Solar Inverters: Types, Benefits & Cost (2026)
If you need a solar inverter, you have three main options: a string inverter, microinverters or a solar generator. Learn how to pick here.
A solar inverter is a critical aspect of most photovoltaic (PV) power systems, in which energy from direct sunlight is harnessed by solar panels and transformed into usable electricity.
Because the inverter is the brain of your solar system, and it's also, historically, the device that has the highest probability of failure, which can leave you in the dark (literally and figuratively). A solar inverter's main function is to switch DC power created by solar panels into AC power that's usable for your home appliances.
While it's easier to add solar panels to your system later with microinverters, choosing the right string inverter before your installation is critical, as central inverter systems are typically built-to-suit without the capacity for expanded solar generation. Use our online tool to find the right sizes for your solar energy system components.
Browse solar inverters from top manufacturers on the EnergySage Buyer's Guide. To learn about other solar energy system components, visit EnergySage's solar panel and solar battery buyer's guides. Solar inverters are an essential component in any residential, commercial, or utility-scale solar energy system.
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