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Solar Power
Inverters

Solar inverters convert DC power into AC power, ready and usable for your household appliances.
Browse inverters from brands like SolarEdge, SMA, Enphase, Magnum, Outback Power and Schneider Electric.
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Save More Time with your
FREE Inverter Guide

Everything you need to know about picking the perfect inverter
for your system is right here in this guide, including the different types of inverters, recommended brands, and more.
Download FREE Guide

Save More Time with your
FREE Inverter Guide

Everything you need to know about picking the perfect inverter
for your system is right here in this guide, including the different types of inverters, recommended brands, and more.
Download FREE Guide

Shop Bestselling Solar Power Inverters

Questions? Chat with us!

Brent and his family live on a grid-tied ranch in California, powered by a 5 kW solar system he installed himself. Brent and the rest of the Unbound Solar team are here to answer any questions you have about designing a system that will fit your needs.
Give us a call—we’re here to help.
1-800-472-1142
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The Do-It-Your-Way Solar Guide

We answer all your questions in one easy-to-navigate Do-It-Your-Way Solar Hub. Ready for total control with more choices and faster payback?
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Net Metering Guide
Best Grid-Tied Inverters
Step-by-Step DIY Solar Installation
Best Solar Panel Monitoring
Learn More at the
DIY-W Solar Hub ⟩

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Solar Power Inverters 101

What is a power inverter?

An inverter is a critical piece of equipment in any PV system. The inverter takes DC power, either from your solar panels or batteries, and turns it into AC power, ready and usable for your household appliances.

Grid-tie and off-grid solar systems use different types of inverters.

Grid-Tie Solar Inverters

In a grid-tied system, solar panels connect directly to an inverter which ties into your main household electrical panel. It sends power into the home to run appliances and turns back the meter with excess energy.

Grid-Tie inverters come in several options: string inverters, microinverters, and optimizers. Each varies with features and costs. For helping choosing the right one, check out our article on the best grid-tie solar inverters.

FREE Solar Inverter Guide
Learn More »

string inverters

String Inverters

  • Lowest cost
  • Multiple MPPT inputs
  • Secure Power Supply provides daytime backup power during an outage

Though string inverters derive from the oldest technology, modern string inverters have improved substantially and provide a cost effective option for many. In a string inverter system, solar panels are wired in a series string for high voltage (typically 300-600Vdc.) We’ve sold the SMA Sunny Boy string inverters for years and recommend these for installations where solar panels stay relatively free of shade.

 

solaredge optimizers

Optimizers

  • Easy and safe installation
  • Module-level monitoring included
  • Large string sizes

Optimizers are DC-DC converters that connect to each solar panel, similar to a microinverter but a central inverter still handles the DC-AC inversion. Power optimizers attach to each panel for easier and safer installation, easy expansion, bigger string sizing, and module-level monitoring. SolarEdge is a leader in optimizer technology and one of the most popular residential inverters. We have this installed on our own office. Power optimizers combine the best features with a competitive price.

 

Enphase microinverter

Microinverters

  • Easy to install
  • Module-level monitoring with IQ Envoy
  • Expandable and modular

Microinverter systems have a small inverter attached to each panel. This type of inverter costs more, but it is also expandable, safe and easy to install, and is capable of monitoring every individual solar panel. Because each panel can operate independently, microinverters are a better option if there is shade on part of the solar array from trees, buildings or other obstacles. Microinverters tend to be the most expensive inverter system, but they provide key benefits like ease of installation, expansion, and module-level monitoring. We recommend Enphase Energy microinverters for anyone looking for these features.

Featured Grid-Tie Inverter Brands

We offer some of the best grid-tie solar energy inverters in the industry. Here are some of the most trusted brands.

sma logo

Type: String

SMA is one of the largest and most experienced inverter manufacturers, offering SMA Sunny Boy string inverters.
 

Learn More

SolarEdge logo

Type: Optimizer

SolarEdge manufactures innovative PV inverter optimizer technology.
 

Learn More

enphase logo

Type: Microinverter

Enphase is a world leader in microinverter technology.
 

Learn More

Featured Off-Grid Inverter Brands

If the best off-grid solar energy inverters are what you looking for, we got you covered. Check out the most trusted brands in the industry.

magnum energy logo

Types: Pure/Modified Sinewave

Magnum is:

  • Made in the USA
  • Easy to install

Learn More

outback power logo

Type: Pure Sinewave

Outback has:

  • Some of the most advanced inverters available

Learn More

Schneider Eletric Logo

Type: Pure Sinewave

Schneider:

  • Experienced manufacturer
  • Broad product line

Learn More

Off-Grid Inverters

Off-grid inverters connect to a battery bank and change DC battery power into household AC power. Off-grid inverters work with 12v, 24v or 48v battery banks.

The AC output is typically 120Vac for smaller inverters, and 120/240Vac for larger units. We also sell export 230Vac 50hz inverters for systems installed outside of North America.

Some off-grid inverters have an extra connection that enables them to function like a grid-tie inverter and sell power into the grid. This is useful if you start out off-the-grid but plan for power lines in the future, or if you live in an area where utility power is unreliable.

Off-grid inverters are a little complicated, due to the extra components involved in an off-grid system. For help picking the right off-grid inverter, check out our article about the best off-grid inverters. Or give our solar experts a call at 1-800-472-1142.

FREE Solar Inverter Guide
Learn More »

Pure Sinewave

Magnum Energy MS2012 Off-Grid Inverter

 

  • More expensive
  • High quality output power
  • Compatible with most appliances

You’ll hear inverter manufacturers use phrases such as pure sinewave and modified sinewave. This is a measurement of the quality of the AC output power. Pure sinewave inverters put out power that is as good, or potentially better, than what is coming from the power grid. Almost all appliances will work with pure sinewave inverters.

Modified Sinewave

modified sine wave inverter

  • Lower cost
  • Low quality output power
  • Only compatible with certain appliances

Modified sinewave inverters have lower power quality which causes issues with certain appliances. Motors, pumps and compressors (like your fridge) will tend to run hotter and burn out quicker. Modified sinewave inverters can be problematic for sensitive electronic devices, often causing lines on your TV screen and a buzzing sound from the speakers. Some appliances won’t work at all on a modified sinewave inverter. For these reasons, we recommend sticking with a pure sinewave inverter unless you are sure your appliances can work on modified sinewave power.


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and compare pricing and specs.

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Simplify Your Install
with a Pre-Wired Power Center

An off-grid inverter system usually needs a remote control, circuit breakers, and charge controller. You may also want to add accessories like a battery monitor and surge suppressors.

We offer pre-wired and tested power centers with all of these components, ready to mount on your wall.
Shop Power Centers

Off-grid solar

Looking for a complete system?

If you’re looking at inverters, chances are you also need a complete solar system, including solar panels, racking, and more.

If you’re connected to the power lines, checkout our grid-tie packages. If you’re going off the grid, take a look at our off-grid solar kits.

Still not sure what kind of system you’re looking for? Get our FREE Getting Started Guide. It covers all the basics of solar power.

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Get Solar Guide

Download Our Getting Started Guide

New to solar? Download our free guide to learn the basics and get started designing a system that’s right for you.
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