The Problem with Cheap Chinese Inverters in 2024 – Are Chinese Solar Inverters Any Good?
Good day, Kempy here from Queensland Solar and Lighting. Today, I want to address a burning question many of you have been asking: “Are cheap Chinese inverters any good in 2024?” You’ve probably seen these low-priced options everywhere, and while they look attractive, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. So, let’s break down the problem with cheap Chinese inverters in 2024.
The Issue with Cheap Chinese Inverters
It’s ironic, but one of the key problems with cheap Chinese inverters is that they’re often “too good.” You might be thinking, “How is that even a problem?” Well, let me explain.
How National Companies Cut Corners
Big national companies offering cheap Chinese inverters operate on razor-thin margins. They make up for the low prices by cutting corners. These companies often hire inexperienced installers who don’t have the skills to perform top-quality work. Their reviews are usually terrible, and they don’t offer much in the way of customer service.
They attract customers through their low prices, but that’s where the benefits end. When your inverter inevitably breaks down, these national companies are nowhere to be found, leaving you with a product that is cheap in price but also cheap in reliability.
Quality Service vs. Cheap Products
Here at Queensland Solar and Lighting, we take a different approach. We focus on customer service and work directly with manufacturers to resolve any issues that arise. This commitment to quality is why we consistently receive five-star reviews from all our customers. We care about more than just making a sale—we want our customers to be happy for the long term.
Common Issues with Cheap Inverters
Let’s be clear: all inverters, no matter the brand, will eventually break. Even top brands like Fronius, SMA, and SolarEdge experience occasional failures. However, the big difference comes in after-sales service and warranty support.
The Importance of Warranty and After-Sales Support
When a top-tier inverter like Fronius fails, reputable companies will quickly step in and fix the issue. This isn’t always the case with cheap Chinese inverters sold by national companies. These companies tend to wash their hands of the problem, leaving you stuck with a broken product and no support.
What’s more frustrating is that it’s often not the inverter’s fault. The real issue comes down to poor installation and the company’s unwillingness to back up their products. The inverter might still be good, but the support around it isn’t.
Why Cheap Inverters Fail You:
- Poor installation practices: Unskilled labor leads to faulty installations.
- Lack of quality control: National companies focus on volume, not quality.
- Weak customer service: After-sales support is virtually non-existent.
- Warranty issues: Communication breakdowns between installers and manufacturers lead to voided warranties.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Inverter
| Factor | Cheap Inverters | Top-Tier Inverters |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Quality | Often poor due to inexperienced workers | High due to skilled installers |
| Customer Support | Weak, especially from national companies | Strong, especially with reputable brands |
| Warranty Reliability | Unreliable, often voided due to poor installs | Consistently honored by top brands |
| Price | Low upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Long-term Reliability | Questionable without strong support | More reliable with better support |
The Evolution of Chinese Inverters Since 2017
Chinese inverters have improved drastically since 2017. Brands like Growatt, which used to have a bad reputation, are now some of the most reliable inverters available. We’ve seen this transformation firsthand. As their reliability increased, so did our confidence in offering these inverters to our customers.
A Turning Point in 2020
In 2020, we started seeing consistent improvements in Chinese inverters. By then, the technology had caught up to the more expensive European brands. The support from the manufacturers had also improved. As a result, we began offering cheaper Chinese inverters like Growatt to help our customers save money without sacrificing reliability.
Why We Trust Growatt
- Improved reliability: Since 2020, Growatt has shown significant improvements in inverter performance.
- Excellent manufacturer support: When issues do arise, Growatt provides reliable after-sales service.
- Cost savings: Customers can save up to $1,000 by choosing Growatt over more expensive brands without sacrificing too much in quality.
The Rise of SunGrow
SunGrow was one of the first Chinese inverter brands to offer a product that didn’t break down frequently. This marked a major turning point in the solar industry. As a result, SunGrow’s reputation soared, and so did their prices. Today, SunGrow is considered a premium brand, and this is reflected in the price difference between SunGrow and other Chinese inverters like Growatt.
The Price Gap
The price difference between SunGrow and Growatt can be significant. You can expect to pay $500 to $600 more for a SunGrow inverter. But is the higher price worth it? That depends on your needs and priorities.
Comparing SunGrow and Growatt
- SunGrow: Known for reliability and strong brand reputation. Higher price due to premium status.
- Growatt: More affordable with fewer warranty claims than you might expect for its price range. It’s a good choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Conclusion: Are Cheap Chinese Inverters Any Good?
So, are cheap Chinese inverters any good in 2024? The answer is yes, but it comes with a caveat. The quality of the inverter isn’t the only factor you should be considering. You also need to think about the company that installs and supports it. You can have the most reliable inverter in the world, but without proper solar panel installation and after-sales support, you’re bound to run into problems.
Final Thoughts
Cheap Chinese inverters have come a long way, and today, they can compete with top-tier brands. However, the real difference lies in who is selling and installing the product. Here at Queensland Solar and Lighting, we’ve built strong relationships with manufacturers like Growatt, ensuring that our customers receive not only a great product but also the best possible service.
When you buy from a company that cares about customer satisfaction, you’re not just getting an inverter—you’re getting peace of mind.
Key Takeaways:
- All inverters, no matter the brand, can fail. What matters is how the company handles the situation when they do.
- Chinese inverters like Growatt and SunGrow have made significant improvements in reliability since 2017.
- National companies offering cheap inverters often cut corners, leading to poor installations and warranty issues.
- When choosing an inverter, consider not just the product but also the company that will install and support it.
If you’re thinking about going solar, make sure you’re working with a company that values quality and long-term customer satisfaction—because, at the end of the day, a reliable inverter is only as good as the people who stand behind it.
We use cheap Chinese solar inverters for some of our commercial solar panel installation projects too!
By focusing on these key aspects, you’ll make an informed decision that you won’t regret down the line. Choose wisely and invest in a system that will serve you well for years to come.