terms of batteries and solar panels I figured they will build up over time as I believe it would be extremely costly to fet everything all at once. So I would like to get the proper inverter now that will handle all future loads. I also have a 5kw wind turbine to add to the system.
I have been looking at the sungold and the EG4 18pv, Amongst others.
Part of my problem is I am in canada and most of the inverters seems to be shipping out of the US. I am worried about being hit with large custom fees and tax.
TL:DR - Where is a good spot to buy inverters in canada and what inverter setup would be good to supply a 200amp panel like a normal house. I'm off-grid w/grid assist.
I use 2 x 12,000w 'independent' AIMS and SGP (dumb) inverters -> ATSs -> home circuits. This gives me 24,000w = 100a @ 240v. I did this because buying a 24,000w or larger inverter just wasn't available 6 years ago when I did this at a reasonable price. At 240v@100a it's possible to overload with dryer + cooktop + heat-pump (heat + water) + oven + regular and then some larger shop tools.... such as a stone saw, table saw, maybe both in practice it works and we've not overloaded.
So I'd say look over you're overall 'critical circuit list' and get a handle on what you need. For us, we left out the hot-tub and about 30% of secondary 120v circuits (dishwasher for example) from the 'critical list' and found that 24,000w works. In a dire emergency, I can wire in the 30% circuits at the main panel and we could serialize use. I also use an MTS at the main panel that let's me alter the overall load on the inverters just by flipping switches - e.g. I can take the dryer (w) off the critical circuits list by flipping a switch to give breathing room for a heavy shop tools for a while.
But to apply 24,000w I had to 1) I had to separate circuits between the 2 x 12,000w dumb inverters to balance things out and 2) wire in several ATSs.
If you can get a single unit like Sol-Ark or EG4 and it can handle 'most of you're regular needs' then I'd consider that as simpler than multiple inverters. Some units let you parallel them to reach 24,000w+ levels such as Schneider or even cheaper MPP Solar etc.... For example, for 240v/120v US split-phase you can do this kind of thing - https://www.mppsolar.com/v3/lvx/ - to get closer to 48,000w. Not pushing MPP Solar, just sharing the concept....
So I have done a fair amount of looking and it just leads me to more confusion. So I am hoping someone can help guide me in the right direction.Hello- I'm new to this forum as of today- I read your post and you mention you are in Canada as am I. I have been researching inverters and batteries for my grid tied new project and I have been learning you have to careful what you purchase. I will need to pass an electrical inspection for my project and I have learned all my components must be CSA & UL approved to start with. There are other certifications also. That goes right down to the racks that hold your solar panels, wiring etc.
I am looking for a inverter / parallel inverters. I do not currently know my watt usage as we are building our house so it will grow as it becomes more and more of a finished full time house. The house is fully off grid.
I would Ideally like to power a standard 200amp electrical panel like a normal house.
In terms of batteries and solar panels I figured they will build up over time as I believe it would be extremely costly to fet everything all at once. So I would like to get the proper inverter now that will handle all future loads. I also have a 5kw wind turbine to add to the system.
I have been looking at the sungold and the EG4 18pv, Amongst others.
Part of my problem is I am in canada and most of the inverters seems to be shipping out of the US. I am worried about being hit with large custom fees and tax.
TL:DR - Where is a good spot to buy inverters in canada and what inverter setup would be good to supply a 200amp panel like a normal house.
I have been researching inverters and I have found so far the Sol-Ark 15K does meet Canadian requirements. The EG4 18KPV is made by Luxpower and there are different versions of essentially the same inverter with different badging. The Luxpower LXP-LB-12K is CSA & UL certified & has almost the same specs as the EG4 18KPV. I am currently researching to see if the EG4 18KPV is CSA approved. I think it is between the Sol-Ark and the Luxpower for me at this stage.
So far in my travels the best deal I have come across is https://solarpowerstore.ca/ They have sent me a 3% discount code on my first order and offer free shipping in Canada for orders over $. I am not associated with them nor do I have any idea how they are to work with as I am waiting for my research to conclude before I order.
Also note if you're adding batteries to your system they cannot be stored in your house. You can store batteries in your garage up to 20Kwh. Any more and then you need a separate shed/building so many feet away from your house as per the Canadian fire code.
Battery Canadian electrical code rule:
64-918 Location and separation requirements for energy storage systems
4) Energy storage systems with a storage capacity greater than 1kWh or utilizing lithium-ion batteries shall not be installed in
a) dwelling units; and
b)any living space of a residential occupancy including clothes closets, storage rooms.
5) Energy storage systems installed outside of a dwelling unit shall not be installed within 1m of any window, door, or ventilation opening.
6) Notwithstanding subrule 4), residential use energy storage systems shall be permitted to be installed in garages of dwelling units, provided that the
a) storage capacity of any single energy storage system does not exceed 20 kWh; or
b) aggregate storage capacity of multiple energy storage systems does not exceed 40 kWh and the energy storage systems are spaced not less than 1m apart.
7) Energy storage systems
a) directly mounted to a building surface shall have
i) for a single energy storage system, a storage capacity not exceeding 20 kWh; and
ii) for multiple energy storage systems, a spacing of not less than 1m apart and an aggregate storage capacity not exceeding 40 kWh; or
b) installed in or on a detached garage, storage building, or free standing structure, shall have
i) for a single energy storage system, a storage capacity not exceeding 20 kWh; and
ii) for multiple energy storage systems, a spacing of not less than 1m from a dwelling unit and an aggregated storage capacity not exceeding 80 kWh.
Hello- I'm new to this forum as of today- I read your post and you mention you are in Canada as am I. I have been researching inverters and batteries for my grid tied new project and I have been learning you have to careful what you purchase. I will need to pass an electrical inspection for my project and I have learned all my components must be CSA & UL approved to start with. There are other certifications also. That goes right down to the racks that hold your solar panels, wiring etc.
I have been researching inverters and I have found so far the Sol-Ark 15K does meet Canadian requirements. The EG4 18KPV is made by Luxpower and there are different versions of essentially the same inverter with different badging. The Luxpower LXP-LB-12K is CSA & UL certified & has almost the same specs as the EG4 18KPV. I am currently researching to see if the EG4 18KPV is CSA approved. I think it is between the Sol-Ark and the Luxpower for me at this stage.
So far in my travels the best deal I have come across is https://solarpowerstore.ca/ They have sent me a 3% discount code on my first order and offer free shipping in Canada for orders over $. I am not associated with them nor do I have any idea how they are to work with as I am waiting for my research to conclude before I order.
Also note if you're adding batteries to your system they cannot be stored in your house. You can store batteries in your garage up to 20Kwh. Any more and then you need a separate shed/building so many feet away from your house as per the Canadian fire code.
Battery Canadian electrical code rule:
64-918 Location and separation requirements for energy storage systems
4) Energy storage systems with a storage capacity greater than 1kWh or utilizing lithium-ion batteries shall not be installed in
a) dwelling units; and
b)any living space of a residential occupancy including clothes closets, storage rooms.
5) Energy storage systems installed outside of a dwelling unit shall not be installed within 1m of any window, door, or ventilation opening.
6) Notwithstanding subrule 4), residential use energy storage systems shall be permitted to be installed in garages of dwelling units, provided that the
a) storage capacity of any single energy storage system does not exceed 20 kWh; or
b) aggregate storage capacity of multiple energy storage systems does not exceed 40 kWh and the energy storage systems are spaced not less than 1m apart.
7) Energy storage systems
a) directly mounted to a building surface shall have
i) for a single energy storage system, a storage capacity not exceeding 20 kWh; and
ii) for multiple energy storage systems, a spacing of not less than 1m apart and an aggregate storage capacity not exceeding 40 kWh; or
b) installed in or on a detached garage, storage building, or free standing structure, shall have
i) for a single energy storage system, a storage capacity not exceeding 20 kWh; and
ii) for multiple energy storage systems, a spacing of not less than 1m from a dwelling unit and an aggregated storage capacity not exceeding 80 kWh.
https://solarpowerstore.ca/ is something I have also run across in my travels and is pretty much the site that prompted me to write this question because it started talking about the Luxpower and Maple Leaf power walls and i thought to my self "oh great is this real? I haven't seen these brands talked about before"
Talking about the Canadian certifications is something too consider as well, luckily I am in an unorganized township so I can get away with some stuff not being ULC / CSA but obviously the closer I am to being 100% compliant the happier I will be.