Are Solaredge Inverters Any Good?

Solar inverters are a critical component of any solar photovoltaic (PV) system. They convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power homes and businesses. SolarEdge is an Israeli company founded in 2006 that designs and manufactures solar inverters for residential and commercial solar installations.

SolarEdge pioneered a distributed inverter system with power optimizers installed at each solar panel. This system maximizes energy harvest from each panel and provides panel-level monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. SolarEdge has grown to become one of the largest solar inverter manufacturers globally, with installations in over 133 countries. As of Q3 2023, SolarEdge holds an estimated 16.77% market share in the global solar inverter market.

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Overview of SolarEdge Inverters

SolarEdge inverters work differently than traditional string inverters. Rather than having one central inverter for the whole solar array, SolarEdge systems use a central inverter combined with power optimizers at each solar panel. This allows for panel-level monitoring and optimization.

The key benefits of this approach are:

Maximized energy harvest – If any solar panel is shaded or faulty, only that panel’s output is affected rather than the whole array. The power optimizers ensure peak performance from each panel.
Panel-level monitoring – You can view the performance of each solar panel individually, pinpointing any issues.

Safe DC architecture – By converting DC to AC at each panel, the voltage on the roof is reduced to a safe level.
Flexible design – Solar panels can be installed facing different directions and angles as required.

By maximizing the output of each panel and providing panel-level visibility, SolarEdge aims to increase reliability and optimize the performance of solar arrays. The distributed inverter architecture is a key differentiator from traditional string inverters. SolarEdge Inverter Technology

Reliability

SolarEdge inverters have faced some reliability concerns based on customer reviews and reported failure rates. According to a Reddit discussion thread, some users have reported failure rates as high as 80% in the first 10 years of operation [1]. Another forum thread cites multiple inverter replacements, with the poster expecting to replace their inverter another dozen times by 2041 [2].

However, SolarEdge claims to take a “physics-based multi-level method” approach to reliability and offers a 25-year warranty on their products [3]. While some customers have experienced issues, SolarEdge states they rigorously test for failure points during design and manufacturing. The modular nature of SolarEdge systems also means only single components may need replacing versus the entire inverter.

Overall, SolarEdge inverter reliability seems mixed based on customer experiences, but the company emphasizes reliability testing and continual improvement of their products. More data over the long-term will better demonstrate the robustness and lifespan of these inverters.

Performance

SolarEdge inverters are known for their high efficiency and power output compared to competitors like Enphase. According to testing done by CivicSolar, SolarEdge HD-Wave inverters achieved a CEC efficiency rating of up to 99.2%, compared to 96.5% for Enphase IQ 7+ microinverters (SolarReviews). This results in more energy production from a SolarEdge system.

In a head-to-head test done by EnergySage, SolarEdge systems produced up to 9% more annual energy output than comparable Enphase systems in locations like Los Angeles and Boston (EnergySage). While Enphase microinverters perform well individually, SolarEdge’s optimized string inverter system seems to have an efficiency advantage at the system level.

Independent performance testing has repeatedly shown SolarEdge inverters to have excellent real-world efficiency and power production that meets or exceeds manufacturer claims. They are able to extract maximum power from solar panels through integrated DC optimizers and advanced MPPT tracking. Overall, SolarEdge offers premium performance compared to alternatives.

Monitoring Capabilities

SolarEdge inverters come with robust monitoring software called mySolarEdge that provides system owners valuable insights (“mySolarEdge – Monitoring App for System Owners”). The mySolarEdge monitoring app enables both residential and commercial PV system owners to monitor real-time performance data, track production trends, identify issues for faster resolution, and generally optimize system production.

Key features of the monitoring software include a digital dashboard displaying real-time performance metrics like AC and DC power output, energy consumption, battery charge level, and more. It also provides alerts for power interruptions or drops in production. Historical performance can be analyzed to identify patterns and trends. For installers and system owners, the software also helps to remotely diagnose and troubleshoot issues, reducing costly truck rolls.

Overall, the robust monitoring and analytical capabilities provided by mySolarEdge deliver valuable insights that both residential and commercial PV system owners can leverage to maximize system performance.

Safety Features

SolarEdge inverters are engineered with several advanced safety mechanisms and shutdown protections. According to the technical specs from the SE7600H-US HD-Wave Inverter datasheet, SolarEdge inverters have integrated AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) detection to mitigate fire hazards due to DC and AC arcing faults (se-hd-wave-single-phase-inverter-datasheet-na.pdf). The inverter can detect series and parallel arc faults, providing protection against dangerous electrical arcs.

In addition, SolarEdge inverters have integrated rapid shutdown to cut off power in emergency situations as required by NEC 2014 and 2017 (se-hd-wave-single-phase-inverter-datasheet-na.pdf). This allows first responders to safely work on solar systems. The inverters also have overvoltage, undervoltage, and overfrequency protections to prevent damage to connected equipment.

Furthermore, SolarEdge utilizes SafeDCTM technology to reduce DC voltage to a safe 1V when the inverter is off (Clean Energy Reviews). This mitigates the risk of electric shock from a solar system. The NEMA 4X enclosure rating provides an extra layer of protection in outdoor environments against foreign objects, windblown dust, splashing water, and corrosion (se-hd-wave-single-phase-inverter-datasheet-na.pdf).

Warranty

SolarEdge inverters come with a standard 12-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. According to the Limited Product Warranty, the 12-year warranty period starts 4 months after the inverter is shipped from SolarEdge. The warranty is transferable if the inverter is sold to a new owner.

SolarEdge also offers extended 20-year and 25-year warranty options for an additional cost. The extended warranties must be purchased within 12 months of the inverter installation date. According to the updated 2022 warranty terms, the 25-year extended warranty is now only available for the SolarEdge power optimizers which convert DC output from the solar panels to AC current.

The power optimizers have a standard 25-year product warranty that warrants against defects and at least 92% power output for 25 years. The optimizers are covered even if the inverter fails and needs replacement. SolarEdge also provides a performance warranty that guarantees at least 98% of the power optimizer’s rated power for the first 12 years, and 0.5% annual power degradation for the remaining 13-25 years.

Cost

When it comes to cost, both Enphase and SolarEdge offer competitive pricing on their inverter systems. Enphase microinverters typically cost around $150-200 per unit installed, while a standard SolarEdge inverter system with power optimizers runs $0.20-0.40 per watt. This means a typical 6kW SolarEdge system would cost $1200-2400 just for the inverter equipment.

However, looking at just the upfront equipment cost doesn’t tell the whole story. Over the lifetime of a solar system, ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacement costs also factor in. Here, Enphase microinverters have an advantage, as they are more reliable with a 25-year warranty. SolarEdge inverters only come with a 12-year warranty that sometimes can be extended. Replacing a central inverter is also much more complex and costly than swapping out a microinverter.

Overall, while Enphase microinverters have a higher upfront cost, their superior reliability and warranty result in a lower total cost of ownership over the system lifetime compared to SolarEdge. So for maximum long-term value, Enphase emerges as the winner on cost.

Installer Reviews

Solar installers generally have positive feedback about SolarEdge inverters, though some have noted reliability issues in certain models. On review sites like EnergySage, many installers praise the monitoring capabilities, safety features, and overall performance of SolarEdge systems. However, some point out problems with specific inverter models failing prematurely.

For example, one installer stated “The app is super easy to navigate. Customer service is typically always a tremendous help,” while another said “My rating for them is horrible. Since I had no choice but to give them a single star and there are no zeroes.”

While BBB shows SolarEdge has a satisfactory rating, some installers report reliablity issues, especially with certain older or defective models prone to early failure. Overall, installer sentiment seems mixed but generally positive regarding SolarEdge’s monitoring, safety, cost, and support, with some concerns on inverter reliability.

Conclusion

Based on the factors evaluated in this article, SolarEdge inverters can be considered high-quality solar inverters that live up to their reputation. Their optimized power harvesting technology ensures excellent energy production, while monitoring capabilities provide system visibility and data-driven diagnostics. Safety features like SafeDCTM are important for protection, and the 12-year standard warranty demonstrates the company’s confidence in their products’ reliability and longevity.

While SolarEdge inverters do carry a premium price tag, most reviews from installers suggest the long-term performance and ease of troubleshooting justify the extra upfront investment for many homeowners. For those wanting an efficient, smart solar system that will provide maximum energy output for years to come, SolarEdge remains a top choice. Their continued innovation and focus on quality has built trust in the brand over the past decade.