Which solar inverter is best?

CNET experts have compared the most popular solar inverters' specs, warranties, prices and more. The SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter is our top pick in 2024. It was the most efficient inverter we looked at, letting you use a larger percentage of the energy your solar panels generate. This translates to less and more power to use around the house.

Does a solar inverter save energy?

Not all the electricity generated from your solar panels makes it to your appliances. Solar panels capture direct current (DC) electricity, and inverters convert that to alternating current (AC) electricity for your home. Some thermal energy is lost in conversion, but an efficient inverter loses less energy.

How efficient is a solar inverter?

These days, most inverters are 96% to 99% efficient. The minimum and maximum voltages (expressed in DC) provide a voltage level range at which your system can input solar energy from your panels to your inverter. The wider the range, the better your inverter can perform in more extreme conditions.

How to choose a solar inverter?

The higher the energy loss, the lower the efficiency rating. Look for solar inverters with high efficiency ratings between 96% and 99%. Depending on the type, solar inverters will match either your system size or your panel size. The string inverters’ maximum output capacity should match your system size.

Are Micro solar inverters a good choice?

Despite the slightly higher cost, micros are becoming more popular worldwide due to several advantages over string solar inverters. While this review focuses on common string solar inverters, we would rank microinverters, such as those from Enphase, in the top 3 solar inverters and are highly recommended.

What is a microinverter solar panel?

Microinverters, or micros, are very small solar inverters attached directly to individual solar panels. Since each microinverter and panel operate independently, they are an excellent option for complex roof layouts and locations with shading.