August 12, 2025

If you’re considering installing solar panels in Ireland, one of the most important questions homeowners ask is: “What is the best inverter to go with my system?”

It’s a good question. The inverter is essentially the brain of your solar PV system. While panels get most of the attention, it’s the inverter that does the heavy lifting, converting the energy generated by your panels into usable electricity for your home.

In this article, we’ll discuss the types of inverters available, compare the most popular brands used by installers in Ireland, and how each inverter varies against others to help you make an informed decision.

1. What Does a Solar Inverter Do?

The direct current (DC) electricity absorbed by solar panels cannot power household appliances alone. That’s why every solar system needs an Inverter, that converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which powers the appliances in your home.

Modern inverters do more than just convert current. Many also:

• Monitor your system’s performance

• Communicate with batteries

• Link to smart apps

• Control export limits to the grid

In short, the inverter determines how well your solar system works daily, and how future-proof it is if you want to add a battery or an EV charger later.

2. Types of Solar Inverters Explained

1. String Inverters

Most common in Ireland

• One inverter manages a “string” of panels

• Cost-effective and reliable

• If one panel underperforms due to shading or dirt, others may be affected

2. Microinverters

• One inverter per panel

• Maximises individual panel output

• Great for shady or complex roof layouts

• Higher cost, more difficult maintenance

3. Hybrid Inverters

• Combine standard inverter and battery inverter in one unit

• Ready for energy storage

• Popular in Ireland as battery interest grows

3. What Makes a “Good” Inverter for Irish Homes?

When we look at the inverters most commonly used across Ireland, we evaluate them based on:

4. Inverter Comparison Table (Top Brands in Ireland)

With so many inverter brands on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the right choice for your home.

Some are known for being budget friendly, others for their advanced features or long-term reliability. Comparing them fairly means looking beyond brand names, and focusing on the things that matter most to homeowners: efficiency, reliability, battery readiness, smart monitoring, warranties and support.

We’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of the inverters commonly installed in Irish homes.

These include both hybrid and string inverters from trusted brands like Huawei, Solis, Duracell, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius and Enphase.

While each of these has its own strengths and ideal use cases, this table helps you see how they compare in terms of performance, usability, and long-term value.

5. How to Choose the Right Inverter for Your Home

Reading comparison tables is one thing, but making a decision for your own home is another.

Inverters vary not only in brand but also in functionality, cost, and long-term suitability. So how do you narrow it down?

1. Think About Your Energy Plans

Are you planning to add a battery now or in the future? Then a hybrid inverter or a string inverter with battery functionality is the smartest investment. Models such as those from Huawei and Duracell allow seamless battery integration without the need for additional inverters or system rewiring later on.

If battery storage isn’t on your radar, a more basic inverter from a brand like Solis could be sufficient, but it’s definitely important to think long-term. Inverter upgrades can be expensive and disruptive, so future-proofing can save hassle down the road.

2. Consider Your Roof and System Design

For homes with shading issues, optimised systems like SolarEdge or microinverter solutions like Enphase may offer better overall performance, even if they cost more upfront. But for the majority of Irish homes with relatively clear, simple roof layouts, a standard hybrid or string inverter performs well.

3. Prioritise Monitoring and Support

Don’t underestimate the value of a good monitoring app.

If you want to track your energy usage, spot issues early, or monitor your battery charge, a well-designed platform like the Huawei FusionSolar makes a huge difference. It also helps as your installer can remotely diagnose problems if anything goes wrong.

And finally, choose a brand with good installer support in Ireland. Even the best inverter can cause headaches if local backup or warranty service is difficult to access.

Read this article to learn more about how to choose an installer.

6. Final Recommendations

Best All-Round Inverter for Irish Homes: Huawei String Inverter

Reliable, efficient, and ready for the future, Huawei’s string inverters strike the best balance for most Irish homeowners. With high conversion efficiency, quiet operation, and seamless compatibility with batteries and EV chargers, Huawei systems are designed for long-term performance.

Their FusionSolar app is one of the most intuitive on the market, giving homeowners real-time control and visibility. Combined with strong warranties and wide installer support across Ireland, Huawei stands out as the best all-round choice for residential systems.

Best for Shaded or Complex Roofs: SolarEdge with Optimisers

For homes with partial shading, chimneys, or complex roof angles, SolarEdge offers panel-level optimisation to maximise energy yield in less-than-ideal conditions. Their system includes optimisers on each panel, ensuring that shading or dirt on one doesn’t reduce the output of others.

While the overall system cost is higher and there are more components to maintain, the performance boost in the right scenarios can be significant. Ideal for homeowners who want granular monitoring and strong performance from every panel.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Solis String Inverter

A dependable entry-level choice, Solis inverters offer solid performance and reliability at a lower price point. While they don’t have the same advanced smart features or seamless battery integration as premium models, they’re well-suited for straightforward systems without storage.

Solis is a popular option for installers across Ireland who are working within tighter budgets but still want a reputable brand with decent efficiency and warranty backing.

7. FAQs

Can I mix inverter and panel brands?

Yes. Your inverter and solar panels don’t have to be from the same brand, but compatibility matters, especially with battery systems.

What if the inverter fails?

Most good inverters come with 10-year warranties. If it’s installed by a certified installer, service and replacement are straightforward.

How long will it last?

Expect 10–15 years for most inverters. Premium brands can go longer, especially if kept indoors.

Do I need a battery-ready inverter now?

If you think you’ll add a battery within the next 5–10 years, it’s better to choose a hybrid inverter from the start.

8. Conclusion

Your inverter is the control centre of your solar system. It affects how much energy you get, how you monitor it, and whether you can expand later. While there’s no one-size-fits-all, Huawei stands out for homeowners who want reliability, future flexibility, and smart functionality without breaking the bank.

Thinking about solar? Ask your installer for a detailed inverter breakdown and make sure your system is designed around you, not just the equipment.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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