A solar inverter, also called a regulator or solar converter, transforms the direct electric current produced by the solar panels into alternating current to allow the electricity to circulate and be consumed by the various devices you use daily, but also for lighting or heating.

It is part of your self-consumption solar energy production installation. Choosing a suitable solar inverter is essential because it impacts solar panels’ electricity production and performance.

Whether you opt for an installation connected to the network or for an off-grid and utterly independent system, the solar inverter is essential to convert the solar energy produced by the solar panels and thus use it daily. It takes the form of a metal box of different sizes depending on the type of inverter, in which we find different electronic components with a grid and a fan to prevent overheating.

Check Hybrid Solar Inverter Price on Shopee Philippines

Check Hybrid Solar Inverter Price on Shopee Philippines

How does a solar inverter work?

The solar inverter works permanently once it has been installed and programmed. It is part of the installation in addition to the solar panels and allows you to integrate storage batteries for your electricity production.

The inverter’s purpose is to optimize electricity production from a solar panel. To do this, it constantly analyzes the direct current emitted by the photovoltaic panels because it changes continuously depending on various factors, such as sunshine.

It converts this energy and then transforms it into the household current to supply the network and electrical appliances. It is also equipped with a microprocessor which makes it possible to ensure that the electric current produced complies with the standards imposed by the network manager.

In the Philippines, solar inverters produce a current of 220V, the voltage of most electrical appliances. It emits little noise, and its electromagnetic field is shallow. It is lower than that of an induction hob, for example.

What are the different types of Solar Inverters in the Philippines?

1. The micro-inverter

Also called a module inverter, the solar inverter is often set up and used for private homes. Small in size, it is installed directly behind each solar panel to transform direct electricity into alternating current.

Each panel, therefore, has its inverter and is independent, which allows optimal production even in the event of a breakdown and, therefore, greater scalability of the solar park. The counterpart: the after-sales service is more expensive because it requires climbing on the roof to intervene.

2. The central inverter

Like the string inverter, it is connected at the end of a series of photovoltaic panels. It is, however, more imposing and can manage several chains of panels. Its installation is preferred when the solar panel fleet begins to be necessary. It takes the form of a cabinet installed on the floor. It is particularly suitable for professional and industrial premises.

3. The battery inverter

Some solar inverter models incorporate a storage battery. They save excess electricity for use when needed.

4. String inverter

This type of inverter suits installations with different inclinations and/or orientations. In this configuration, it is preferable to use a string inverter, which ensures a field of modules with the same orientation. For example, if your home faces East-West, you can install one string inverter per side. Thus, one ensures electricity production in the morning, the other in the afternoon and evening.

String inverters can also replace a device in the event of a failure. Thus, they take over time to correct the problem, which can be very practical.

5. The hybrid inverter

The latest generation of an inverter, called “hybrid,” is intelligent. Depending on the settings, it can determine whether the electricity produced should be used immediately, stored in a battery, or injected into the network. The box can be connected to the generator to provide emergency power in case of a power cut.

Similarly, the hybrid inverter can manage the different energy sources to determine what type of electricity to use at what time. Therefore, he can choose between using the public electricity distribution network, the direct consumption of the production coming from the solar panels, or the electricity stored in batteries.

Hybrid solar inverters are very interesting to set up because they make it possible to manage production and consumption as intelligently as possible. It is then easier to make your solar installation profitable.

The Advantages of Solar Inverters Philippines

When installing a solar panel, the inverter provides several advantages:

1. It constantly adapts the output voltage of the photovoltaic panel to optimize energy production, thus limiting losses and saving money.

2. The solar inverter can be equipped with one or more batteries to store electricity and use it later, which is very useful in winter or in a shaded area.

3. It can save energy thanks to a “Stand-by” mode with which it sends signals every two seconds to detect the presence of a consumer.

4. It is self-contained and requires little maintenance. There are different solar inverters to adapt to all needs and constraints.

5. It ensures specific safety because it stops automatically in the event of an overload or a short circuit thanks to the “decoupling protection.”

How to choose a suitable solar inverter, and what are the prices in the Philippines?

You must choose an inverter according to several criteria, which will have an impact on its price:

Type

It is necessary to choose a type of inverter corresponding to your project, a micro-inverter will be, for example, more adapted in the event of shade cast because it makes it possible to optimize the production of each solar panel.

It’s rated power.

It is expressed in Volt-Amps (VA) or Watts (W). In practice, this is the maximum power that the inverter can deliver constantly. To define the rated power you need, you need to know the total power of the solar panels installed. It should be noted that the overload capacity of an inverter, that is, its capacity to withstand a high inrush current for a short period, is generally 1.5 times higher than its nominal power.

Its performance

It is expressed as a percentage and designates the quantity of direct current transformed into alternating current. The higher the efficiency, the more efficient the solar inverter will be and the less energy loss between the solar panel and the home grid. Some solar inverters have an efficiency greater than 95%.

The brand

There are several brands and different models on the market. An excellent solar inverter is generally between 20k PHP and 100k PHP, depending on the prices found on professional sites. It is possible to buy it alone or with the whole solar installation.

A solar inverter is generally guaranteed for five years. It is recommended to change it approximately every 15 years for optimum efficiency.

How to Install a Solar Inverter in the Philippines

The inverter for a solar panel is placed on a vertical support against a wall for example, at the same time as the installation of the solar panels. You have to choose your location carefully, according to several criteria:

1. It must be close to the solar panels, less than 10 meters away, to avoid energy loss and have optimal efficiency.

2. The ideal is to place it in a calm and clean place with little sunshine and humidity to increase its life because as with all electronic components, the sun and the rain accelerate wear.

3. The solar inverter must be easily accessible to facilitate its maintenance.
If some models know how to be discreet, aesthetics also comes into account when choosing a location.

Changing a Solar Inverter: Instructions for use

The inverter has a much shorter lifespan than solar panels. You will therefore need to change it several times. Here are some tips for doing so.

Is it Better to Repair the Solar Inverter or Replace it?

First, if your inverter fails, you must choose between repairing or replacing it. To answer this question, it is necessary to identify the origin of the breakdown to estimate the possibility of a repair and its cost.

You can call a technician, who will suggest you conduct some tests. He can move if these are insufficient to find where the fault is coming from. Depending on the nature of the problem with your inverter, repair may or may not be considered. The delivery of an estimate allows you to measure the amount.

If your inverter is over ten years old, repairing it may prove unprofitable because it will undoubtedly be necessary to change it fairly quickly.

On the other hand, if it is less than five years old and the amount of the repair is not too high, it is better to choose this option. In addition to being economical, it is a better solution for the environment.

Finally, don’t forget to check if your inverter is still under warranty. Most of the time, this lasts five years, but it can go up to 10 years for some installers. Depending on the nature of the breakdown, the warranty could cover the amount of the repairs to be made.

Can you change a Solar Inverter yourself?

To change an inverter, it is advisable to call on a technician, particularly a company that offers a breakdown service.

The inverter comprises electrical elements and is not trivial to touch. Trying to change it yourself can be risky if you do not have the necessary knowledge. Specialized companies take all the security precautions to protect you and your home: call on one of them.

How to change a solar inverter?

If your inverter cannot be repaired or you choose to replace it, you must call a specialized solar company or a solar installer in the Philippines.

You must then choose the inverter model to make the replacement. You can take the same if you wish, but it is not mandatory. Choosing one that is appropriately sized for your installation is essential.

In particular, it must be powerful enough to operate your electrical appliances. Its overload capacity must also be in line with your consumption habits. This is its ability to convert a higher current when needed. Once you have chosen the installer and model, you must make an appointment.

The solar inverter is an essential part of your photovoltaic installation. Different types exist, but they all make it possible to transform direct current into alternating current. Choose it according to your needs and maintain it properly to keep it as long as possible!

What is the difference between a central inverter and a string inverter

Central inverters are designed to manage the energy produced by all the solar panels in a photovoltaic system. In contrast, string inverters are designed to manage the energy produced by series-connected solar panels.

What if the inverter stops working?

If the inverter stops working, the solar energy produced by the solar panels cannot be used to power the electrical equipment in the house. In this case, the inverter must be replaced to restore solar energy production.

How to position the inverter correctly

The inverters must be installed and configured correctly to ensure the correct functioning of the photovoltaic system. The location of the inverter must be chosen to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures, and dust. Furthermore, the inverter must be correctly sized according to the power of the photovoltaic system and the capacity of the building’s electrical system.

Finally, choosing a high-quality inverter that can ensure the photovoltaic system’s reliable and long-term operation is important. Many inverter manufacturers are on the market, but not all offer the same quality and performance.

What is the mode of injection of the electric current?

In most dwellings, there is a single-phase current: the circulation of electricity in the network of the dwelling is carried out thanks to a single circuit. 

In other homes, the electrical installation may be three-phase, meaning the electricity circulates through 3 different networks. As the solar inverter is responsible for sending alternating current to your home, it must be adapted to your electrical installation. A distinction must be made between inverters designed for single-phase or three-phase.

How much power does your solar system need?

The choice of the nominal power of the inverter depends on the sizing of your solar installation, which depends on your electricity needs and your photovoltaic project. If it is possible to estimate the power you need, it is best to call on a professional to choose the most suitable inverter sizing for your situation.

What is the performance of the optimizer?

Inverter efficiency refers to the ratio of current output power to input power. This indicator shows the system’s efficiency: the higher it is, the more efficient the inverter. Expressed as a percentage, the manufacturer always puts forward the maximum efficiency of the device. 

In practice, this yield can vary depending on many elements (temperature, weather, etc.) and also depends on the type of inverter: optimizers make it possible, for example, to achieve the highest level of yield.

What is the lifespan of an inverter?

The lifespan of an inverter varies depending on the type of inverter installed. For a string inverter, the service life is about 10 years. Knowing that the lifespan of solar panels is 25 years on average, this type of inverter must be replaced 2 or even 3 times throughout the lifetime of your solar installation. 

For microinverters and optimizers, these are products that are generally guaranteed for 25 years. They can be used throughout the life of photovoltaic panels.

What does the service life of the inverter depend on?

It should be noted that certain elements can impact the longevity of the inverter for solar panels. A quality installation and good unit sizing ensure, for example, an optimal equipment lifespan. Similarly, the choice of equipment manufactured by a reputable brand is strongly recommended: robust materials and reliable technology can help extend the life of the device.

What features does the system offer?

The features offered by the system can also help you choose one inverter over another. Here, the monitoring of solar production is often in question. In this respect, micro-inverters and optimizers are much more interesting since they make monitoring the entire installation or each module possible.

The best solar inverters in the Philippines. Let’s go.

1. Enphase

Are you looking for the best (micro-)inverters currently on the market? Choose Enphase. The IQ7A and IQ7X models are true concentrates of technology and efficiency. They allow you to exploit the production potential of your solar panels fully.

In addition to being reliable, the Enphase IQ7A and IQ7X microinverters are ultra-compact: they measure only 21 cm in height to barely 18 cm wide. and weigh only 1.08 kg. Micro-inverters have an estimated lifespan of more than 50 years. They are making it the most durable inverter on the market!

Finally, note that with the S-Metered gateway, the microinverters communicate live with you enlighten application. You can thus follow the production of your solar installation at any time of the day.

2. SolarEdge Solar Inverter

Offers features close to what micro-inverters offer. It is not only efficient (its maximum efficiency is close to 100%), but also easy to install (thanks to its small size, you can install it almost anywhere). Is your roof shaded? Then add SolarEdge power optimizers to your string inverter. Result: Despite the shade, your photovoltaic installation can continue to produce optimally!

Its flagship product is the SUN2000 string inverter. A small digest of technology, it has many advantages:

• It is an intelligent inverter. In other words, adding a battery can upgrade your solar installation very easily. For example, in a few months or years. In addition, Huawei offers an undeniable advantage: the possibility of adding optimizers only on shaded solar panels (and not on all panels, as is usually the case);
• Unlike conventional string inverters equipped with a screen, the Huawei has an LED system, which increases the life of the inverter;
• Finally, you can follow each panel’s production and consumption thanks to the monitoring system and Huawei optimizers.

What about the warranty for these products?

The string inverter is guaranteed for ten years;
Optimizers are guaranteed for 25 years.

3. SMA Solar Inverter

SMA is a heavyweight in the photovoltaic inverter industry. Have you ever heard of the Sunny Boy string inverter? It is the flagship product of the SMA catalog and is well-known to professional installers.

The main advantage lies in the ShadeFix technology, which allows the inverter to manage shading. The Sunny Boy string inverter from SMA allows your solar installation to continue to generate electricity, even if a panel is shaded!

The Sunny Boy also enables unrestricted use of SMA’s automatic inverter monitoring service, SMA Smart Connected. For example, in the event of a malfunction or breakdown, the system informs you immediately. A new inverter is sent to the installer, who will replace the defective equipment. You can also access your solar installation’s production and performance data via the Sunny Portal platform.

4. Fronius Solar Inverter

With the Fronius PRIMO 3.0 photovoltaic inverter, you can use all the energy generated by the panels without connection problems and the use of bulky transformers. You will have guaranteed a constant flow of electricity without power drops or voltage fluctuations that could damage your equipment.

Furthermore, it allows you to monitor the connection operations to the local network through the PC or mobile phone. The connection is effortless, as you don’t need in-depth knowledge of electrical networks. In addition, the device’s design has been studied to place it both inside and outside the house.

Why buy the product?

SuperFlex system: The photovoltaic inverter benefits from the particular SuperFlex system, specifically designed to guarantee maximum flexibility during installation, a feature particularly appreciated among buyer reviews.

GMPP: GMPP is nothing more than a system designed to offer a constant flow of electricity when the inverter operates. This will allow you not to have power surges, also reducing consumption.

SanInverter Design: Besides being particularly easy to install, the inverter benefits from the SanInverter Design, which offers simple and fast maintenance.

DC switch: To guarantee you a higher level of safety, a DC switch has been installed, which will safeguard the integrity of your electrical equipment, as you can manually control the current flow.

Integrated WLAN: A WLAN connection system has been integrated inside the inverter. This way, you can immediately monitor all data relating to your electrical network, such as power supply and voltage level.

Double installation system: The photovoltaic inverter is divided into two parts, one containing the various cables to be connected and the other containing the power supply system. In this way, it will be much easier to install it and carry out any maintenance, as you will not necessarily have to disconnect everything.

What don’t I like?

Weight: The device’s weight appears to be slightly higher than usual. Its 21.5 kg makes it a bit bulky and difficult to transport.

5. Kostal Solar Electric Solar Inverter

Another heavyweight among the manufacturers of photovoltaic inverters is Kostal Solar Electric. It enjoys an excellent reputation, mainly thanks to its best-seller, the PIKO MP Plus inverter.

The latter allows you to benefit from free monitoring of your photovoltaic installation via the Kostal Solar portal or app. You can thus consult your production data over different periods (day, week, month, or current year) and access the historical data of your installation.

6. Schneider Solar Inverter

Schneider electric conext XW solar inverterschneider electric conext XW solar inverter. If you live in an isolated site or your home is regularly affected by power cuts, then the Conext XW Inverter Charger from Schneider is ideally suited for your project.

It is configured to store the electricity produced by your solar panels in photovoltaic batteries. In a power outage, your inverter redistributes the stored electricity and powers your home!

It is also suitable for both single and three-phase installations. However, the Conext XW inverter is enormous and heavy. It is, therefore, necessary to have a dry and well-ventilated room that is large enough to accommodate the inverter.

7. ABB Solar Inverter

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best photovoltaic inverter is the ABB. This cutting-edge device will help you correct and monitor the current supplied by the solar panels at home, guaranteeing your user experience is easy and intuitive.

Since the energy produced by the panels is supplied in direct current, you can transform it in a few simple steps into alternating current, which is ideal for use at home. Unsurprisingly, it is an efficient and light device ranked as the best.

Why buy the product?

Ideal voltage range: This photovoltaic inverter is suitable for all devices from 110V to 530V, ideal for use in home and industrial contexts with high current voltage.

WLAN connection and Aurora Vision: It is possible to connect to the local internet network to monitor the data directly from your computer. To do this, use the Aurora Vision program, where you will find all the data relating to the current in your home.

Plug and Play: You can say goodbye to those annoying tangled cables! You will have the practical Plug and Play system, which, by simply connecting the terminals, will allow you to use the photovoltaic inverter in a few simple steps!

Transformerless: The photovoltaic inverter manages the electric currents from the panels to the internal grid of the house without the need for a transformer. This way, you will save not only money but also space.

IP65 waterproofing: This photovoltaic inverter is also designed to be positioned outside the house, as it can withstand jets of water, rain, and dust thanks to its IP65 waterproofing certificate.

Silent: The noise level generated by the device is just 50 Db. This means that when it’s in operation, you won’t disturb anyone, which is why it has received numerous positive reviews.

Lightweight: With a weight of only 15 kg, you won’t have any problems during installation, as you can move it around quickly without too much effort.

What don’t I like?

WLAN connection: According to the opinions of some buyers, the WLAN connection of this photovoltaic inverter is not very powerful, and it can lose stability. However, you can place the device near your WiFi router to fix the problem.

No base: The ABB has no base for recessing it into the wall. However, there are memorable holes for inserting the fixing screws.

8. JARRET – Best value for money

Jarret is undoubtedly the best if we consider the value for money of the various photovoltaic inverters on the market. It is an affordable device that guarantees maximum performance to enjoy clean, low-consumption, and environmentally friendly electricity.

With a power of 1 kW, you can power all the electrical devices you have at home without problems, and thanks to the battery capacity, you will have no limits in terms of use. On the other hand, it is also possible to monitor the data relating to your network at any time to have everything under control.

Why buy the product?

Easy to put into operation: By simply pressing a button, the device will start up and start accumulating energy inside the battery, which can then be supplied to power all the electrical equipment you have at home.

LCD display: The photovoltaic inverter is equipped with an LCD screen where all the data relating to your electricity grid are visible, such as the device’s status, the battery level, the setting of the solar panel, and much more.

100W Solar Panel: The 100W solar panel can be placed on the roof or in any open house area. Through the inverter, then, it will be possible to power the battery by charging it in a short time.

120 amp battery: The battery installed in the device has a power of 120 amps, capable of powering many electrical devices for several hours.

2000 W: The inverter has a power of no less than 2000 W, ideal for offering a continuous current of 1 kW throughout your home without problems. That’s why the user reviews have been exceptionally positive.

Easy to install: The manufacturer wanted to equip the inverter with easy connectors so you don’t waste time installing the device in your home.

Several panels: This kit for photovoltaic systems has been designed to be connected to several panels simultaneously to have a greater quantity of energy available in the shortest possible time.

What don’t I like?

Voltage: According to some opinions, this photovoltaic inverter’s voltage may not be suitable for some devices that require a significant level of amperage. I advise you to charge the battery to avoid any problems entirely.