What is a solar inverter?

The solar inverter is one of the most important parts of a solar system and is often overlooked by those looking to buy solar energy. This review highlights the best inverters from the world's leading manufacturers to ensure your solar system operates trouble-free for many years.

Which solar inverter is best?

CNET experts have compared the most popular solar inverters' specs, warranties, prices and more. The SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter is our top pick in 2024. It was the most efficient inverter we looked at, letting you use a larger percentage of the energy your solar panels generate. This translates to less and more power to use around the house.

Can a solar inverter charge an EV?

However, not every inverter is equipped to integrate an energy storage system or an electric vehicle (EV) charger out of the box, meaning that if you want to add storage or charge an EV with your solar panel output at a later date, you'll need additional hardware and potentially pricey installation and electrical work.

How do I choose the best solar inverter for my home?

Reading through user reviews on app stores can give you a decent understanding of what you'll be experiencing when using a specific solar app. The "best" solar inverter for your home depends less on the inverter manufacturer and more on what your home's specific energy needs are.

Should I get a solar inverter with a bigger wattage?

Getting a solar inverter with a much larger wattage than your solar array can cause efficiency and performance issues. An installer will properly size your inverter with your solar panel system based on the size of your solar array and the amount of sunlight your home receives throughout the day.

Do I need a solar inverter?

Solar inverters are a necessary, but often forgotten part of a home solar panel system since they convert sunlight into usable electricity for your home appliances. Without a solar inverter, you wouldn't be able to use those solar panels to power your home.