When it comes to choosing the best solar inverters in Australia in 2024, it’s crucial to have insights from those who know the products best. That’s why the Solar Quotes Installers Choice Awards offer a unique perspective on the best brands in the industry. By identifying which brands deliver the most value, offer superior quality, and provide exceptional customer support, these awards serve as a reliable guide for anyone considering investing in solar energy.
Solar inverters are the heartbeat of any solar system, converting the direct current (DC) electricity produced by your panels into alternating current (AC) electricity suitable for home use. With so many inverter brands available, making the right choice can be challenging. To simplify the decision, we’ve highlighted the top brands in three key categories: Every Dollar Counts, Money’s No Object, and Best Support. Let’s explore the results in detail.
Every Dollar Counts Category
This category identifies the inverter brands that provide exceptional value for money, balancing quality and affordability.
Bronze: Fronius (15% of votes)
Despite being a relatively expensive option, Fronius makes it to the podium in the Every Dollar Counts category. Why? Because when money counts, many believe in the adage “buy once, buy right,” and Fronius fits that philosophy perfectly. Known for their reliability and performance, Fronius inverters deliver lasting value, which is why many installers continue to recommend them even to budget-conscious customers.
Their commitment to quality is reflected in the impressive customer review score of 4.8/5 based on 7795 reviews. With features like advanced monitoring and efficient power conversion, Fronius stands out as a solid investment for long-term savings.
Silver: GoodWe (21% of votes)
GoodWe has climbed up the ranks this year, swapping places with Fronius. Known for their affordability and strong support network, GoodWe inverters offer great value without compromising on quality. With an average customer review score of 4.7/5 from nearly 2000 reviews, it’s clear that GoodWe has made a name for itself as a reliable and budget-friendly option.
Their inverters are easy to work with and provide dependable Australian support, making them a popular choice among installers and homeowners alike. Whether you’re looking for a basic string inverter or a more sophisticated hybrid solution, GoodWe delivers consistent performance at a reasonable price.
Gold: Sungrow (46% of votes)
Sungrow has taken the gold in the Every Dollar Counts category for the fourth year in a row, securing almost half of the votes. This Chinese brand continues to impress with its comprehensive product range, competitive pricing, and reliable performance. Whether you need a single-phase, three-phase, or hybrid inverter, Sungrow has you covered.
Their inverters are highly regarded for their efficiency and ease of installation, making them a favorite among installers. Some customers have even abandoned premium brands altogether in favor of Sungrow, citing their exceptional value for money. Sungrow has an impressive 4.6/5 review score based on nearly 3000 reviews, proving that quality doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
Money’s No Object Category
In this category, we identify the best inverter brands for those who want the highest quality, regardless of cost.
Bronze (Joint): Sungrow and SolarEdge (15% each)
Bronze (Joint): Sungrow and SolarEdge (15% each)Sungrow and SolarEdge share the bronze medal in this category, each securing 15% of the votes. Sungrow continues to impress with its value-for-money string inverters, offering a range of options suitable for different installation needs.
SolarEdge, on the other hand, provides a more premium solution with its optimizer-based system. By placing optimizers on the back of each solar panel, SolarEdge ensures maximum power output from every panel, regardless of shading or orientation issues. Their string inverter then converts the optimized DC electricity into usable AC power. With an average customer review score of 4.7/5 based on just over 2000 reviews, SolarEdge has proven to be a reliable choice for those seeking innovative technology.
Silver: Enphase (25% of votes)
Enphase retains its silver medal for the third consecutive year. This American company specializes in microinverters that convert DC to AC directly at the panel level. This eliminates the need for high-voltage DC cables running through the roof, reducing fire risk and improving safety.
Microinverters are particularly useful for homes with complex roof layouts, allowing individual panels to be placed wherever they fit best. Additionally, Enphase offers comprehensive panel-level monitoring, helping homeowners keep track of their system’s performance. However, this premium technology comes at a cost, with Enphase systems typically adding a few thousand dollars to the overall installation price. Despite the higher cost, Enphase maintains a strong 4.8/5 review score based on 2000 reviews.
Gold: Fronius (38% of votes)
Fronius continues its dominance in the premium inverter category, winning gold for the fourth year running. Their reputation for quality and reliability has made them the go-to choice for installers and homeowners who want the best without going all-in on microinverter technology.
Fronius inverters are known for their robust build quality, efficient power conversion, and advanced monitoring features. They also offer a 10-year warranty, giving customers peace of mind. With a 4.8/5 customer review score based on 7795 reviews, it’s clear that Fronius remains a leader in the industry.
Best Support Category
Warranty and customer support are crucial factors when choosing a solar inverter, given their typical lifespan of about 12 years. The Best Support category recognizes the brands that offer the best after-sales service and warranty support.
Bronze: Enphase (23% of votes)
Enphase provides excellent support through its dedicated Australian team. Their customer-centric approach ensures that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime for homeowners. Their comprehensive warranty and strong network of local installers further enhance customer satisfaction.
Silver: Sungrow (25% of votes)
Sungrow’s support team ensures seamless customer satisfaction across Australia. They have a well-established network of installers and service centers, providing timely assistance whenever needed. Their commitment to customer service has earned them a loyal following and a strong reputation in the industry.
Gold: Fronius (29% of votes)
Fronius remains the leader in support, with a 10-year warranty and reliable Australian-based service. Their support network is extensive, and they have a team of experienced technicians ready to assist with any issues. Fronius customers can rest assured knowing that their investment is protected by one of the best warranties in the business.
In summary, Fronius wins both the “best inverter money can buy” and “best support” categories, while Sungrow tops the “best value” category. GoodWe continues to impress as a reliable and budget-friendly option, while Enphase remains a strong contender in the premium segment.
Choosing the right solar inverter is a crucial step in maximizing the return on your solar investment. Whether you’re looking for affordability, premium quality, or reliable customer support, the Installers Choice Awards offer valuable insights to guide your decision.
we have also written a list of the best solar panels in Australia in 2024.
To explore all the details and find the perfect inverter for your needs, check out an inverter comparison table and get quotes from trusted, vetted solar installers.