Find the Right Inverter for Your Home

String inverters (most common) handle solar-only systems and convert DC from a string of panels into AC. Hybrid inverters do the same plus integrate a battery — they're the right choice if you're adding storage now or within 2-3 years. Microinverters sit on each panel and convert at the panel level, useful for shaded roofs or panel-by-panel monitoring but more expensive per kW. For most Perth homes adding solar + battery, a hybrid inverter is the simplest path.

Match your inverter to your home's electrical supply — most Perth homes are single-phase (one set of wires from the street), some larger or newer homes are 3-phase. Check your meter or switchboard, or ask your retailer. 3-phase inverters cost more but allow larger systems (10kW+ on a 3-phase home vs 5-7kW max on single-phase) and balance load across phases. Don't oversize a single-phase inverter past your network's export limit (typically 5kW Synergy, 3kW Horizon).

The standard rule is to size your inverter at 75-100% of your panel array's DC capacity. For a 6.6kW panel system (e.g. 15 × 440W panels), a 5kW inverter is the most common pairing — it handles real-world output (panels rarely produce nameplate power) and matches Synergy's standard export limit. Going to 8kW inverter unlocks more peak production but you'll be limited by export caps anyway. Talk to your installer before sizing.

Hybrid inverters have built-in battery management — they're inherently battery-ready. Standard string inverters can sometimes be paired with a separate AC-coupled battery (like Tesla Powerwall) but the wiring is more complex. If you're planning to add a battery within 5 years, choose a hybrid inverter now to avoid replacing it later. Check the manufacturer's compatible-battery list — not all batteries work with all hybrid inverters.

Yes — CEC approval is a federal STC rebate prerequisite. All inverters listed in our catalogue are on the Clean Energy Council Approved Products Register. STC value is calculated on system size (kW DC of panels), not inverter size, so the inverter brand doesn't affect rebate value as long as it's CEC-approved. Verify your installer is also CEC-accredited to claim the rebate.

String and hybrid inverters typically come with 5-12 year product warranties. Real-world life is usually 10-15 years — inverters are the most likely component in a solar system to need replacement. Microinverters often have longer warranties (25 years) since they have less thermal stress. Budget for one inverter replacement during the 25-30 year life of your panels.

We track manufacturer market activity in Australia. SMA and Huawei have publicly announced AU residential exits — existing systems will work but warranty support and replacement parts may become harder to source. Redback Technologies exited voluntary administration in 2026 following restructure and has resumed trading; we still flag it as 'recently restructured' so you can confirm current warranty terms before purchase. We surface these flags on the relevant inverter cards so you can make informed warranty decisions.