In recent years, more Filipinos have shown interest in photovoltaic systems. The sun’s ability to provide energy for an entire household is a plus for the environment, with the sun being an accessible resource for a good period of the year.
| Solar Inverter Brand Philippines | Solar Inverter Price Philippines |
| 1. SMA Inverter | ₱55,864.50 |
| 2. Fronius Inverter | ₱84,522.99 |
| 3. SolarEdge Inverter | ₱70,389.27 |
| 4. Huawei Inverters | ₱64,746.96 |
| 5. SolaX Inverter | ₱47,913.86 |
| 6. SofarSolar Inverters | ₱50,724.97 |
| 7. Kehua Inverters | ₱63,350.34 |
| 8. Growatt Inverter | ₱50,724.97 |
| 9. Afore Inverter | ₱50,724.97 |
| 10. GoodWe Inverter | ₱63,350.34 |
| 11. Delta Inverter | ₱84,468.64 |
What types of inverters are there?
There are several types of PV inverters, and some basic information about them will help you identify the most suitable kind of inverter for your household.
1. String Inverters
The string inverter is the most common type of photovoltaic inverter, the simplest and the cheapest. Solar panel string (or strings) will be connected to a single inverter. The inverter will be mounted on an outside wall, usually next to the residence’s electrical panel. This type of inverter is widespread among solar PV systems and works great for most households.
A shortcoming of this type of inverter is that there is a risk that the solar panels will not be able to deliver the energy needed in an application. Since the panels in the string are connected in series, if one panel becomes shaded, dirty or simply fails, then the entire output of the whole string is diminished, usually to the level of the shaded (dirty) panel.
Thus, if the efficiency of one panel drops to 50% (for various reasons), the efficiency of the entire row of panels drops to 50%. As long as there is no risk of shading, the system is maintained in good condition, and you monitor the system’s performance, this type of inverter remains an inspired choice for many residential applications and beyond.
2. Micro-Inverters
Instead of using a single inverter for an entire system, each panel has its own micro-inverter. Usually the panels and micro-inverters are separate components, but they are also available as AC solar modules.
Installing a micro-inverter is usually more expensive, and since micro-inverters are attached directly to each panel on the roof, they are more exposed to the weather (especially compared to the string inverter, which mounts on the wall. If an inverter fails, you need a specialist to get on the roof to fix the problem.
Unlike a good quality string inverter, the micro-inverter can be less efficient individually. However, installing micro-inverters can also become 12% more efficient due to the lower impact of shading, panel tampering, etc. In addition, micro-inverters do not have the same disadvantages as string inverters.
If a panel breaks or becomes shaded, only the energy produced by that panel will be lost. At the same time, there is no risk of a DC connection causing a fire, since the micro-inverters provide AC.
If panel shading is risky, especially shading that appears and disappears during the day, choose micro-inverters. These are excellent solutions if you have an atypical roof on which several panels in a row will be difficult to mount, but also if you want more flexibility (anticipate that you will add more panels after a while).
3. Hybrid Inverters
Hybrid inverters are string inverters that can connect a storage battery to the solar PV system so the system will still work in the event of a voltage drop. Thus, a single unit will connect the panels and the battery. Lately, hybrid model prices have started dropping, being just as affordable as classic inverters.
If you install a solar PV system but have not chosen the battery model, we recommend that you be careful if you want a hybrid inverter. Compatibility between inverters and batteries is essential, not all models and brands are compatible. Because of the inverter brand, you don’t want to be restricted in your battery choice.
You can only choose a hybrid inverter without a battery if you are sure you will purchase a battery that will be available in the future. Otherwise, it may be difficult to find a battery compatible with the already purchased inverter.
If you are unsure whether you will use a battery in the future, we recommend you go for a string inverter or a micro-inverter and then solve the problem of installing the battery at the right time. The inverter can be replaced—some batteries have the inverter built in.
4. Battery Inverters
If you already have a solar system and are happy with your current inverter but want to add a storage battery instead of switching to a hybrid model, you can connect your battery through a battery inverter.
This type of inverter can convert stored energy into alternating current for household circuits but also provide solar energy to the battery for storage.
Some batteries are of the ‘all-in-one’ type and have a built-in AC inverter. If you have micro-inverters for the panels, to add battery, you will need either a battery inverter or an all-in-one battery.
What size inverter to choose?
The size of the inverter depends on the size of the solar panel. Measured in kilowatts (kW), inverter size refers to the maximum amount of generated solar energy the inverter can handle.
How to calculate inverter size
The maximum capacity of the inverter must be at least 75% of the capacity of the solar cell. In other words, the cell capacity can be up to 133% of the inverter capacity. For example, if you have a 6kw solar cell, the inverter must be able to manage a maximum of 6kw of energy and the simplest is to purchase a d 6kw inverter.
This is the basic principle, but in reality, a solar panel will rarely be able to generate maximum energy due to factors such as the amount of light, the age of the panels, the ambient temperature, etc. Thus, it will be possible to use a smaller inverter. A 4.5kw inverter can also be used for the 6kw solar cell at a lower price than the 6kw inverter.
Please note that if you want to maximize the size of the inverter, it will be difficult to add more solar panels in the future without adding a new inverter or installing a larger inverter than the original one. The inverter you install has various size limitations, such as other system components, local solar export to grid regulations, etc.
What criteria do you use when choosing a solar inverter?
As the supply of inverters is generous, we suggest you keep a few criteria in mind when looking at the options
1. Examine the frequency used by the inverters
Knowing the differences between various types of inverters and how they work is fundamental.
On-grid inverters
These inverters convert direct current to alternating current and have the ability to interface with the public electricity grid. Such an inverter can transmit unused solar energy to the grid and does not need a battery.
Off-grid inverters
Also known as a stand-alone inverter, this inverter converts direct current to alternating current from solar batteries and is typically capable of providing electricity to several residential and commercial applications.
Hybrid inverters
They transform direct current into discontinuous current and can be integrated in off-grid and network systems.
Inverters in series: These are common to residential applications.
1. Inverter rated power
Please note that you must consider the energy output resulting from the photovoltaic system. As mentioned before, if the solar photovoltaic system is 6kw, it is good that the solar inverter is also 6kw.
2. Analyze the efficiency of inverters
It is essential to examine the efficiency of different solar inverters. Be careful when selecting your solar inverter, as not all high-efficiency inverters will suit your application. An efficiency between 93% and 98% is adequate in most applications. Solar panels can experience energy losses, but these can be minimized with the most efficient solar inverter.
3. Consider the essential parameters
Solar inverters do not produce electricity but need certain parameters to work. Thus, it is necessary to analyze fundamental aspects such as output AV voltage, input DC voltage, frequency, and circuit. For example, the input and output voltages for a standard residential solar system should be 24 and 48 VDC, respectively.
4. Check out the additional accessories and trackers for solar inverters
All devices have a limited lifespan. Some solar inverters are equipped with chips or small devices that detect any incorrect operation. In the event of a malfunction, these devices will send important information to the installation company for prompt intervention.
You should check if the solar inverter provides optional monitoring components that allow you to track the solar system’s performance accurately. The monitoring device will tell you how much energy the system produces daily, monthly or annually. Some modern inverters may even have mobile apps to detect efficiency, system operation, and solar inverter.
5. Choose an inverter with great features
Most of the time, inverters are installed outside buildings. High temperatures increase the voltage for the photovoltaic system, while low temperatures decrease the voltage. Exceeding the maximum voltage may damage the inverter. Moreover, when the system voltage drops too much, there is a risk that the inverter will stop working.
Therefore, choosing a solar inverter with features that allow optimal operation even in adverse weather conditions is good. For example, a quality inverter will have a solid casing or technology that guarantees stable performance even during extreme weather events.
6. Check the cooling system of the inverter
A cooling system is required to prevent overheating. Because solar inverters are mounted on the outside of buildings, they can produce intense heat. Try to choose a solar inverter with the most efficient cooling system.
7. Information display mode
A quality solar inverter will have a display for essential indicators in operation, such as “on”, “off”, “stand-by” or information about the energy produced by the solar panels (how many hours of power it generates, the number of kW, etc.).
The display is usually LCD, but newer solar inverters can connect to your smartphone through the appropriate app. Thus, monitoring the performance of the inverter will be as simple as possible.
Indicator lights will usually signal if the system is operating normally or if a fault has occurred, or if the system is supplying power to the grid, etc. Check the display and indicators regularly (monthly, for example) to make sure there are no errors or warnings about possible malfunctions.
8. Warranty provided
The solar inverter is an electronic equipment with a limited lifespan. An inverter should work for at least 5 years (and at the end of the 5 years, it will have been worth the investment), but most inverters will work optimally for more than 10 years. Review the warranty offered. Most PV inverters have a shorter lifespan than solar panels.
A 10-year warranty is suitable in most situations. There are, however, manufacturers with the option to extend the warranty for a few more years, but you will cover additional costs. Most manufacturers will provide technical support if the installation company no longer exists.
Even if the inverter is out of warranty when it fails, it is not serious. The simple fact that it has worked for over 5 years is a plus. Even if you have to buy a new inverter, you will most likely be able to buy a more unique, more sophisticated model for the same price as the previous model.
9. The price of the inverter
It is your budget that influences the inverter model you purchase. Features, technology, and size affect the price of a photovoltaic inverter. For a good model, you will pay from PHP 36,318 upwards. Prices can be even lower than that, but PV inverters’ performance, durability, and features will be more limited.
A string inverter can cost from PHP 54,478 to PHP 80,000 and more, depending on the size and brand. The cost for a micro-inverter relies on the number of panels in the system and the energy produced. A micro-inverter can cost as much as PHP 15,000. Typically, a micro-inverter system will cost 20% more than an equivalent system with string inverters.
Hybrid inverters cost between PHP 54,478 and PHP 80,000, but some models exceed the price of PHP 15,000. If you are interested in battery inverters, we inform you that they will increase the installation cost by PHP 96,000 -PHP 186,000.
10. Gather information about the manufacturer
Some brands are better known than others. However, some are new, and there is little helpful information. Search for the brand and collect as much information as possible from the official websites. Read customer reviews, forum comments, and social media to help you discern your choices. A reliable company has a good reputation, positive feedback from customers, and offers a wide range of products and services.
Will the solar inverter work during a power outage?
Most solar systems are designed to shut down during a power outage. If you’re willing to pay more, you can purchase an inverter to power your home during power outages.
Most solar residences are also connected to the standard electricity grid. In such situations, the inverter must protect islanding. During a blackout, the grid must be protected from islands of electricity generation (such as solar panels) that can unexpectedly produce power in the lines.
The simplest way for an inverter to provide anti-islanding protection is to shut down completely. Thus, when the inverter detects a power outage from the grid, it will shut down entirely and there will be no power in the whole house. The solar panels may still produce energy, but they are being wasted.
Hybrid inverters can provide anti-islanding protection during a power outage, but also keep power flowing from your solar panels (and your battery, if you have one) into your home’s circuits. The price for such a system is quite high, as these inverters are usually more expensive. Also, you’ll need more solar panels and a bigger battery to power your home for a few hours during a power outage.
I recommend allowing power supply only for essential circuits in such situations, such as the refrigerator, a few lighting installations. This modification involves more wiring and, of course, higher costs.
Where should a solar inverter be installed?
If the inverter cannot be mounted in a shaded area, it is recommended to install a shading solution. There are special shading systems for solar inverters. In some situations, waterproofing will be required.
Also, consider the safety aspect of PV inverters. String inverters can be a target for theft if placed in exposed areas. Theft is rare but not impossible. Installing behind a fence or a lockable gate is an excellent option. There are inverter models with built-in anti-theft devices.
Familiarize yourself with the purchased photovoltaic inverter!
After installation, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the inverter as much as possible. As a rule, it comes with a display with lights. Find out what each of them indicates.
Whether you opt for smart monitoring via the app or by visually inspecting the inverter’s indicator panel, check the PV system occasionally. If you detect problems early, you can adjust the electricity consumption to maximize the energy provided by the photovoltaic system.
You don’t want to find out from your current bill that the photovoltaic system is performing worse than it should and that you used the energy from the public grid instead of the solar one!
Many inverters come with sophisticated monitoring options. Monitoring is usually done by connecting the home router via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. System performance is connected and can be accessed through an app or website. Thus, you can follow how the system operates during the day and the seasons, monitor the energy supplied to the network, etc.
Please note that if the inverter brand no longer exists, there is a risk that system monitoring will no longer be possible. Here’s one more reason to buy photovoltaic inverters from reputable manufacturers.
If the inverter does not have Smart monitoring function, you can pay for an additional monitoring system. These systems may include service charges but will provide full reports on the PV system’s performance. Many homeowners lose interest in regular solar system monitoring after a few months. That is why hiring companies specialized in monitoring photovoltaic systems is recommended.
If the inverter is connected to the Internet, ensure your network is protected with passwords and encryption. Consult the inverter manufacturer’s manual to make internet connections as secure as possible.
What problems can photovoltaic inverters develop?
Most of the customers who have inverters that have failed choose to replace the inverters with new ones. Most problems (more than 80%) occur with inverters in the first five years of use (when inverters are under warranty anyway). More than 90% of failed inverters are replaced within the first 9 years of use.