Inverters

Unshaded, single-plane roof and lowest cost: string inverter. Shaded or multi-plane roof, or panel-level monitoring required: microinverters or string + optimizers. Want battery backup now or later: hybrid inverter. No utility connection at all: off-grid inverter/charger. The architecture decision drives everything else — brand is the second question.

Size the inverter's AC output to about 75-90% of the array's DC wattage — a 10kW array pairs well with a 7.6-8.5kW inverter. That DC/AC ratio intentionally clips a few peak-production hours in exchange for better efficiency the other 95% of the year. Microinverter systems size per-panel instead; match each micro's rating to the panel wattage.

Only hybrid and battery-based inverters connect to batteries — standard string inverters and microinverters don't. Within hybrids, check the battery voltage window (48V low-voltage vs 200-400V high-voltage) and the manufacturer's compatibility list; Sol-Ark and EG4 are battery-agnostic 48V, while SolarEdge and Enphase pair with their own battery ecosystems.

String inverters: typically 10 years standard, extendable to 20-25. Microinverters: Enphase covers IQ8 series with a 25-year limited warranty. Hybrid and off-grid units: 5-10 years depending on brand (Victron 5, Sol-Ark up to 10 with registration). Warranty claims run through the manufacturer's network — keep your serial numbers.

The inverter is what the utility cares about most. Grid-interactive inverters must be UL 1741 SB / IEEE 1547 listed to get permission to operate — every grid-tie model we sell carries that listing. Your installer files the interconnection agreement with the utility; the permit package goes to the local AHJ.

Residential string inverters and microinverters ship parcel. Larger hybrids, commercial three-phase units, and multi-unit orders ship LTL freight on a pallet. In-stock units leave within a few business days; expected ship dates show on each product page.