What Is the Cost of a Solar Inverter?

The cost of a solar inverter

Reducing the price of solar inverter to a single number can be tricky because each system design is unique. The requirements for solar photovoltaic inverters depend on the overall system design and can be scaled up or down according to your home's energy needs. In addition, installers typically purchase in bulk and have direct relationships with suppliers, so their costs may differ from those of purchasing directly.

The cost factors that affect the price of string inverters include system size, solar protocol type, seller, and any specific features in your area. Power optimizers are cheaper than string inverters, but remember that you need one for each panel, and you also need an inverter to connect them.

Microinverters are more expensive than string inverters and may cost even more than comparable string inverters for the same sized system. Keep in mind that string inverters can be adjusted in size at a lower incremental cost, so a twice-as-large string inverter may not be twice as expensive. In contrast, every panel requires a microinverter, and doubling the number of panels may double your inverter costs.

How long can the solar inverter be used?

The expected lifespan of string inverters in solar inverters is typically 10 to 15 years, but they can last up to 20 years if installed in a cool and well-ventilated location and properly maintained. Microinverters and power optimizers have only recently entered this industry, so there is less data on their expected lifespan. However, most manufacturers believe their products can exceed the 20- to 25-year warranty period that comes with the product.

Local regulations for the solar inverter

A good solar installer will know if there are specific rules governing solar use in your area, as well as any rules and interconnection requirements regarding net metering. For example, in many states, meeting net metering requirements requires your solar system to comply with a maximum size or maximum percentage of energy production for typical consumption. The size limit for the system typically depends on the maximum power output of your hybrid solar inverter (rather than the panel), as this determines the total amount of electricity your installation can feed back to the grid.