String inverters are an integral part of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, particularly for small-scale residential, commercial, and industrial (C&I) applications. They are designed to convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is then used to power electrical appliances or fed back into the grid. String inverters are connected to a series of PV modules, and their efficiency, reliability, and performance play a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of the solar system.
This article highlights the top 10 string inverter manufacturers that provide advanced, efficient, and reliable solutions for small-scale solar and C&I systems. These manufacturers offer inverters tailored to a wide range of applications, including residential rooftops, commercial buildings, and industrial installations.
1. SMA Solar Technology AG
Founded: 1981
Headquarters: Niestetal, Germany
Global Presence: Over 20 countries with more than 4,000 employees
SMA Solar Technology is a leading global supplier of solar inverters with a wide array of products for different market applications. SMA’s string inverter portfolio includes the Sunny Boy Smart Energy, Sunny Tripower X, Sunny Tripower CORE1, Sunny Highpower PEAK3, and Sunny Boy inverters. These inverters are known for their reliability, high efficiency, and advanced monitoring features, making them ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Key Products:
- Sunny Tripower X
- Sunny Highpower PEAK3
- Sunny Boy Smart Energy
Website: SMA Solar Technology
Courtesy SMA: Sunny Tripower X inverter
2. ABB (Now Hitachi Energy)
Founded: ABB’s power business was integrated into Hitachi Energy in 2020
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
ABB is a well-known global technology leader, producing a variety of power and automation products, including solar inverters. ABB’s string inverters are designed to deliver high efficiency and durability across different solar applications. For instance, the 3N00994F601A is a popular 3-phase string inverter model used in commercial solar installations. ABB’s string inverters are known for their simplicity in design and robust performance, making them a preferred choice for solar developers.
Key Products:
- 3N00994F601A (3-phase string inverter)
Website: ABB String Inverters
Courtesy ABB: 3N00994F601A
3. Fronius International GmbH
Founded: 1945
Headquarters: Pettenbach, Austria
Fronius is a major player in the solar inverter market, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Their Symo and Primo series of string inverters are well-regarded for their versatility and suitability for various applications. The Symo series is perfect for three-phase applications, while the Primo series is tailored for single-phase residential installations. Both series are designed with Smart Grid and zero feed-in functionalities, making them future-proof and adaptable to modern grid requirements.
Key Products:
- Symo 3.0-3-M (three-phase)
- Primo 3.0-1 (single-phase)
Website: Fronius Solar Energy
Fronius Primo
4. SolarEdge Technologies
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Herzliya, Israel
SolarEdge is globally recognized for its pioneering approach to solar energy systems, particularly with its power optimizers that work in tandem with string inverters. The HD-Wave inverter series is widely used in residential and small commercial applications, while the Synergy Power series is designed for larger systems. SolarEdge’s inverters optimize the power output of each individual module, significantly improving system performance even in shaded conditions.
Key Products:
- HD-Wave Inverters
- Synergy Power Series Inverters
Website: SolarEdge Technologies
Courtesy SolarEdge: Synergy Power Series Inverters
5. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Founded: 1987
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
Huawei is a global technology giant that also offers advanced solar inverter solutions. The SUN2000 series of string inverters are known for their high efficiency and intelligent monitoring features. Huawei’s inverters are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial solar applications due to their excellent performance in varied environmental conditions and their ability to integrate with energy storage systems.
Key Products:
- SUN2000-17/20KTL (three-phase)
Website: Huawei Solar Inverters
Courtesy Huawei: SUN2000-17/20KTL
6. GoodWe Power Supply Technology Co., Ltd.
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Suzhou, China
GoodWe is a rapidly growing manufacturer of solar inverters with a global presence. Their A-MS, A-BP, and A-ES series are popular in the North American market, delivering reliable performance in residential and commercial projects. GoodWe’s inverters are also recognized for their integration with battery storage solutions, making them ideal for off-grid and hybrid solar systems.
Key Products:
- A-MS series
- A-ES series
Website: GoodWe Solar
Courtesy GoodWe: A-MS series
7. Growatt New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
Growatt is a leading inverter manufacturer that produces a wide range of string inverters for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The MIN, MAX, MIC, and MOD series are well-suited for on-grid PV installations. These inverters offer smart monitoring features and high efficiency, making them a favorite among solar installers worldwide.
Key Products:
- MOD 9000TL3-XH (three-phase)
Website: Growatt Solar
Courtesy Growatt: Growatt MOD 9000TL3-XH
8. Ginlong Solis
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Ningbo, China
Ginlong Solis manufactures string inverters that are renowned for their efficiency and ease of installation. The Solis series is designed to support residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. Solis inverters are widely used due to their reliable performance and competitive pricing, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious solar installations.
Key Products:
- Solis-(50-66) K-US-F
- Solis-(125-255) K-EHV-5G-US
Website: Solis Inverters
Solis-(125-255) K-EHV-5G-US
9. Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
Founded: 1997
Headquarters: Hefei, China
Sungrow is a global leader in solar inverter solutions, with more than 405 GW installed worldwide as of 2023. Sungrow offers a wide variety of string inverters like the SG36/60CX-US and SG200HX-US, which are ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Sungrow inverters are known for their robust performance, high efficiency, and compatibility with energy storage systems.
Key Products:
- SG36/60CX-US (commercial)
- SG200HX-US (industrial)
Website: Sungrow Inverters
Courtesy Sungrow: SG36/60CX-US model
10. Chint Power Systems (CPS)
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Chint Power Systems (CPS) offers a wide range of string inverters for various solar PV installations, including rooftop, carport, and ground-mount systems. Their inverters are designed for both 1000Vdc and 1500Vdc systems, catering to utility-scale and commercial solar projects. CPS inverters are known for their durability and efficient power conversion.
Key Products:
- CPS 25kW-208V (three-phase)
Website: Chint Power Systems
Courtesy CPS: CPS 25kW-208V
Conclusion
Selecting the right string inverter for small-scale solar or commercial and industrial (C&I) systems is crucial for maximizing energy generation and system efficiency. From SMA’s renowned reliability to SolarEdge’s power optimizers and Huawei’s intelligent monitoring, each manufacturer offers unique features to meet a wide range of solar installation needs. Whether for residential rooftops or larger commercial applications, these top 10 string inverters provide the advanced technology needed to optimize solar energy output and ensure long-term system performance.
FAQs
- What is the difference between string inverters and microinverters?
- String inverters are connected to multiple PV panels in series, while microinverters are installed on each panel, optimizing individual panel performance.
- Are string inverters suitable for residential solar systems?
- Yes, string inverters like those from Fronius, SolarEdge, and SMA are commonly used in residential solar installations.
- How do power optimizers work with string inverters?
- Power optimizers, like those from SolarEdge, are attached to each panel, enhancing its power output and allowing the system to overcome shading issues.
- Which inverter is best for commercial solar projects?
- Sungrow and GoodWe inverters are popular for commercial projects due to their efficiency and scalability.
- What factors should be considered when choosing a string inverter?
- Key factors include system size, inverter efficiency, compatibility with energy storage, warranty, and environmental resilience.
- Can string inverters be used in grid-tied solar systems?
- Yes, string inverters are widely used in grid-tied solar installations for converting DC power into AC to be fed into the grid.
