What size solar inverter do I need?

The right size solar inverter depends on a home’s energy needs and the capacity of the solar array. Choosing the right product will help maximise the solar system's efficiency and prevent potential problems.

How to choose the right solar inverter

A solar inverter is responsible for converting the DC generated by solar photovoltaic panels into AC, which is used by common electrical appliances. 

If a solar inverter is too small, it won’t be able to handle the total power output from the solar tiles during peak production. This can lead to “inverter clipping”, reducing overall system efficiency. 
If a solar inverter is too big, it may operate inefficiently. An unnecessarily large inverter can also mean a higher up-front cost for no additional benefit.

Domestic solar inverters, such as Marley’s Clearline string inverter and the ES G2 hybrid inverter, typically range from 1kW to 9kW, while commercial or industrial systems may have higher capacities. To determine the right product, consider how much DC power the solar array is expected to produce and the necessary output of the inverter.

Opting for a complete solar system ensures compatibility among components and that the solar inverter is sized correctly. The Marley system includes solar tiles, inverters, battery storage, EV charging and fire protection, all designed to work together seamlessly. 

From the size of the solar array, to which inverters, batteries and connectors are compatible, our user-friendly Marley SolarTile® Configurator tool makes solar photovoltaic system specification easier.