What to watch when picking an inverter
The inverter is the brain: it turns DC into AC, protects the grid and, in a hybrid, runs the battery. A weak choice wastes good modules and makes later expansion expensive.
Three families: string, hybrid, and microinverter / optimiser. For most homes we suggest hybrid or hybrid-ready string if storage or EV charging is likely within five years.
Efficiency and DC/AC ratio
EU-weighted efficiency is the fair comparison; quality units sit around 97% or above. Peak efficiency is a poor guide because the unit spends most hours at part load.
DC (modules) is often sized 10–30% above AC rating. That uses the inverter better in winter and cloud; summer clipping is intended.
Warranty, service, expansion
Factory cover is typically 5–12 years, sometimes extendable. Local swap stock matters more — a dead inverter in July is lost kWh every day.
Ask: spare MPPT for a later east/west wing, high-voltage battery port, remote firmware. A cheap unit that cannot grow is the expensive one.
- Three-phase supply → three-phase inverter
- App: daily yield, fault codes, remote diagnostics
- Noise and heat: ventilated, dry wall — not a bedroom
- Smart charging / PlugZone: agree load control up front
When do micros or optimisers pay?
Complex roofs, mixed tilts or chimney shade: module-level electronics protect yield. A clean south field is cheaper and simpler as a string.
The roof drawing decides, not the brochure. Send photos and we will say which topology is worth it.