Enphase vs. SolarEdge — these companies provide quality solar inverters, but which one possesses the edge?
Choosing a solar inverter for your home or business can be a tricky affair. Quality, efficiency, and warranty length are just some variables you need to consider before making your purchase.
With that in mind, gaining insight into a company goes a long way toward choosing the right product for your needs.
For this reason, the following post compares the inverter offerings from Enphase and SolarEdge.
So without further ado, let’s look at these companies and get you one step closer to purchasing your inverter!
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Table of Contents
Enphase Vs. SolarEdge
| Specification | Enphase | SolarEdge |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 25 Years | 12 Years |
| Reliability | No single point of failure | Single point of failure |
| Monitoring | Panel level | Panel level optional |
| Efficiency | 97.5% | 99% |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Panel Level Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Expandability | Easy | Limited to inverter size |
| Aesthetics | No central inverter | Wall-mounted central inverter |
| Replacement | Fast | Complex |
| Enhanced safety | Yes | Yes |
Getting To Know Enphase
Enphase is a microinverter company and pioneer in solar-plus-storage technology that has been at the forefront of solar technology since 2006. Their semiconductor-based microinverters allow for individual module-level conversion and offer a cutting-edge approach to energy management.
With offices all over the globe and over 2.5 million systems installed in more than 140 countries, it’s no wonder they have a revenue of $1.4 billion and 48 million microinverters shipped.
Related Reading: Micro Inverters (Everything you need to know)
This company has dominated the microinverter market and made a name for itself in energy storage, with 182 MWh of energy storage systems shipped to date.
Power Your Home With The Enphase IQ8 Microinverter
Enphase’s IQ8 micro inverters are leading the industry with their grid-forming capabilities and ability to convert DC power to AC power efficiently.
Unlike traditional central inverters, each solar panel has one of these microinverters. Therefore, the rest of the system can continue producing energy even if one panel fails.
The ASIC chip enables the microinverters to operate in grid-tied and off-grid modes, providing more options for your home energy system.
Moreover, with response times faster than ever, the microinverters alleviate constraints on battery sizing.
Enphase’s IQ8 micro inverters are reliable and efficient if you consider switching to solar energy.
Related Reading: Grid-Tied Vs. Off-Grid (What are the key differences?)
Microinverter vs. Traditional String Inverter
Enphase Microinverter
Enphase utilizes a distributed architecture with microinverters attached to each panel, converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) at the source. This approach increases overall system efficiency and allows for flexible panel placement.
Source: https://www.enphase.com
Traditional String Inverter
Traditional string inverters convert your solar panels’ direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). You can use this to power home appliances or feed it back into the grid via net metering.
Source: https://www.enphase.com
Getting To Know SolarEdge
SolarEdge — founded in 2006 — quickly became a leader in the solar industry thanks to its innovative technology responsible for harvesting and managing energy in PV systems.
SolarEdge has created award-winning products that power homes, businesses, and transportation worldwide, focusing on continuous innovation.
At the time of writing, they have delivered over 3.7 million inverters and 31.6GW of solar power to 133 countries across five continents.
With their monitoring platform tracking over 2.6 million installations globally, it’s no wonder SolarEdge remains a top choice for many companies and individuals looking to switch to renewable energy sources.
Smart Energy Management: The Future Of The Inverter
SolarEdge is dedicated to improving the way people produce and consume energy. They have recognized the potential of inverters as smart energy managers and have revolutionized solar technology with its DC-optimized inverter topology and HD-Wave technology.
The SolarEdge inverters utilize power optimizers to ensure maximum power generation from every panel. But that’s not all — customers can quickly identify and resolve any shading or performance issues with the ability to monitor individual panels.
Not only do these inverters maximize efficiency, but they are also proven to be safer.
StorEdge
Their StorEdge solution allows for managing both solar energy and battery storage. And with their world’s first EV charging PV inverter, SolarEdge is making EV charging more efficient and environmentally friendly.
But it doesn’t stop there — SolarEdge’s diverse product offering caters to various energy market segments, from residential to commercial to large-scale PV systems.
In short, SolarEdge is truly paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable energy future.
We can’t wait to see what they do next!
Which Company Produces Better Quality Inverters?
The Enphase vs. SolarEdge duel continues with questions over the quality of each company’s products.
Both offer high-end options with a hefty price tag. That said, the reliability and efficiency you experience make the investment worthwhile.
Choosing between the two can be challenging — both have unique features and benefits. So let’s take a look at the key differences between the two:
Breakdown of Key Differences:
Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to weigh the pros and cons and decide which products suit them best. Our advice — do your research and consider all factors before making a decision.
Enphase Vs. Solar Edge: Which Company Is Cheaper?
Price-wise, there are some critical differences to consider in this Enphase vs. SolarEdge comparison.
With SolarEdge, the cost per watt is lower because each panel has a cheaper DC optimizer instead of an Enphase microinverter.
However, a SolarEdge system also requires an additional inverter near the meter board, which can raise the base cost of the system. In contrast, Enphase offers a viable 3-phase solution for larger systems, making it a better option in those cases.
Overall, for residential systems, the price difference may not be significant. But it’s worth considering your options and calculating the cost per watt for larger systems.
Enphase Microinverter
For our example, let’s consider a 5kW system and select a 420W solar panel. In this instance, we need the following:
Number Of Solar Panels = 5000 W / 420 W = 11.9 = 12 Panels
We selected the IQ8H Microinverter for our calculation. The Enphase IQ8H microinverter system is an investment worth considering for any solar panel installation. With a single unit costing $242, the total base cost for the system comes to $2,905.
However, this initial cost pales in comparison to the long-term benefits of increased energy production and reliability.
SolarEdge: Inverter + Power Optimizers
We chose the SolarEdge SE7600H HD-Wave 7.6 kW inverter for our example. According to SolarEdge, the SE7600H HD-Wave 7.6 kW inverter will set you back $1,655.00, and each power optimizer an additional $87.50.
So, if you’re looking to fully equip your solar panel system with the SolarEdge inverter system, you can expect a total base cost of $2,705.00. However, keep in mind that this cost does not include installation fees or any additional equipment needed for your specific setup.
Verdict
Although the SolarEdge system is cheaper in our example, both options offer reliable and efficient energy production options for solar panel systems. Therefore, weighing the initial investment against potential long-term benefits is essential.
Ultimately, conducting thorough research and consulting with professionals can help guide your decision in choosing the best fit for your specific solar panel setup.
Enphase Vs. SolarEdge: Which Has Better Efficiency?
When comparing Enphase and SolarEdge inverters, it’s important to consider efficiency and compatibility with high-power modules.
Enphase
The IQ8 microinverter has a 97.5% CEC efficiency rating and is designed for 96-cell PV modules up to 400W DC.
This makes it an excellent option for those looking to integrate high-power modules into their solar system. Additionally, their unique modular design allows for flexible installation options and easy scalability for future system expansion.
Overall, Enphase’s IQ8 microinverter offers superior performance and versatility for high-power solar installations.
SolarEdge
The SolarEdge inverter boasts an impressive 99% CEC weighted efficiency, with the ability to handle up to 200% DC oversizing. This means that the inverter can effectively convert more power from the solar panels, resulting in increased energy production and savings for homeowners.
In fact, independent tests have shown that systems using SolarEdge technology can produce up to 25% more energy than traditional string inverters.
If you’re looking for maximum efficiency and energy production in your solar system, the SolarEdge inverter is an intelligent choice.
Verdict
Both brands offer reliable options for your solar system, but SolarEdge may be the better choice if maximum efficiency and oversizing capabilities are essential factors for you.
Which Company Has A Better Product Warranty?
As a home or business owner, you must be clued up on your solar equipment warranty. Enphase and SolarEdge offer product warranties designed to protect consumers if their products fail.
But which company has the better warranty?
Enphase
Enphase offers a substantial warranty for its microinverters. The Enphase inverters come with a warranty of 15-25 years, covering the replacement of any microinverter units that may fail during this period.
SolarEdge
SolarEdge sets itself apart with its extended warranty options. While most of their inverters come with a standard 12-year warranty, they offer customers the opportunity to extend that coverage up to 25 years. This shows their confidence in the durability and reliability of their products.
It’s also worth noting that SolarEdge inverters undergo rigorous testing during production to ensure they meet the warranty period and can handle everyday use and service conditions.
Verdict
Based on the warranty coverage offered by both Enphase and SolarEdge, it’s clear that both companies have a solid commitment to the quality and reliability of their products. Ultimately, either option would be an intelligent choice for your solar needs.
Which Company Is Right For You?
The Enphase vs. SolarEdge debate offers high-quality options for home and business owners looking to incorporate solar energy into their homes.
While Enphase may have a slightly higher upfront cost, they offer state-of-the-art microinverter technology and flexibility for future expansion. SolarEdge, on the other hand, provides a full suite of integrated products, including electric vehicle charging and consumption monitoring.
Ultimately, it comes down to the individual owner’s unique needs and preferences. However, either option will provide a long-lasting and efficient solution for incorporating solar energy into your home.
Final Thoughts
Enphase and SolarEdge offer reliable, high-quality options for homeowners looking to incorporate solar energy into their homes. Enphase offers cutting-edge microinverter technology with the flexibility to expand in the future, while SolarEdge provides a complete suite of integrated products.
Consider the warranty coverage and efficiency benefits each brand offers before deciding. Whichever company you choose, investing in quality solar equipment is key to a successful and long-lasting solar installation.
It’s up to the individual home or business owner to consider their specific needs and preferences before making a decision. But rest assured that either option would be worthwhile.
As always, be sure to do your research and consult with a trusted solar professional before making any decisions about your solar installation. Good luck on your journey toward renewable energy!
