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.

How much does a microinverter cost?

Microinverters can cost from £20 to £100 a unit. It can cost around £2,500 for the average solar panel system comprising 14 panels, including installation costs like wiring. You’ll face greater upfront costs when creating a system that uses microinverters, and the bill can be quite high if you’re planning on a large installation.

How much does a string inverter cost?

A string inverter can cost around £500 to £1,500 for an average home. They’re a low-cost option compared to other types of inverters. However, a string inverter usually has a lifespan of around ten years, meaning you’ll need to replace it at least once since solar panels can last for 25 years or more.

How much does a hybrid inverter cost?

A mid-range hybrid inverter costs from £1,200 to £1,500. Hybrid inverters are considered more reliable than a standard grid-tie inverter because they have a built-in battery backup system – you can still use your solar energy system during a power cut.

Which solar inverter is best?

String inverters are the most common in solar energy systems as they are the most cost effective and, while they aren’t as efficient as some other kinds of inverter, they are very reliable, can handle 5 – 10 panels at once and are cheaper to replace.

What size solar inverter do I Need?

A typical rule of thumb for inverter sizing is to get an unit that's similar in size to your solar panel system's maximum capacity. So, if you have a 5kW solar panel system (suited to a 2-3 bedroom house), you'll want a solar inverter in the 4kW-5kW range.