Comparisons & Buying Guides

Choosing the right inverter for your photovoltaic installation is a major technical decision that will impact performance, scalability and profitability over 15-25 years. With so many brands and technologies to choose from, how can you make an informed choice?

This sub-category provides an in-depth comparison of all inverter technologies and brands: centralised string inverters, distributed microinverters, hybrid inverters with storage, and the main brands on the market (Deye, Sofar, Fronius, Victron, SMA, Huawei, SolarEdge).

String vs microinverter: what are the differences? String inverters (one central inverter for all panels) offer simplicity and lower costs, but suffer from partial shading. Microinverters (one inverter per panel) guarantee individual optimisation and reduced DC safety, but cost 30-50% more. Our comparisons detail the advantages and disadvantages according to configuration (complex roofing, shading, future developments).

Hybrid inverters: versatility. These models include battery management, automatic backup during power outages, and advanced modes (optimised self-consumption, off-peak/peak hours). Discover our comparisons of Deye vs Sofar vs GoodWe, with field analyses: reliability, after-sales service, software, battery compatibility, actual performance.

Premium brands vs alternatives. Fronius, SMA, and Victron embody German/Austrian quality with long warranties and exemplary after-sales service, but at a high price. Deye, Sofar, and Growatt offer excellent value for money with European certifications and comparable performance. Our guides will help you decide.