Fronius Solar Inverters: An Independent Review by Solar Choice

Fronius Inverters Cover image

Note: Solar Choice is not a solar installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another.

Overview of Fronius – Company History

Founded in Austria on June 20th 1945, Fronius is an international company with a 75-year history in the manufacture of welding equipment and nearly three decades of experience with solar inverters and other devices for monitoring and controlling energy, including battery chargers.

Fronius launched its first grid-connected solar inverter back in 1995. Since then Fronius has grown to become one of the industry leading solar inverter manufacturers, with 19 of 28 offices worldwide being involved with solar energy. This includes the Australian office located in Tullamarine, Victoria.

Fronius inverters are suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential solar and commercial solar projects, including their recently launched Fronius Tauro inverter with 100kW capacity.

A Brief Rundown on Solar Inverters

A solar system’s inverter is the point at which the DC electricity produced by solar panels is turned into grid-compatible AC electricity.

String inverters have traditionally been the standard in the solar industry. They send the power produced by solar panels to a central inverter that changes it from DC electricity to usable AC electricity that powers homes.

Microinverters, on the other hand, convert DC to AC electricity at each individual panel and allow for monitoring and power regulation at the panel level. This is useful for homes that are located somewhere with shading from clouds, trees, or other buildings.

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) independently test solar inverter reliability. The tests are voluntary, with solar inverter manufacturers paying to participate in the testing. This testing process is internationally renowned and is an accurate reflection of the solar inverter’s performance. To read the full PVEL scorecard click here.

In 2019 Fronius Symo ranked as a top performer in the following tests:

  • High-Temperature Operation
  • Transient Response
  • Ground and Arc Fault

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Fronius Inverter Costs

As Fronius inverters are manufactured in Europe this higher quality product comes with a higher price tag in comparison to the inverters that are manufactured in China.

Keep in mind that inverter costs generally only run between 10-20% of your total system, so often it is worth investing in a high-quality inverter given this will have a large impact on the efficiency and performance of your entire system.

Fronius Inverters – Point of Difference

There are many solar panels out there, what makes Fronius inverters stand out?

The most used inverter brand in Australia

Fronius SnapINverters

Fronius has earned a strong reputation for its high-quality inverters, advanced technology, and excellent customer support. Their inverters are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial solar installations across Australia. Based on information from Solar Choice’s database of residential solar quotes, Fronius has maintained over 60% market share of installers’ premium options.

Monitoring and Data Communication

Fronius inverters offer advanced monitoring capabilities, allowing real-time access to energy production and system status through mobile apps and web portals. This data empowers users to detect and resolve issues promptly, optimise energy usage, and integrate with smart home systems and energy management platforms for more efficient energy consumption.

Fronius Inverters Technologies

A unique aspect of Fronius inverters is the SnapINverter technology. It’s a standardised wall-mounted bracket with the inverter on a hinge system. This enables easy access for servicing as the inverter opens like a car boot, without needing to be removed from the wall.

The majority of Fronius’s Inverters are approved by the Clean Energy Council for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which is Australia’s home solar rebate program. A notable exclusion is the Fronius Symo Hybrid, this system combines a battery charging system, battery inverter, hybrid inverter, controller and system monitoring solution in one 3-5kW device.

Fronius PrimoFronius Primo

The Fronius Primo series is designed primarily for residential household applications with power ranging from 3.0kW to 8.2kW. These inverters are single-phase inverters, meaning they are suitable for smaller solar PV systems typically found in homes. They also come with advanced features like dynamic peak management, integrated data communication, Superflex design and smart grid ready.

Fronius SymoFronius Symo

These inverters are three-phase inverters that are suited to larger residential homes and small commercial projects. The power range of Symo is from 3.0kW to 20kW. 

The Symo series offers higher efficiency and the same advanced features as the Primo series, including reactive power control and support for dynamic grid conditions

Fronius EcoFronius Eco

The Fronius Eco is a transformerless three-phase inverter designed for medium to large-scale commercial solar systems. The commercially used inverter comes in 25 or 27-power capacities. The Fronius Eco inverter holds an Ingress Protection Rating (IP Rating) of 66, which means it’s dust-tight and able to withstand heavy seas or powerful jets of water. Both power categories hold an efficiency rating of over 98%.

Unfortunately, the 27kW inverter is not well-designed for the Australian market where inverters are able to extend to 30kW without requiring extra network protection. The optimal design for many small businesses is to use a 30kW inverter and extend the solar panel capacity to 39.9kW, while the Fronius Eco 27kW can only support 35.9kW of solar panels.

Fronius Inverter Efficiency

Residential inverter efficiency standards are generally 95 to 98 percent, the Fronius Primo & Symo sit at or above 98% efficiency placing them towards the top of the industry in residential inverter efficiency.

Inverter efficiency technology can be seen in the Fronius Galvo. This inverter utilises an automatic high-frequency (HF) transformer with three efficiency peaks. This enables a higher percentage yield as the HF transformer is more efficient across the entire input voltage range.

Fronius Inverter Value and Warranty

An important aspect of getting the most value out of a solar inverter is choosing an appropriately sized inverter to optimise the solar panel system’s efficiency. To read about the importance of inverter sizing and system efficiency click here.

Fronius inverters capture value through a number of their components, however, their industry-first data communication package is showcasing the evolution of solar inverters. The data communication connects to the internet providing the ability to monitor energy management and data logging. This information enables the system owner to increase their self-consumption rate, therefore reducing reliance on grid power.

Both the Fronius Primo and Symo models utilise the Fronius Superflex Design. This design creates value as the two maximum power point trackers (MPP) enable the accommodation of the entire nominal inverter output, regardless of roof orientation or partial shading. The inverters track the MPP through the Dynamic Peak Manager algorithm, which dynamically adapts the optimal operating point.

In Australia, all CEC-approved Fronius inverters come with a 5-year warranty for parts and labour. A free additional 5-year extension (parts only) to the warranty can be claimed by, registering at solarweb within 30 months of the factory inverter dispatch. A warranty extension can also be purchased from the inverter installer within 30 months of the inverters dispatch from the Fronius factory. This can be for 10, 15 or 20 years, making the longest possible warranty 25 years.

Fronius Solar Inverters Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fronius has one of the strongest brand names and recognitions in the solar inverter market having stood the test of time with regard to its quality
  • Fronius have an Australian office and helpful support staff to handle sales and service enquiries

Cons

  • Fronius inverters are premium products and are generally more expensive that most alternative string inverters
  • The 5 years full + 5 years parts-only warranty is not as beneficial as a full 10-year warranty which is offered by some of Fronius’ competitors

Fronius Inverter Specifications

 Fronius Primo 5.0-1 AUS Fronius Symo 5.0-3-M
Rated AC Power Output4,600W5,000W
Maximum Continuous Output Current21.7A7.2A
Maximum DC Power7,500W10,000W
Maximum Inverter Efficiency98.1%98%
Dimensions with Safety Switch/Connection Unit645 x 431 x 204 mm645 x 431 x 204 mm
Weight21.5kg19.9kg
Warranty5 Years (Extendable up to 25 years)5 Years (Extendable up to 25 years)
Operational Temperature Range-40°C to 55°C-25°C to 60°C
Made inAustriaAustria

So, Should I Buy Fronius inverters?

We consider Fronius as the premium option for both residential and small commercial uses. Fronius is one of the longest-standing brands in the solar inverter market with an excellent reputation. 

In recent years, many of the Chinese solar inverters have caught up to Fronius (and in some cases overtaken) when it comes to the technical performance characteristics of the inverter. Fronius’ point of difference comes from the long track record they hold in terms of reliability and after-sales support. 

In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with Fronius, and it would be worth paying a bit more to go with this brand over many of the others in the market.

Example of a Fronius Commercial Solar Project 

The Philippines has seen quite a rise in the number of solar systems being installed over the past few years. This is due to the public grid being unable to reliably supply power to the 13 million Filipinos living in the metropolitan area surrounding Manila.

Fronius Field Installation TARLAC CITY, PHILIPPINES

In April of 2019, a field located in Tarlac City, Philippines had a 20MW system equipped with 612 Fronius Eco inverters go live. The system included 61,200 solar panels to total the 20MW, the installation was completed in 5 months.

By installing the Fronius Eco the overall potential yield of the panels was increased. Although, for an installation of this magnitude it is unusual for the inverters used to be string inverters. However, it is because of the string inverters that the system is able to be more efficient. String inverters work better in conditions such as partial shade compared to central inverters. It was estimated that the system will produce around 32,000MWh of electricity, reducing CO2 by around 18.6million kg.

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Reviews from Australians who have installed Fronius Inverters

Rated 4.66 from 119 reviews
23rd September 2023
Peter
QLD - 4570
8kW system
5.00

Our Fronius Inverter is brilliant.

14th September 2023
Joanne
-
6kW system
5.00

6th September 2023
Grant
-
9kW system
5.00

The best

29th August 2023
Monique
VIC - 3352
10kW system
5.00

Great

29th August 2023
Emily
QLD - 4870
7kW system
4.00

25th August 2023
A.
TAS - 7052
5kW system
1.00

Went well until I had my modem upgraded to a newer model. The Smart Meter could not be reconnected. Supplier has been trying to get a response from Fronius, but this has been dragging on for well over a month now, and I am unable to review my consumption of power.

25th August 2023
Stuart
QLD - 4121
6kW system
4.00

Primo 5.0-1 not battery storage ready, as advised by solargain when purchasing.

24th August 2023
Sam
-
8kW system
5.00

Was recommended solar inverter brand and was happy Amazing solar solutions was able to offer it. Very happy ????

18th August 2023
Geoffrey
SA - 5125
6kW system
5.00

No issues

17th August 2023
James
QLD - 4035
10kW system
5.00

12th August 2023
Raj
-
6kW system
4.00

Fronius, was my preferred inverter requested by ne,

9th August 2023
Herwig
-
4kW system
5.00

I briefly looked at the installation instructions and thought they made an effort to get the installation hasslefree done.

8th August 2023
Gareth
-
5kW system
4.00

1st August 2023
David
NSW - 2439
6kW system
4.00

A little bit noisy in operation, especially when starting up at the start of daylight and closing down at the end of the day. Otherwise excellent. Note that I was aware of this issue - noise- (from reading reviews and owner comments), but as system is installed in/on a large farm shed, it does not intrude on house with the noise generated.

28th July 2023
Sergey
VIC - 3046
6kW system
5.00

I consciously choose an expensive inverter (but I had no need for sophisticated one). This is a critical component, and I wanted to have open access to it with reliable API and known protocol (so that I could gather statistics independently, without 3rd-party tools). But this may not matter for most. Fronius Primo is clearly a well-designed unit with enough customisation, which is pleasure to work on, and which worked flawlessly so far (1.5+ years). The only thing that the users should be conscious about: it has a fan, which can get appreciably noisy when the power output is close to maximum. (It will be practically silent at night and most times in winter). Don't install it next to windows and doors, if possible.

28th July 2023
Mark
QLD - 4659
8kW system
5.00

never missed a beat

25th July 2023
Matt
WA - 6530
6kW system
5.00

Awesome

23rd July 2023
Minh
VIC - 3130
6kW system
4.00

The 6KW Fronius Primo Dual-MPPT inverter! Since its installation, it has been working flawlessly without any issues, excellent build quality.

21st July 2023
P
-
6kW system
5.00

Unit is of high quality and designed to accept battery backup when required

21st July 2023
Ian
WA - 6401
5kW system
1.00

Too early to comment.

20th July 2023
Doug
ACT - 2607
7kW system
4.00

Product seems fine. However, Fronius has poor customer support. If you aren't an installer they don't want to know you, which is no help if the installer is no longer involved with the installation.

19th July 2023
Martin
VIC - 3126
4kW system
5.00

Very satisfied

11th July 2023
Rob
NSW - 2113
10kW system
5.00

Another top brand offered by Chris and whilst I was offered alternatives that would have saved me money I was happy to go with this design option.

7th July 2023
Lindsay
TAS - 7306
5kW system
5.00

no problems since installation

3rd July 2023
Greg
WA - 6010
6kW system
5.00

2nd July 2023
Matt
TAS - 7173
10kW system
3.00

Even in Tasmania on a hot day it limits production due to overheating which will also no doubt shorten its life. This only happens on hot days and in the afternoon when the inverter itself is in the direct sun.

2nd July 2023
David
WA - 6066
6kW system
5.00

All good

28th June 2023
R
-
1.5kW system
3.00

27th June 2023
Sara
VIC - 3228
5kW system
5.00

No problems

27th June 2023
Mike
-
20-30kW system
4.00

Good inverter, but complex to interface with - but now done.

26th June 2023
Steven
VIC - 3575
6kW system
5.00

23rd June 2023
Ian
QLD - 4521
10-15kW system
5.00

This system is Off Grid but the Grid is present as a manually switched backup. The Fronius is electronically coupled to a Selectronic SP PRO which acts as the battery inverter and charger and controls the 240v to the house. The Fronius is there to convert Solar DC to 240v which is AC coupled to the Selectronic.

15th June 2023
Martin
-
7kW system
5.00

To date, there have been no problems with the inverter.

7th June 2023
Gerard
NSW - 2290
10kW system
5.00

Again, it works.

6th June 2023
Luke
VIC - 3360
8kW system
5.00

Wanting to update to a battery at a later stage Jack took this into consideration and opted to use the Fronius brand inverter to save on costs of installation when we add a battery to our set up.

2nd June 2023
Hiu
-
6kW system
5.00

It was highly recommended by our friend who is using a Fronius inverter himself.

1st June 2023
Colin 2
QLD - 4504
10kW system
5.00

Working well Wireless connection with phone and computer

31st May 2023
Robert
VIC - 3551
6kW system
5.00

It works, easy to read meter.

31st May 2023
Shane
-
6kW system
5.00

Used to the product

27th May 2023
Robert
WA - 6308
6kW system
5.00

25th May 2023
John
-
10-15kW system
1.00

Poor performance

23rd May 2023
Simon
-
8kW system
5.00

Very good inverter

23rd May 2023
Wolfram
VIC - 3071
5kW system
5.00

15th May 2023
Tom
NSW - 2576
6kW system
5.00

3.Phase inverter

13th May 2023
Mark
WA - 6014
5kW system
5.00

10th May 2023
Kevin
QLD - 4209
6kW system
5.00

No issues and great reporting available.

7th May 2023
David
TAS - 7250
6kW system
5.00

19th April 2023
Rachel
-
5kW system
5.00

It works well and is one of the leading invertor brands so I feel very comfortable knowing that.

1st April 2023
Jen
QLD - 4520
6kW system
5.00

30th March 2023
Charlie
NSW - 2571
10-15kW system
4.00

Best brand inverter on the market worst app to use very limited and basic information available only. Need a smart meter to get more information on export consumption and other information

22nd March 2023
Angela
SA - 5125
6kW system
5.00

Top of the range solar inverter.

14th March 2023
Rony
-
6kW system
5.00

10th March 2023
Burhan
-
10-15kW system
5.00

Easy to use mobile app for real-time tracking

10th March 2023
Eder
-
6kW system
5.00

9th March 2023
Luke
-
6kW system
5.00

N/a

21st February 2023
John
QLD - 4272
7kW system
5.00

Looks great and so far no problems. Web based member data reading is great

29th January 2023
Tashi Gonpo
TAS - 7116
7kW system
2.00

26th January 2023
George
VIC - 3429
6kW system
5.00

Choose a quality inverter.

25th January 2023
Col
-
6kW system
5.00

24th January 2023
Graham
-
10kW system
5.00

19th January 2023
Jodie
SA - 5045
10-15kW system
5.00

19th January 2023
Caylen
-
6kW system
5.00

16th December 2022
Tony
-
30-50kW system
5.00

Working very well

13th December 2022
Bob
NSW - 2324
5kW system
5.00

Easy to operate, smart technology and performs as per the rating

7th December 2022
Rafael
NSW - 2122
10kW system
3.00

First inverter arrived DOA. second device works fine.

4th December 2022
Paul
-
7kW system
5.00

Thee Rolls Royce of inverters

1st December 2022
Don
-
10-15kW system
2.00

Everyone is saying a Fronius brand is reliable but they forgot to tell me that you won’t get full feature reporting until you subscribe to their service of $33 every year.

25th November 2022
Jamie
-
9kW system
5.00

Suggested by NDF Group to us, we couldn’t be happier with the outcome and solution provided.

18th November 2022
Christobel
-
8kW system
5.00

7th November 2022
Gavin
-
10kW system
5.00

31st October 2022
Tony
-
6kW system
5.00

31st October 2022
Bill
NSW - 2036
10-15kW system
4.00

Brand is well respected.

30th October 2022
Linda
-
6kW system
5.00

18th October 2022
Peter
-
6kW system
5.00

16th October 2022
Susan
-
6kW system
5.00

14th October 2022
Emerson
-
6kW system
5.00

10th October 2022
George
-
8kW system
5.00

Sam Had recommended the Fronius brand inverter for its great reliability & Service support along with the extended 5 year warranty.

7th October 2022
Tom
-
10-15kW system
5.00

7th October 2022
Don
ACT - 2580
10kW system
1.00

I have a Fronius inverter and Smart Meter. The inverter seems to be working okay but the Smart Meter is not. I’ve been trying to get it fixed in the last 2 months but there is very little support. This is not acceptable.

27th September 2022
Jamie
SA - 5069
10-15kW system
5.00

27th September 2022
Collette
NSW - 2756
20-30kW system
5.00

Been working perfectly so far - after 2 months, couldn’t be happier.

26th September 2022
Carlo
NSW - 2250
8kW system
5.00

21st September 2022
Denise
QLD - 4178
10kW system
5.00

Fronius works supremely well.

7th September 2022
Nicholas
WA - 6230
10-15kW system
5.00

6th September 2022
Tony
NSW - 2171
6kW system
5.00

As yet cannot really comment but seems fine.

2nd September 2022
Susannah
QLD - 4878
6kW system
4.00

Excellent inverter, we've had a few issues with the Fronius app to monitor our usage and production. The app issues are annoying, but have nothing to do with the performance of the inverter itself, which has been easy and smooth.

2nd September 2022
Ken
QLD - 4020
10kW system
5.00

1st September 2022
Allan
QLD - 4227
10kW system
4.00

Happy with specifications and technical information provided by the manufacturer.

30th August 2022
Leon
-
6kW system
5.00

30th August 2022
Geoffrey
WA - 6210
6kW system
5.00

GOOD REVIEWS

30th August 2022
Susan
QLD - 4878
6kW system
5.00

23rd August 2022
Nav
NSW - 2125
6kW system
5.00

9th August 2022
Mike
SA - 5152
10-15kW system
5.00

3rd August 2022
Warren
QLD - 4702
10-15kW system
5.00

26th July 2022
Chris
NSW - 2526
5kW system
5.00

Working and performing as expected. The monitoring ap is good. Registering for warranty is a bit clunky but we don't expect it to be needed.

22nd July 2022
John
-
6kW system
5.00

WORKING VERY WELL INSTALLED FEB 2021

30th June 2022
Leonor
-
6kW system
5.00

28th June 2022
Mrs Rijntje
SA - 5162
6kW system
5.00

Again exactly what we requested after researching

22nd June 2022
Wolfgang
WA - 6038
10kW system
5.00

Went with the Fronius Gen24 10KW 3phase inverter. Installed in the Garage, extremely quit and the performance is top notch. The monitoring solution provide is excellent.

19th May 2022
Hank
NSW - 2594
6kW system
5.00

We choose the Fronius gen24 as this was a hybrid and it seems to work as intended.

17th May 2022
Ilya
NSW - 2071
5kW system
5.00

12th May 2022
Paul
QLD - 4573
10-15kW system
5.00

Fronius seems to be the most popular inverter and seems to be the best from a technology point of view. Also can monitor power generation and consumption via the Fronius Smart Meter and the Solar.web iterface.

9th May 2022
Keith
-
10kW system
5.00

Great inverter

30th April 2022
Andrew
SA - 5082
10-15kW system
5.00

German made, top quality

20th April 2022
Chris
-
5kW system
5.00

19th April 2022
Steve
VIC - 3222
15-20kW system
5.00

Fronius inverters are a very good quality product that deliver good capabilities to manage the Trina Solar panels. This inverter has the ability to add on a battery.

21st March 2022
David
NSW - 2347
8kW system
5.00

so far so good

5th March 2022
Stefan
SA - 5251
10-15kW system
5.00

Very satisfied

26th February 2022
Jim
NSW - 2535
7kW system
5.00

Too early to say

22nd February 2022
Geoff
WA - 6208
6kW system
5.00

Small quiet unit. Able to check on progress of panels.

22nd September 2021
Daniel 3
TAS - 7018
7kW system
5.00

31st August 2021
Mark
-
10kW system
5.00

The Fronius inverter looks good. The app is limited unless you pay $60 for the premium app. I have not yet purchased the app.

26th July 2021
Helen
QLD - 4285
10kW system
5.00

Very happy with this Fronius inverter - the best brand.

16th July 2021
James
WA - 6210
6kW system
5.00

Too early to tell, believe its a reputable brand.

13th July 2021
Daniel
VIC - 3155
10-15kW system
5.00

inverter has been working flawelessly for over 18 months

8th July 2021
Simon
-
20-30kW system
4.00

The inverters have performed satisfactorily, meeting our expectations.

1st July 2021
Richard
-
10-15kW system
5.00

Very good

10th May 2021
-
6kW system
5.00

Happy so far

15th March 2021
Gabrielle
VIC - 3555
7kW system
5.00