Knowing the solar panel inverter cost is essential as solar panels become increasingly popular across the UK.
Data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) shows over 183,000 installations in 2023.
The solar panel inverter is one of the most vital components of any solar energy system. Without it, you wouldn’t get any power from your panels.
It converts the electricity your solar panels generate (DC) into the type of electrical current your home appliances and National Grid can use (AC).
But how much does a solar panel inverter cost? Here’s everything you need to know about solar panel inverter costs.
Pro tip: Avoid upsells and confusing packages—choose a provider with a clear, fixed-price quote that won’t change. Heatable, a Which?-approved solar installer, offers transparent pricing with no surprises.
Quick Takeaways:
- Solar panel inverter costs can range from £500 to £2,500.
- String inverters are cheaper than microinverters, but the latter offers more advantages and a longer lifespan.
- Other factors that can impact the solar panel inverter cost include your system size, inverter efficiency, and whether it’s grid-tied or off-grid.
How Much Does a Solar Panel Inverter Cost?
A solar panel inverter can cost between £500 and £2,500. The overall solar installation quote will include the cost. Different types of inverters feature different costs.
What Are the Types of Solar Panel Inverters?
The common types of solar panel inverters include:
String Inverters
String inverters are also called central inverters and are the most widely used in UK homes.
They connect multiple solar panels in a series known as a string and can manage and convert power from a group of solar panels.
String inverters can convert the output of all panels within the system at once.
They offer a straightforward solution since they can be mounted on the wall near the consumer panel or electricity meter.
However, each model of string inverters has a maximum number of solar panels it can incorporate into a string.
The panels in the series must also be installed similarly in terms of orientation and pitch to avoid impacting the power output.
How Much Do String Solar Panel Inverters Cost?
A string inverter can cost around £500 to £1,500 for an average home. They’re a low-cost option compared to other types of inverters.
However, a string inverter usually has a lifespan of around ten years, meaning you’ll need to replace it at least once since solar panels can last for 25 years or more.
This can take the total cost of string inverters to up to £1,000 or £3,000 over the life of your solar energy system.
What are the Pros of String Inverters?
- More affordable
- Tried and tested technology
- Easier to troubleshoot and repair due to a single, accessible location
What are the Cons of String Inverters?
- Single points of failure heavily affect the entire system
- There are limitations in installation design
- Lower power output than microinverters
- They’re only as efficient as the poorest-performing panel
Microinverters
Microinverters are smaller, advanced alternatives to string inverters. A microinverter is attached to each solar panel within the system instead of being an external device, enabling the individual conversion of DC to AC on a per-panel basis.
Microinverters immediately convert DC energy at the source of energy generation, and the merging of each panel’s electricity only occurs after it’s converted to AC.
They are becoming increasingly popular for residential solar energy systems thanks to their significant advantages over string inverters.
Microinverters can work with complex solar arrays on multiple roof faces and offer improved performance and flexibility. However, they can be expensive.
How Much Do Microinverters Cost?
Microinverters can cost from £20 to £100 a unit. It can cost around £2,500 for the average solar panel system comprising 14 panels, including installation costs like wiring.
You’ll face greater upfront costs when creating a system that uses microinverters, and the bill can be quite high if you’re planning on a large installation.
However, they can last up to 25 years and usually come with a 25-year warranty.
Microinverters are more cost-effective in the long term compared to string inverters, which you may need to replace twice during the lifetime of your system.
What are the Pros of Microinverters?
- Set-ups using microinverters can generate more electricity than those using string inverters
- More reliability since the panels operate independently of each other
- Solar panels using microinverters can generate electricity in low light, making them ideal for UK weather
- Simplified and faster installation
- Easier troubleshooting thanks to real-time monitoring of individual panel performance
- Long lifespan of up to 25 years
- Microinverters are safer than string inverters since electricity conversion occurs at the solar panel level, so there’s no DC electricity entering your property or crossing the roof
- Allows system expansion and gives you maximum flexibility to expand over time
What Factors Influence the Solar Panel Inverter Cost?
Factors that can influence how much you pay for a solar panel inverter include:
System Size
The size of your solar system can directly impact the cost of the inverter you need.
Each inverter has a capacity it can deal with regardless of type, and it’s crucial to ensure you choose the correct size to ensure it can execute its role.
Efficiency
Inverters usually have a conversion rate of 95% at the lowest, with anything lower considered sub-par. Some inverters use advanced technology and can reach up to 98%, translating to higher prices.
Power Optimisers
Power optimisers are usually attached to solar panels to optimise power output.
Optimisers can automatically tweak the current and voltage to maximise power generation and even allow performance monitoring through an online portal.
They can increase the initial cost of the system but can be a sound long-term investment.
Grid-tied or Off-grid
Grid-tied inverters can interact with the original electricity grid, while off-grid inverters are standalone. With a grid-tied inverter, you can feed your electricity directly to the grid, allowing you to earn from extra energy.
Although they can be costlier, they can be cost-effective since you don’t have to use extraneous means and incur additional costs or get a battery to store excess power.
Installation
The installation cost is unavoidable but will be included in the overall quote unless you’re replacing the inverter.
The inverter must be installed in a suitable location to ensure minimal interference and high efficiency.
The inverter must be close to the panels or attached as with microinverters to minimise the chances of losing power.
You must also ensure they’re not exposed to harmful elements and that they’re easy to access for maintenance.
Final Thoughts on Solar Panel Inverter Cost
The solar panel inverter cost can differ based on the type of inverter you choose. String inverters are cheaper than microinverters but will only last for around ten years.
Microinverters are more expensive but have a longer lifespan and more advantages, making them a better option in the long term.
Sources and References
- https://mcscertified.com/2023-a-record-breaking-year-for-mcs-and-small-scale-renewables/