Top 5 Solar Inverters Installed During March 2021

March was a great month for solar installations across the country and the good folks over at Formbay have compiled a list of the top 5 solar inverters installed during the month. This is an independent, non sponsored list that has been built based off of STC applications they received during March.

What is a STC you might be asking? We will take a look at that in more detail after we go through the list so you can understand how you can go about getting a reduction in upfront cost for your rooftop solar or solar water systems.

March 2021 – Top 5 Solar Inverters Installed Across Australia

5. Jiangsu GoodWe – DNS GW5000D-NS

The DNS Series of inverters from Chinese manufacturer GoodWe have been a staple of Australian solar for a while now. The range varies from 3-5 kW and they are a single phase on-grid inverter that features 2 MPPT (learn more about Maximum Power Point Tracking here).

Built to last and boasting a high efficiency, the DNS series also features IP65 dust proofing and waterproofing. A compact size means more options for installation and the fan-less, low-noise design gives you even more versatility in that regard.

4. Fronius – PRIMO 8.2-1

It is no surprise to us seeing a Fronius product make this list as they have been a mainstay of Australian solar from the get go. Featuring the innovative SnapINverter technology for easy installation and maintenance their solar inverters have been in demand since they first entered the market.

With an output of 8.2 kW and 2 MPPT, the PRIMO 8.2-1 also features its own WLAN. This allows for the gathering of key performance metrics and energy management and a wealth of commonly used interfaces such as USB for easy firmware updates.

3. Sungrow – RESIDENTIAL SG8K-D

Sungrow is yet another prominent manufacturer of solar inverters that has enjoyed great success down-under. Boasting a high yield with a max efficiency of 98.5%, this inverter comes with a smart energy meter and can easily be set up into string configurations.

It features a compact design and is plug and play when it comes to installation. Safety is a paramount concern for Sungrow and we see that in play with built-in surge arresters and residual current protection.

2. Fronius – PRIMO 5.0-1

The smaller sibling to the 8.2-1 brings all of the same benefits with a slightly lower power output. For smaller solar installations this single-phase solar inverter is perfect for those looking to take up solar for the first time. We have looked at the full range of features that Fronius inverters come with and you can read that by clicking here.

This transformerless solar inverter is a breeze to install and brings incredible flexibility when it comes to placement. This is something most don’t consider when looking at inverters. This combined with the easy to use interface and built in monitoring make it an easy choice for those looking for a smarter solution.

1. Sungrow – RESIDENTIAL SG5K-D

Bringing in the number 1 spot for the top 5 solar inverters installed during March 2021 is the SG5K-D by Sungrow. With a high DC/AC ratio of up to 1.3 and an incredible efficiency of 98.4% this is the flagship of Sungrow’s domestic models. This inverter also allows for flexible PV string configurations so expansion is never an issue.

It features the same energy monitoring via their app or website as the SG8K-D. It also has the same anti-corrosion casing to ensure a long lifespan. Sungrow is alo extremely proactive when it comes to firmware updates and this often brings new features with easy updating.

What Is A STC Anyway?

Australia has a Federal Government policy called the Renewable Energy Target (RET) which states a goal of 33,000 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy across the country by 2020. Many other countries have similar policies in place as the need for greener power has become a necessity.

Part of this policy is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) which aims to provide more financial incentives for residents to install clean energy solutions such as rooftop solar. These financial incentives come in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates, commonly referred to as STCs.

When you purchase a solar system you are awarded a certain amount of STC’s based on the expected power output of the system. The date the solar is installed is a factor in determining how many STCs you will receive as well as your location.

If The Target Was 2020 Is It Still Going?

Even though the goal date in the policy was 2020 the SRES is set to run until 2030. This is why the date of installation matters as the amount of STC’s you receive is measured by potential power generated from the date of install through to 2030.

A SCT can be seen as being similar to a voucher that discounts the upfront cost of your solar power system. Once everything is worked out Global Solar Solutions will sign off on the STC’s awarded to you and then process the paperwork for your discount. It is similar to a rebate but instead removes some of the initial cost paid rather than refunding a set amount.

The Sooner The Better

The amount of subsidy available will drop each year leading up to the end of the policy in 2030 so it is better to get in sooner rather than later. There is no reason to expect an extension of this policy and there have been calls to end it sooner than the original date. In July of 2019 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a report related to electricity prices.

This report recommended the abolishment of the SRES as soon as 2021. While organisations such as the Clean Energy Council have strongly opposed this call to remove the SRES we cannot be sure what the future of the policy will be. Global Solar Solutions support this opposition as we believe such schemes benefit both the consumer and the provider.

Looking For The Right Solar Inverter?

Hopefully this handy list compiled by the good folks over at Formbay has helped shed some light on the many options out on the market when it comes to solar inverters. The 5 listed here are just the tip of the iceberg and it can be overwhelming when looking to take up solar power for the first time.

Our solar consultants are on hand to discuss your options. They can present you with a range of inverters that are provided based on key metrics including your current energy usage. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible advice and we have no incentive to offer one brand over the other.

To talk with a consultant about your options when it comes to solar inverters give us a call on 1800 255 474 or fill in our online quote form to have someone get back to you via email.