The 7 Best Solar Power Inverters
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Whether you want to go off the grid completely or simply save some money on your household bills, you'll need a reliable inverter to transform the direct current from your solar panels into an alternating current for your home’s electrical appliances and devices. Here we rank the best on quality, capacity, and price. Note that this type of equipment should be set up only by a licensed electrician. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Wzrelb Reliable
2. Aims Pure Sine
3. Krieger KR
Editor's Notes
December 31, 2020:
With the speed that solar technology has been moving in recent years, it came as no surprise that this was a very busy round of updates. By the time all was said and done – due to a combination of availability issues, questionable ratings, and misplaced power inverters that didn't quite fit in this specialized category – our only remaining selections from last round were the Energizer ENK, Aims Pure Sine and Giandel PM-1200HSC.
Most models in this category are quite feature bare. Many include simple display screens, and some – including the Krieger KR and Giandel PM-1200HSC – come with basic, wired remote controls. The Lvyuan Pure Sine Wave is the only model we ranked that includes a wireless remote, and the PowMr Hybrid is the only model we ranked that includes app connectivity — but because it has a single-phase, 240-volt output, it’s not a convenience that many users will be able to take advantage of.
Aside from those few differentiators these devices tend to offer similar safety features, so for all intents and purposes, the only purchase considerations that will be of any concern to most of our users are how many ports and outlets a given unit offers, and whether its basic ratings meet your needs: Make sure that every option you consider has an input voltage that jives with your battery bank, as well as an output wattage that can handle the power draw you plan to put on it.
While we’ve got you here, you might also be interested in checking out our rankings for solar generators and 100-watt solar panels. And, if you aren't a licensed electrician or qualified installer, we strongly suggest calling one to put this machine in, for the sake of your safety, and potentially your local bylaws.
March 22, 2019:
Several of the inverters that made our list are designed specifically for grid-tie solar systems, meaning they connect directly to your solar panels to convert the DC current retrieved from them into AC current, to deliver power to your home. We included four highly-reputable choices for this job: the efficient SolarEdge Single-Phase, the streamlined Fronius Galvo, the versatile SMA Sunny Boy, and the mini APS YC500A. As these are the most sophisticated component of your solar setup (and the most likely to have issues), 1.) Don’t skimp, and 2.) It almost goes unsaid that a licensed installer needs to set them up, along with all related equipment. In addition to these, we included inverters that hook up to a 12-volt battery (which can be charged through sources like your solar array) to convert the current from DC to AC form and run your appliances. They typically offer a couple of AC outlets and USB ports. These can be highly portable and are therefore convenient for road trips, RV life, camping, etc. Note that they can be used off the grid and are a godsend if and when you lose power. Before you purchase one, be sure to check the wattages of the devices you plan to run, to make sure it can accommodate them. The Aims Pure Sine can provide up to an impressive 6,000 watts of power and is priced accordingly. If instead you only require one with middle-of-the-road or lower capacity, look to the Giandel and Bestek models featured here, respectively.
4. Giandel PM-1200HSC
5. PowMr Hybrid
6. LVyuan Pure Sine Wave
7. Energizer ENK
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.