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Buyer's guide · updated June 2026

How to choose a solar inverter in New Zealand

The inverter is the brain of your system — it converts panel output into usable power and decides whether you're battery-ready. Here's how to pick the right type.

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The three inverter types

String inverter

One central inverter for the whole array. The most cost-effective option and ideal for a simple, unshaded roof with a single orientation.

Microinverters / optimisers

Each panel works independently, so shading on one panel doesn't drag down the rest. Best for roofs with shading or multiple orientations. Costs a bit more.

Hybrid inverter

Battery-ready by design. Choose this if you have, or plan to add, a battery — it's the simplest, most efficient path to storage.

Lifespan and warranty

Inverters usually carry 5–12-year warranties (10 is common) and last around 10–15 years — so budget for one replacement over the life of your panels. Some brands offer paid warranty extensions, and microinverters can be warrantied up to ~25 years.

Inverter brands NZ installers fit

Fronius

Premium European quality, excellent monitoring, long lifespan, great NZ support.

10-year warranty · Austria

 Sungrow

World's most installed brand, hybrid battery capability, competitive pricing.

10-year warranty · China

 SolarEdge

Optimizers for panel-level monitoring, excellent shading performance.

12-year warranty · Israel

 GoodWe

Cost-effective, good hybrid options, expanding NZ presence.

10-year warranty · China

 Growatt

Affordable hybrid inverters, simple setup, good for DIY monitoring.

10-year warranty · China
← Choosing solar panels Next: solar batteries →

Frequently asked questions

What type of solar inverter is best?+
It depends on your roof. A string inverter is the most cost-effective choice for a simple, unshaded roof. Microinverters or power optimisers suit roofs with shading or multiple orientations, since each panel works independently. A hybrid inverter is the right pick if you have, or plan to add, a battery.
How long do solar inverters last?+
Inverters typically carry 5–12-year warranties (10 is common) and often last around 10–15 years — so expect to replace the inverter at least once over the panels' 25–30-year life. Some brands offer extended warranties, and microinverters can carry warranties up to ~25 years.
Do I need a hybrid inverter for a battery?+
If you want a battery now or later, a hybrid (battery-ready) inverter is the simplest path. You can also add an AC-coupled battery to an existing system, but a hybrid inverter is usually more efficient and tidier if you know a battery is coming.
What size inverter do I need?+
Your installer sizes the inverter to your panel array — often slightly smaller than the array's peak rating ("oversizing" the panels by around 20–33%), because panels rarely produce their full rated output. This is normal and improves overall yield.

Sources

Figures on this page are indicative guidance, not a quote. Verified as at June 2026 — always confirm current pricing and rates with your installer or retailer.

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