Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Solar Edge Inverters manufacturer or any solar installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product over another.
Overview of SolarEdge – Company History
Established in 2006, SolarEdge developed the DC optimised inverter solution that changed the way power is harvested and managed in photovoltaic (PV) systems. The SolarEdge intelligent inverter solution maximises power generation while lowering the cost of energy produced by the PV system, for improved return on investment.
In 2010, the company shipped an estimated 250,000 power optimizers and 12,000 inverters – amounting to a total generation of 50 megawatts and 70% of the power optimizers market.
In March 2015, SolarEdge had an initial public offering on the NASDAQ with 7,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $18.00 per share, raising $126 million.
In May 2015, SolarEdge partnered with Tesla Motors or the joint development of a photovoltaic (PV) storage and backup power solution for the residential solar market, based on the Powerwall home and industrial battery packs that were unveiled in April 2015, and quickly received orders to a total value of US$800 million.
Solar Edge now has over 2,400 employees globally with a monitored site in over 130 countries. The headquarters are located in Israel with offices all over the world including the USA, Germany, France, Japan, China, India, and Australia.
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 to usable AC power for your home.
Microinverters, on the other hand, convert DC to AC power 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.
Solar Edge Inverters – Point of Difference
There are many solar panels out there, what makes SolarEdge inverters stand out?
DC Optimisation
Solar Edge is best known for pioneering the concept of a string inverter matched with individual ‘DC optimisers’ on each solar panel. This achieves similar benefits to Micro-inverter systems usually at a lower cost. These optimisers allow:
individual panel monitoring
individual panel optimisation (i.e. shade or dirt on one panel will not affect the other panels like a conventional string inverter setup)
rapid shutdown of panels in the case of an emergency
An increase in total energy generation over the lifetime of the system
An inverter with smaller dimensions because the Multi Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is all done at the panel.
SolarEdge Inverter Efficiency
While efficiency standards for residential inverters are generally 95 to 98 percent, while SolarEdge’s inverters boast a maximum efficiency of 99.2 percent. This greater efficiency will lead to a slight increase in energy production over the lifetime of a solar system and compliments the other advantages of the power optimisers.
SolarEdge Inverters Technologies
SolarEdge currently has 29 inverters approved by the Clean Energy Council in Australia under the name “SolarEdge Technologies Ltd”. This is a requirement to be eligible for the federal STC solar rebate. Currently, Solaredge offers both single phase and three phase inverters on the Australian market for residential and commercial solutions.
Single Phase Inverters
SolarEdge’s single-phase inverters are designed for residential solar PV systems, where the power output is usually lower than that of commercial or industrial systems. These inverters are smaller in size, easier to install, and less expensive than three-phase inverters. See below summary of the different single phase inverters SolarEdge has available:
Genesis
SolarEdge’s entry level single phase inverter
Power optimised – like all SolarEdge solutions
Weighted efficiency of 99% for 5kW to 10kW models
EV Charging
EV Charger and Solar Inverter built in one device
3kW and 5kW versions available
Weighted efficiency 99% for 5kW model
Charge EV from PV surplus
Home Hub
Compatible with DC connected battery
Provides back-up power in black-out
Models from 3kW to 10kW
Up to 300% DC oversizing
SolarEdge also offers StorEdge solutions which are designed to enable their non-hybrid inverters to connect with a DC battery like LG’s Chem.
Three Phase Inverters
SolarEdge offers a range of three-phase inverters that are designed for commercial and industrial solar PV systems.In general, three-phase inverters are larger in size and more expensive than single-phase inverters.
SolarEdge provides three-phase inverters from 5kW to 100kW, with a maximum efficiency of up to 99.2%. The 50kW to 100kW options couple together 2 or 3 smaller inverters with one central ‘Synergy Manager’ to achieve the overall power output.
These inverters are compatible with a wide range of solar panels and have features such as built-in panel-level monitoring and rapid shutdown which can be a big advantage in commercial applications. Additionally, SolarEdge’s three-phase inverters come with advanced safety features such as built-in thermal sensors to detect faulty wiring.
SolarEdge Warranty Offer for Australian Customers
The Solar Edge inverters have a 12-year product warranty, and the accompanying power optimizers have a 25-year warranty.
The standard 12-year product warranty for the inverter is unparalleled in the industry, and is a great indicator of high quality. The inverter warranty can also be extended to 20 years and 25 years with most of their residential models.
As the power optimisers are located on the roof and exposed more to the elements, a 25-year warranty provides peace of mind to owners for the expected life of a typical solar system. The warranty offer for SolarEdge is better than premium alternatives like Enphase micro-inverters.
SolarEdge has an Australian office and a clear warranty claim process on their website, and we have not heard any difficulties in claiming warranty from SolarEdge from our customers.
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How much do SolarEdge Inverters Costs?
As many Solar Edge inverters are manufactured in China or Hungary, this enables them to be sold at a cheaper price in comparison to European manufactured competitors.
Indicative pricing
SolarEdge SEG-SE5000H 5KW Inverter
$1,200 to $1,400
SolarEdge SEG-SE8K 8KW Inverter
$1,600 to $1,800
SolarEdge SEG-SE10000H 10kW Inverter
$1,900 to $2,100
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 Solar Power project.
Compare quotes from up to 7 installers in your area now.
SolarEdge Inverter Limitations
Of course, any inverter can have its limitations and SolarEdge is no different. Solar Edge Inverters are on the pricier side so expect to pay around 20-40% higher cost on average than other high performing and highly rated inverters. Keep in mind that inverter costs generally only run between 10-20% of your total system so it can depend greatly on the rest of your set up including your Solar Panels and Solar Battery.
Whether the size and scope of your system will need enough power to fully make use of SolarEdge optimizers is another consideration on whether to go with SolarEdge.
Pros and Cons of SolarEdge Inverters
Pros:
One of the largest inverter companies in the world
Industry-leading warranty offer
Cons:
High upfront cost to reflect premium product
Only compatible with SolarEdge optimizers
SolarEdge Inverter Technical Specifications
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology 5.0kW
SolarEdge 3-Phase Range 5.0 kW
SolarEdge StorEdge Hybrid Inverter 5.0 kW
Rated AC Power Output
4985W
4985W
4985W
Maximum Continuous Output Current
23A
11.5A
27A
Maximum DC Power
7750W
9450W
6750W
Maximum Inverter Efficiency
99.2%
98%
97.6%
Dimensions with Safety Switch/Connection Unit
450 x 370 x 174 mm
775 x 315 x 191 mm
962 x 315 x 184 mm
Weight
11.4Kg
22.0 Kg
26.5 Kg
Warranty
12 Years (Extendable to 20 and 25 years)
12 Years (Extendable to 20 and 25 years)
12 Years (Extendable to 20 and 25 years)
Operational Temperature Range
-40°C to 60°C
-40°C to 60°C
-20°C to 60°C
Made in
China/Hungary
China/Hungary
China/Hungary
Are SolarEdge Inverters Worth It?
If you’re considering buying an inverter, SolarEdge is one of the largest and most well-established companies in the world. With an office in Australia and long warranties, you can be confident in the quality and reliability of their products. However, it’s important to note that the initial cost of a SolarEdge inverter is higher compared to other options.
If you have shading issues on your roof or you are willing to pay a bit extra to get a premium solution, then our opinion is that SolarEdge would be a great fit for any residential or commercial projects.
Example of a SolarEdge Commercial Solar Project
In 2014, Honda Motorcars’ dealership in Ohio, USA wanted to install a carport canopy that would protect its fleet of automobiles, attract new customers, and power the facility. Dovetail Solar and Wind, were commissioned to run the project, and straight away they knew that SolarEdge’s inverters were going to be the best option. An inverter is generally only 10% of the costs of a commercial solar project, however, it is responsible for 100% of the energy production. Therefore, SolarEdge’s optimized inverter architecture offers the best of both worlds IE the design flexibility and energy boost of MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) combined with the cost effectiveness and simplicity of a string inverter.
Fun Facts on The Project
– More than 80% of the steel used for the structure came from recycled cars
– The project will cover at least 75 – 80% of the facilities energy
– Green Energy Ohio named Honda their Business of the Year in 2015
Compare quotes from up to 7 pre-vetted installers in your area now. Since 2008 our knowledge and sophisticated software has allowed over 300,000 Australian households and businesses to make a well-informed choice on their solar & battery installer.
Jeff has consulted on over 20MW of commercial solar projects, ranging from SMEs to ASX top 100 companies. Jeff has also provided independent advice to 100s of residential solar, battery and EV charging customers across every state in Australia. He holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and is an expert in business strategy and financial analysis.
It works nearly flawlessly, which is the main thing. Sometimes in summer it trips at peak generation times.
24th September 2024
Tim
VIC - 3242
10-15kW system
5.00
The app is easy to understand and gives plenty of data. Good graphics that enable information to be read at a glance.
20th September 2024
Leon
-
6kW system
5.00
The Solaredge inverter has great monitoring platform and which provides useful real time information
20th September 2024
Bernard
-
6kW system
Review left 10 years after system installed
1.00
It's failed and installer is not coming out to fix even though they have been supply with a new unit by solare edge.
8th July 2024
William
-
10kW system
Review left 3 years after system installed
3.00
SolarEdge do have support centre to contact. But you need have some knowledge to talk to them. And sometimes, they told you they applied fix, but actually it doesn't.
7th July 2024
ACT - 2615
6kW system
Review left 2 years after system installed
5.00
As with the solar panels I relied on ECG's expertise with the choice of inverter brand. I find the Wifi Monitoring app very informative and user friendly.
28th May 2024
Michelle
-
7kW system
Review left 6 years after system installed
1.00
Inverter will not connect to the panels anymore
25th May 2024
NSW - 2337
10-15kW system
5.00
Being able to monitor the production on the app is very helpful.
14th April 2024
Neville
-
10kW system
Review left 3 years after system installed
1.00
Appalling service with condescending and arrogant representatives even towards our installer.
8th April 2024
Klaus
ACT - 2602
9kW system
Review left 5 years after system installed
5.00
The app is excellent. We also have a Reposit app. Both work well.
4th April 2024
QLD - 4218
10kW system
Review left 2 years after system installed
5.00
great monitoring, no issues since install.
31st March 2024
Peter
NSW - 2233
6kW system
5.00
Solar inverter functionality and monitoring calability on app is excellent.
27th March 2024
Henrique
-
10kW system
5.00
Works as expected - a bit hard to set up the mobile app, but once done, works really well.
26th March 2024
Reg
VIC - 3084
10-15kW system
5.00
We are pleased with the Solar Edge single phase inverter (10KW)
21st March 2024
QLD - 4565
10-15kW system
5.00
Inverter de-selects panels that are shaded to give maximum output. App is easy to use
16th March 2024
Jaylan
-
10-15kW system
5.00
The inverter is the real workhorse of the whole system and I could not believe how silent this machine is unlike other brands, it is seriously dead silent, plus it looks beautiful, with a feature packed app to come with it that works alongside the optimisers and battery. Solaredge will continue to release features through software updates
13th March 2024
William
NT - 0810
6kW system
Review left 3 years after system installed
5.00
been going great absoutely no issues at all
10th March 2024
NSW - 2101
7kW system
Review left 3 years after system installed
4.00
The app was great but now won’t connect to my wifi.
6th March 2024
Bill
-
10kW system
Review left 4 years after system installed
1.00
Less than 5 years and I am on the 3rd SolarEdge inverter. Plus I installed solar on my vacation rental home and 2 years, SolarEdge went out and need a new inverter there. My install company will replace it under warranty, but all of their new packages sold, they do not use SolarEdge because of this continue problem.
