With an increase in the price of electricity in Australia recently, the ability to produce your own energy with a built-in or separate battery storage backup system is a huge bliss. Along with it, if you can install an inverter system, which ensures a better efficiency system with a low failure rate and fewer hazards, then that will add an extra value to your return on investment. Since an uprising upfront cost and complex procedure of installing an inverter is dragging the whole solar package into a dead loss, the emergence of the SolarEdge inverter is like a killing of two birds with one stone. Hence, the SolarEdge inverter review will discuss various features and pros and cons of the SolarEdge inverter.
SolarEdge Inverter Review
SolarEdge is one of the most rapidly growing inverter manufacturers with currently ranking the third largest manufacturers just beneath Huawei and SunGrow. Being an Israeli-based manufacturer, founded in 2006, this new kids on the block has changed the technology of the solar efficiency by introducing their built-in DC optimizers rather than the conventional string inverter. SolarEdge calls their DC optimizing technology an “Intelligent Inverter Systems.”
The Journey Of SolarEdge
The company, as soon as established, began to reach into a new height in the solar inverter technology. Although, they had their first solar inverters sold in 2010, their sales growth rocketed substantially in the same year with an estimated shipment of 250,000 power optimizers, along with 12,000 inverters alone – accounting for a total generation of 50 mW and 70% of the total market share for power optimizers. Their wide ranges of products include residential, commercial and small utility-based inverters, various types of optimizers, and smart energy solutions.
As of now, the company has 2,400 running employees globally with a monitored site in over 130 countries. The main headquarters are situated in Israel, whereas its other offices are located in countries like the USA, France, Japan, China, India, Germany, and Australia.
Why SolarEdge Is Popular In Australia?
SolarEdge has had its majority of the share in the USA until their inverters garnered a huge popularity both in Europe and Australia. In a competitive solar market in Australia, the SolarEdge has firmly stood as one of the top-selling inverters just because of their innovative technology, using the DC optimizers in each of the individual panel to maximize the efficiency. Buying a similar magnificent technology embedded with the DC optimizers in each panel will cost twice as much, but the SolarEdge offers the same technology with more features with an affordable price. Their office in Australia is based in Double Bay, NSW.
How Much The SolarEdge Inverter Can/Might Cost?
We will give you just an indicative hint of the price of three models of SolarEdge inverters in this SolarEdge inverter Review. However, this price is subject to change as the inverter’s market fluctuates based on the arrival of the new inverters in the Australian market and the expiry of the old-fashioned inverters. Therefore, it is advised that you must check out their website to get up-to-date information regarding the pricing.
| Range of inverters | Estimated Price in AUS$ |
|---|---|
| SolarEdge SEG-SE5000H 5KW | $1,200 to $1,400 |
| SolarEdge SEG-SE8K 8KW | $1,600 to $1,800 |
| SolarEdge SEG-SE10000H 10KW | $1,900 to $2,100 |
How DC Optimizers Of SolarEdge Are So Unique?
The string inverters are less of efficient due to their overall performance, as well as the total efficiency, and yet depend on the weakest solar panels. If one of the panels is shaded or defected for any reason – it doesn’t matter how many other panels are on the operation of generating better efficiency, the overall deficiency will degenerate. In that case, SolarEdge has added a different dimension to the solar system by enabling the DC optimizer to absorb the highest possible available energy using the MPPTs from every panel. It means that the blackout of one panel will have no impact on other efficiently active panels.
Having the optimizers ensure that you will have adequate space on the roof whereby you can install more solar panels on the open space. DC optimizers can catalyze the efficiency of the individual solar panel, regardless of the direction of the sunlight. Therefore, you can install your solar panels vertically and horizontally, allowing more space to unfold for the installation of solar panels to benefit from the excess energy at a low cost.
So, the characteristics of the SolarEdge inverters are as follows;
- Monitor your individual panel other than the entire at the same time
- Optimization of your individual panel, especially when your panels are exposed to shading or dirt or other factors
- To generate more electricity either for the self-consumption or to export it to the grid over the lifetime
- Instant shutdown of the system in the case of an emergency, preventing the workers from facing accidents
- while carrying out the essential maintenance work
- Small string inverter, powered by the MPPT (Multi Power Point Tracking) utilizes the least remaining energy
How SolarEdge Balances The Overall Voltage?
SolarEdge inverters operate at 380V voltage; this voltage is supplied from the extracted maximum voltage produced by each individual panel. In accordance with this specific voltage requirement of the inverters, the power optimizers, which also works as MPPTs, can also boost or reduce the voltage of each panel to supply that specific voltage. However, if the panels are shaded or shadowed, the remaining active panels can still compensate the overall voltage to provide 380V.
However, not majority of the shaded panels result in optimum efficiency. Because the rest of the panels are not sufficient enough to compensate the total amount of voltage to make the inverter run spontaneously. Henceforth, it is worth not presuming that your SolarEdge inverter can bring out the excess power out of the universe.
How SolarEdge Stands Out For Its Efficiency?
SolarEdge sets a benchmark when it comes to efficiency with the highest efficiency ends with 99.5%. Isn’t that great? Because the recent residential inverters are made with the efficiency between 95 to 98%. We previously previewed in this SolarEdge inverter review that the DC optimizers are responsible for its better performance.
Bear in mind that SolarEdge power optimizers are suitable for the larger systems due to their no-restriction on solar panels’ numbers not the same as the microinverter, which are capped into 21 microinverters. Any more panels beyond that will be discarded due to their conflict with the voltage issues.
We aforementioned that SolarEdge inverters operate typically at 350-380V. So, when there is obstruction like shading, very common in Australia, impedes the overall efficiency of the panels, these versatile DC optimizers then collect the maximum power available in the panels using the MPPTs technique so that the shading panels will not deteriorate the overall efficiency of the system. Apart from this SolarEdge inverter review, you can also check out some of the Cyanergy’s other inverter review to visualise the scenario.
How To Monitor The Inverter Using The SolarEdge’s Monitoring System?
SolarEdge’s integrated general monitoring system comes with the inverter you purchase, but in order to have a thorough inspection of your self-consumption, paying a little bit of cash will get you this noble monitoring system, using which, you can track each and every panel embedded with the power optimizer to find out,
which panels are working better and which are not. In fact, the service team from the SolarEdge can also track down any defective or faulty panels – therefore, they can sort out the problem or troubleshoot it using the advanced remote monitoring system.
It is not only effective on the verge of emergency, but also it saves the time of sending the technicians to repair the affected inverter to a greater extent. If you look at the picture above, it illustrates you how the different panels with different efficiency level, whether its high or low efficiency, differ from each other and based on this result, you can take actions to offset the panel-based efficiency.
What SolarEdge’s Warranty Says About Its Reliability?
SolarEdge offers one of the best and longest warranties for their respective inverters – for example, 12 years for the inverters and 25 years for the power optimizers; the highest warranty for power optimizers than any top-notch inverters claim to provide. You can also extend the inverters’ warranty to 20 or 25 years. With a low failure rate and less fault, this SolarEdge inverter is the best in the world to take the trouble in risking of offering such number of years of warranty.
If SolarEdge’s inverters were of that low quality, they wouldn’t have taken such risk in investing sheer sum of money to cover the warranty costs. Therefore, they are one of the most reliable inverters out in Australian market. In the case of any fault or warranty issue, you have to contact your main installer who was responsible for installing it in the first place. If the installer is nowhere to be found, only at that time, the SolarEdge should be contacted in this link so that they will arrange the right installer within their capacity. Rest assured, they will help you progress your warranty claim and any additional requirement if you have any.
Can I Use Other Inverters Whilst Using SolarEdge’s Power Optimization?
From this SolarEdge inverter review, it is evident that their power optimizers are one of the most distinctive pieces of amplifier to propagate the right voltage to the inverters to work effectively at its best. In any case, should you think you wish to opt for a different inverter other than the SolarEdge inverter, you are welcome to do it anytime as the built-in operational technology doesn’t interfere with your swapping of a new inverter of another brand.
Therefore, you are at your liberty to choose any inverter, especially a bit affordable one in case you think the whole package of SolarEdge turns out quite expensive to you.
2020’S Powerful SolarEdge Panels
The first generation 300W SolarEdge panels were hugely praised for its outstanding performance both in on-site properties, as well as trial, carried out in Australia, in 2019. The 310W 60-cell solar panels held the record of its fame similar to its first generation consistently. However, the recently manufactured SolarEdge half-cells panels are way more advanced and technical – built using a sophisticated technology, such as automatic production line and
100% EL triple inspection. All of their solar panels are made of monocrystalline PERC cells. This EL inspection allows the experts to search through any micro cracks, dark areas, finger problem, or short-circuits.
Apart from this SolarEdge inverter review, if you want to know the definition of monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC cells, and half cells, click on Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline, Jinko Solar panels, and Astronergy solar panels.
Why Buy StoreEdge Battery Storage System?
SolarEdge has recently proclaimed its StoreEdge battery solution system at Intersolar Europe 2019, including the SolarEdge residential and larger-scale modular commercial battery storage system, which are due to be released in late 2020. Kokam, a leading Lithium battery manufacturer taken over by the SolarEdge in 2018, has been in partnership with the SolarEdge to develop a new 10kWh battery by taking the Kokam Lithium (LFP) cells into account.
What Is SolarEdge Design Tool And How It Helps The Designers Modify The Inverters?
One of the largest inverter-designing manufacturers offers some of the very rare and raving technological tools to help navigate the designer to plan and design the inverter and power optimizers based on the properties and the size of the roof. Besides, it gives an exact idea of how the designing inverters and optimizers match with the existing solar modules.
This idea is just simply fantastic as it prevents any errors from occurring on-site and saves the time of the installers. Also, the solar inverter and optimizers fit with the modules so perfectly that it generates the finest amount of electricity, as soon as the installation, is put in place.
How Safe SolarEdge Inverter System Is?
SolarEdge’s SafeDCTM is a built-in exclusive safety feature that provides a safety measure against any accidental damage, occurring from an event of fire. It happens when the system is shut down, but the panels are producing the electricity when exposed to sunlight. It can lead to a mishap or any gruesome fatality if the workers or installers are carrying out the maintenance or installation work near the inverter. SafeDCTM, on the other hand, keeps you alarmed when the DC voltage is producing the current.
Furthermore, SolarEdge power optimizers are so innocuous that they are likely to reduce the voltage level of each panel to 1V when the grid or inverter shuts down. On the contrary, DC voltage of the string inverters, in the presence of daylight, still generates between 300 and 600V, which can worsen the fire or any emergency-related hazards.
As we discussed the typical voltage, a SolarEdge inverter can operate (350V) at, you at least need 6 to 7 solar panels to generate that amount of voltage. Unfortunately, all of the SolarEdge inverters come with a minimum numbers of string size. On top of that, if most or multiple panels are affected by the shading, then you need a string size of a minimum of 8 to 10 panels.
Types Of Solar Inverters SolarEdge Sells In Australia?
Let’s highlight some of the most common, yet famous and trendy inverters of SolarEdge in this SolarEdge inverter review.
1. SolarEdge HD-Wave Single Phase Inverter
- It’ called HD because it is small in size but has record-breaking efficiency to produce adequate power with a maximum efficiency rate of 99.2%
- It weighs only between 10kg to 17.6kg maximum
- Inverter possesses the constant voltage for longer strings
- This inverter is designed to comply with an integrated power optimizer
- Easy monitoring and quick commissioning using the SolarEdge SetApp from a smartphone
- IP65 protected
- Comes with a 12-years warranty with an extension claim option up to 25 years
2. SE5K-AU/SE7K-AU/SE8K-AU (Three Phase Inverters)
- It is particularly designed to fit for the residential properties with a maximum of rocketed efficiency up to 98%
- Since existence of internal fan for cooling the inverter requires no external fan at all, the noise level is <40db resulting in tolerable sound to the surroundings
- Internet is accessible through Ethernet or Wireless (using Wi-Fi or Cellular Plug-ins)
- Easy monitoring and quick commissioning using the SolarEdge SetApp from a smartphone
- One of the smallest and lightest in its class with a weight of 22.2kg
- Comes with a 12-years warranty with an extension claim option up to 25 years
- Integrated DC safety unit to secure your safety in the case of fire
3. SE3000-AUS/SE5000-AUS/SE6000-AUS
- These ranges of inverter while using StorEdge solution applications, can transfer the power to the backup storage in the event of the outage
- Using the integrated built-in monitoring system, thus, enables to see the battery status, remaining battery backup power, self-consumption data and PV production
- It has a natural convection with an internal fan to cool the system
- It has a maximum efficiency of 97.6%
- Compared to its power and efficiency, it weighs trivial around 26.5kg
- Comes with a 12-years warranty with an extension claim option up to 25 years
Finally, based on the SolarEdge inverter’s performance, versatile features, unique and sleek design and its ability to poise successfully with the residential, as well as commercial properties with a tendency to reduce the daily electricity bill, it is clear from this SolarEdge inverter review that the SolarEdge inverters are created for the recent competitive Australian solar inverter market. Especially, its ability to utilize the DC optimizers without withering away any excess solar energy is simply commendable.
Should you have any enquiry regarding this inverter, you can easily comment below, and we will try to answer them in the shortest possible time.
Read about Cyanergy, one of the best CEC Approved solar retailers in Australia.
