How much does a solar panel inverter cost?

Quick Takeaways: Solar panel inverter costs can range from £500 to £2,500. String inverters are cheaper than microinverters, but the latter offers more advantages and a longer lifespan. Other factors that can impact the solar panel inverter cost include your system size, inverter efficiency, and whether it’s grid-tied or off-grid.

What are the different types of solar panel inverters?

The common types of solar panel inverters include: String inverters are also called central inverters and are the most widely used in UK homes. They connect multiple solar panels in a series known as a string and can manage and convert power from a group of solar panels.

What is a solar inverter?

A solar inverter is a vital segment of a solar power system that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is suitable for powering your home appliances and feeding back excess electricity into the grid.

What size solar inverter do I Need?

You'll generally need an inverter that's 75% as big as your solar panel system's kilowatt-peak (kWp), which is how much solar energy it produces at standard test conditions. Every inverter has a startup voltage – that is, the amount of power needed for it to turn on and start converting DC electricity from your solar panels.

How much do solar panels cost?

Solar panels usually make up about a third of the total cost of the project. So if you live in a 3-bedroom house, and pay £7,100 for your system and installation, you can expect the cost of your solar panels specifically to be around £2,400. However, the actual price depends on the efficiency, power and brand of your solar panels.

Do solar panel inverters generate more electricity?

If your inverter is as big as your system or larger, your panels will need to generate more electricity to switch on your inverter – and some days, that may not happen. Solar panel inverters play a crucial role in any solar panel system, ensuring that the energy harvested from the sun is usable within your home.