Like a human heart, a solar inverter has to work relentlessly or the whole system will stall. No doubt it is worth making some extra effort to pick the right model to ensure your system’s longevity. Read on to discover all the different types of solar inverters and learn how to make the right choice.
Solar inverters convert the DC current generated by your photovoltaic system into AC current. This step is a necessary because most household appliances operate an AC current. Solar inverters play a vital role by capturing and communing the energy from the sun.
It is important to note that the conversion of DC to AC current is not the only function of solar inverters. Many advanced models also act as the brains of the system. They monitor and analyze the performance of different parts of the photovoltaic systems, including photovoltaic panels, batteries and even electric car chargers. This allows users to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and expedite problem detection and maintenance.
The solar inverter is the most vulnerable part of your solar system. If any other device fails,
Such as a battery or charge controller, the system will likely continue to generate electricity. However, if the inverter stops working, the entire solar system will become unusable, even if all other components are functioning properly.
On-grid Inverters can mainly be divided into two categories: string inverter and Micro inverters. Here we will focus on string inverters.
If you want to set up a photovoltaic system, and avoid extra cost, using the net meter can help you to get your investment back sooner. For this reason, a traditional string inverter is the best choice, particularly in areas with no shading or frequent blackouts.
The two most important parameters to consider when selecting an on-grid inverter are DC input and AC input. First, it is recommended that the max PV power is about twice the rated power. The DC input voltage of single-phase inverters is typically up to 600V, and three-phase is up to 1100V. String inverters should take in to account the condition of local rooftop’s when being used in applications. In some sparsely populated developed countries, the rooftop area is large and has at least three orientations or more. Under these conditions there are at least two requirements for inverters. The first is the local absolute maximum and minimum temperature and the VOC of photovoltaic panels to calculate the numbers of Photovoltaic panels for the inverter’s MPPT to enter the working state. The wider the range the better it is. 80-580V is the most efficient range. The second is the MPPTs and the numbers of strings per MPPT. The lager the number the better it is. This allows the inverter to adapt to complicated rooftops.
There are two currents that we need to pay close attention to, Maximum input current and maximum short circuit current. DC input current determines how much electrical energy the inverters can capture which will be convert to AC electricity. In some areas with sufficient sunlight, the irradiance that photovoltaic panels receive from sunlight can greatly exceed the SOC standard, resulting in greater Imp and VOC than the SOC or NOCT standard. This condition is very common in places with sufficient sunlight during the daytime. If the inverter’s maximum DC input current is 14A, a significant amount of electrical energy will be wasted. The maximum short circuit current also needs to be taken into consideration. Some countries have standards which need to be met, such as 1.25*PV Panel Isc≤PCE（Inverter）DC input Isc. If the inverters are not in compliance with the standard, the inverters may not be allowed to be installed.
The parameters mentioned previously are the advantages we want. Now let’s focus on the AC output and what we should pay attention to.
On the AC side, we need to check the rated power and maximum power that can be outputted. Generally, the ratio is 1:1, meaning if your inverter can generate 6kw per hour, the AC output will also be 6kw per hour.
However, it is important to note that we cannot always fully output all the electrical energy we generate due to losses in the middle process. There are many details to pay attention on the AC side output. The voltage and frequency of the AC side will be set to be adjustable, but there are some countries where there is a certain voltage instability. High and low AC side voltage and different frequency conversion will challenge the installation and debugging of the inverters. If the inverter does not have a button screen, it can be difficult for installers to adjust and maintain it, which can be a waste of labor costs.
Thus, the quality of the AC output terminal is crucial. Although it can withstand UV radiation, high temperature, and humidity, it can still perform well under high voltage pressure, which is the sign of good quality.
Someone might ask how to distinguish which inverter is better than others even if the parameters look the same.
This is the purpose of this article, as having many inverters can be overwhelming to choose from. In actual cases, we found Each Energy’s inverters not only have sleek appearance, but also have the most convenient installation process, with a LCD screen and four buttons to achieve adjustment.
Super low start up voltage and shut down voltage can save lots of time for commissioning and testing. On the DC side and AC side, Each Energy has exceptional performance.
Those who bought it with a try mentality have become fans. The max DC input current is 18A, the max short circuit current is 22A, MPPT voltage range is 80-580 for single-phase, 100-1080V for three-phase. 3 pieces of photovoltaic panels will start up the inverter. Multi MPPTs, mostly 2+2 or 2+2+2, can be suitable to different types of rooftops, saving your cost and improving your return on your investment. The AC output voltage can be adjusted to 180-300V, compatible with grids of most countries across the world. Additionally, the AC output voltage as low as 75V and as high as 350V, super low limit and high limit which shows its high quality!
Of course, understandably the thing most consumers are concerned about is the price, and you may assume that such a perfect inverter would be expensive. On the contrary, Each Energy’s inverter is reasonably priced and comes with a 10-year warranty, making it the most cost-effective brand of inverters on the market.
The main function of the photovoltaic inverter is to realize the conversion of electrical energy, converting the direct current generated by photovoltaic modules into alternating current for grid transmission and user use. From the perspective of application scenarios, microinverters are usually suitable for distributed power generation systems and are often used in residential rooftops and industrial and commercial rooftops.
Due to the early development of household distributed photovoltaic power generation markets in Europe and the United States and the impact of mandatory regulations on DC high-voltage risks, so the solar inverters in Europe and those USA made inverters account for about 70% of the global micro-inverter market.
This article will introduce you to the top 10 solar inverter best brands in USA, namly Enphase, Generac, TYCORUN, SolarEdge, SMA, Sol-Ark, Fronius Solar Energy, First Solar, NEP, EPC Power.
Established date
2006
Global headquarter
Fremont, California
Company website
enphase.com
Enphase, founded in 2006, was the first company of top 5 home energy storage manufacturers to successfully commercialize solar microinverters by converting DC power generated by solar panels into AC power.
Enphase's products are primarily microinverters, and its home energy storage systems received the first UL certification, while Enphase's energy storage systems are safe and effective due to the use of LFP battery, which provide higher current ratings, long cycle life, and excellent thermal stability.
The company has shipped approximately 68 million microinverters, and approximately 3.5 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 145 countries. In recent years, Enphase has integrated most AC home backup generators to further extend battery life and system capabilities.
And it has contracted with Green Mountain Power (GMP) to provide residential battery storage systems for GMP's Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program.
Established date
1959
Global headquarter
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Company website
www.generac.com
Founded in 1959, Generac was the first to engineer affordable home standby generators, along with the first engine developed specifically for the rigors of generator use, and is now one of the top manufacturer of home backup generators. Generac manufactures the widest range of power products in the marketplace including portable, residential, commercial and industrial generators.
It is also the leading designer and manufacturer of manual and fully automatic transfer switches and accessories for backup power applications up to 2 MW. Generac's modular power system, PWRcell, can be used for both household and commercial applications. Its new micro inverter is also entering the solar energy storage market.
The cost of both storage systems is comparable for most homes, but Generac can offer homeowners the flexibility and customization to fit their home energy storage systems. And in the future, Generac will expand into the clean energy market and continue to launch new products to help customers manage their home electricity use with off grid solar batteries and solar power.
At the same time, Generac will enter into a strategic partnership with U.S. residential solar developer Sunnova Energy to provide Generac with energy storage systems as well as backup home generators, microinverters and load managers.
Established date
2017
Global headquarter
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Company website
www.tycorun.com
TYCORUN is a high-tech lithium ion 18650 battery and inverter manufacturing company that provides reliable and safe customized solutions for special lithium battery systems and lithium battery products for global users.
TYCORUN 3000w inverter pure sine wave delivers outstanding performance for back-up power and off-grid system, which is widely used in emergencies or household. The advanced pure sine wave technology provide cleaner, smoother and more reliable power for sensitive equipment without any interference. Brilliant design using top electronic materials makes it safe, stable with long service life. For further details, you can click the links below for product information:
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As one of the best solar inverter brands in USA, TYCORUN's full series of inverters comply with ETL safety regulations and have passed various certifications such as UL458, PSE, CE, FCC, UKCE, etc., which guarantees the product safety.
The inverters have all come with voltage stabilization function, supports fast charging, and has low no-load current (0.6A), with LCD LED display, which can detect voltage, power and other values in real time with an accuracy of 98%, which is at the leading level in the industry.
Established date
2006
Global headquarter
Delaware, United States
Company website
www.solaredge.com
Founded in 2006, SolarEdge is a global leader in high-performance smart energy technology and one of the best brands of solar inverter made in USA. By leveraging world-class engineering capabilities and with a relentless focus on innovation, SolarEdge's intelligently optimized inverter solutions have made it a top inverter company by revenue for 4 consecutive years.
SolarEdge addresses a broad range of energy market segments through PV, energy storage, EV charging, power wheels battery, electrical vehicles and grid services solutions. The SolarEdge DC-coupled architecture maximizes PV power generation, solar energy storage and self-consumption, lowering the overall cost of energy produced by PV systems.
Established date
1981
Global headquarter
Niestetal, Germany
Company website
www.sma-china.com
SMA is the world's leading provider of solar system solutions and services and one of the best solar inverter brands in Germany. It was founded in 1981 and went public in 2008. Since its establishment, SMA has been at the forefront of the industry with its breakthrough inverter technology and more than 1,700 patents, organically combining photovoltaics with energy storage, electronic mobility and other categories and integrating them into the entire system.
SMA's products include solar inverters, total solutions for solar and energy storage systems for different power levels, smart energy management systems, and charging solutions for electric vehicles and green hydrogen production applications. To date, the company has more than 120GW of inverter installed capacity, and its products have been successfully applied in more than 190 countries around the world.
Established date
2013
Global headquarter
Plano, Texas, United States
Company website
www.sol-ark.com
Sol-Ark is a is a solar and energy storage technology firm founded in 2013. As a global energy technology company with over 6 generations of hybrid inverters, powered by a vast ecosystem comprising thousands of distributors, installers, EPCs, integrators, and battery manufacturers, Sol-Ark is transforming energy resilience for homes and businesses.
Its products are applied on various field such as telecommunications, retail, big tech, and restaurants. Sol-Ark energy storage inverters can ship thousands of units a month, mainly for the North American market.
Sol-Ark hybrid inverter/chargers are the choice of utilities for demand response, integrators like Beam Global for charging stations, the Navajo Nation for self-reliance, C-level executives, HNW individuals demanding extra power security for large estates, hospitals, banks, clinics, IT server rooms, military, government, as well as thousands of homeowners.
Established date
1992
Global headquarter
Pettenbach, Austria
Company website
froniusinverters.com
Fronius International is an Austrian manufacturer with a long history behind its back. The company was founded in 1945 in Pettenbach. It was specialised in welding, photovoltaics and battery charging technology.
The company entered the solar market in 1992 and made their first solar inverter “Sunrise” in 1995. By now Fronius has been making solar inverters for sale for more than 30 years. Their products are known for great performance and high reliability and are suitable both for residential and commercial use.
Fronius inverters are known to be high quality. The manufacturer always makes sure that its product is ready for the extreme weather conditions. Every Fronius inverter undergoes at least 13 extensive endurance tests. All models have to be able to endure high temperatures, freezing, humidity, dust and dirt.
Other advantages of Fronius inverters include easy installation and high production levels. The efficiency of Austrian inverters varies around 96%-98% which means that almost no energy is lost in the process.
Established date
1999
Global headquarter
Tempe, Arizona
Company website
www.firstsolar.com
First Solar is one of the world's leading solar photovoltaic module manufacturers, with production bases for inverter made in USA, Malaysia and Germany. By 2009, the company's production capacity had exceeded 1 gigawatt peak (GWp). At the same time, First Solar is also the world's most important manufacturer of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film photovoltaic modules.
First Solar was established in Tempe, Arizona in 1999. Since 2002, FirstSolar has been involved in the photovoltaic module business. In 2005, the company's annual production rate reached 25 megawatt peak (MWp).
And the company continued to expand, adding a new production line in Perrysburg, Ohio, and setting up four production lines in Germany. In the United States, First Solar cooperates with SolarCity to provide SolarCity with photovoltaic modules with an annual output of 100 megawatts of solar energy.
At present, First Solar has successfully established several partnerships around the world, including EDF EnergieNouvelles, Sechilienne-Sidec, Rio Energie, Sun Edison, Juwi Solar GmbH, Phoenix SolarAG, etc. Earlier this year, First Solar announced that it will build its fifth module factory for inverter made in USA, with an investment of US$5.11 billion and an annual production capacity of 3.5GW.
It is reported that the plant will be put into operation in 2026 and will help the company achieve the goal of a total capacity of 14GW in the United States and a total capacity of 25GW globally. The facility will produce First Solar's Series 7 modules, which can be produced using 100% domestic parts certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Domestic Materials Use Guidelines.
Established date
2009
Global headquarter
California, Pleasanton
Company website
northernep.com
Northern Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd., (NEP) is a high-tech enterprise engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and sales of component-level power electronics technologies and products such as photovoltaic inverters and rapid shutdown devices.
As a brand of USA made inverters, it’s headquartered in America, have a branch in Japan and factories in Thailand. R&D centers are in the United States, Suzhou and Qingdao, China. The sales team is located in China, the United States, Latin America, South America, and Europe.
NEP has more than 10 years of history in developing advanced component-level energy conversion solutions. With partners and users in residential, commercial and industrial sectors around the world, NEP has supplied more than 500,000 units of its leading microinverters to customers in more than 35 countries.
NEP's microinverter product has an MTTP tracking efficiency of 99.9% and a CEC weighted average efficiency of 96.5%. It has built-in GFDI, and surge protection, and the installation is simple and convenient. Built-in PLC and Wifi communication methods enable it to be applied for all types of photovoltaic systems.
And it also supports real-time control of the operating status of the power station, accurate to every minute data, automatic high temperature warning, automatic fault warning, and precise location of fault points.
Established date
2010
Global headquarter
San Diego County, California
Company website
www.epcpower.com
Founded in 2010, EPC Power is headquartered in San Diego County, California and has become the premier utility-scale manufacturer of USA made inverters in North America. The company continues to expand rapidly, with major multinational corporations brand-labeling its products. EPC continues to grow at a rapid rate due to its commitment of designing every detail of its own products, and self-manufacturing these USA made inverters.
To support growing global demand, EPC has opened an engineering and sales branch in Helsinki, Finland. EPC’s main product lines include the 1 MW - 6 MW CAB1000 for utility grade applications and 250 kW - 500 kW Power Drawer for business and facility applications.
EPC’s solutions are fully scalable and have been deployed at 100+ MW sites. EPC Power has been producing inverters at its headquarters in Poway, California, and has opened a new factory in Greenville, South Carolina, in late 2022.
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