SolarEdge vs Fronius: A comparison of the best inverters in Australia
In this article, we compare two of the most highly-regarded solar inverters in Australia — SolarEdge vs Fronius — to help you determine which is more suitable for you. While this analysis does not declare a definitive winner, they both have their strengths and weaknesses, it aims to assist you in selecting the inverter that best aligns with your home’s needs and budget.
Fronius and SolarEdge are both popular
Both Fronius and SolarEdge are well regarded for their performance and quality and are very popular in Australia. SolarEdge, with the advanced features due to using optimisers, appears superior on paper, but Fronius’ new Gen24 hybrid battery inverters are rock solid and rival SolarEdge for performance. The suitability of each inverter depends on your specific roof configuration, system requirements including future plans, and financial considerations. Investing in an inverter that meets your exact needs ensures optimal long term performance and value for money.
String Inverter vs an Optimised String System
Fronius inverters are what we call string inverters or a standard inverter. The solar panels are connected in series to meet the inverters input requirements. The inverter converts the DC power from the panels into AC power for the home. The inverter has to deal with a wide range of voltages so uses clever algorithms to get the most energy out of the system possible. Fronius’ algorithm is very clever and with bypass diodes built into panels, it can perform very well with shade. As it is just one inverter connected to the panels, they is little to go wrong with them.
SolarEdge is an optimised string system. This means that on each panel there is an optimiser which adjusts the panel voltage and current to extract as much power from the panel as possible. This makes them ideal for shaded environments. The optimisers are connected in series but they can adjust their voltage so the inverter sees a relatively fixed voltage. This takes complexity our of the SolarEdge inverter allowing for very high efficiency. While internally, the inverter is less complex than a Fronius string inverter, the system overall has more complexities.
SolarEdge monitoring is better than Fronius
Fronius has a perfectly good monitoring system where you can see in near real-time what the system is producing and with a smart meter, where the energy is going (to the home, grid or battery). From an installer perspective, it has very good low level detail to help diagnose any system issues. As and end user, it provides the basic information you would expect. However, if you want more advanced features or to review daily power curves more than 3 days old, you are required to pay a subscription.
The SolarEdge monitoring really sets it apart from standard inverters. Thanks to having optimisers on every panel, you can visualise down to the panel level how much power / energy is being generated. There is no time restriction on how long you can view this information and with a battery, you can adjust your reserve level on the fly (not possible with Fronius). If a storm is coming, you can make sure you are ready for it.
SolarEdge is more efficient than Fronius
Inverter efficiency is how well the inverter converts DC power from the panels to AC power for your home. The SolarEdge inverter boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 99.2%, surpassing Fronius’ 97.6%. You also need to factor in the optimiser efficiency of 99.5% for SolarEdge making it 98.7% efficient as a system. Although the efficiency difference is only 1.1%, it adds up when considering long-term systems with warranties of 25 years or more. In such cases, SolarEdge’s higher efficiency can offer better performance over time.
Over time, panels degrade (very slowly!) and are affected by dirt and debris at different rates than each other. A string inverter can only see the system as a whole but as the panels begin to vary from each other, that becomes harder to optimise with an algorithm. An optimised system will simply continue to optimise the output of each panel giving better long term performance.
Fronius is more affordable the SolarEdge
For many homeowners, cost is a critical factor in the choice of inverter / solar system. There is no getting around it that Fronius is generally more affordable than SolarEdge, which incorporates extra hardware and smart features.
If you are planning to take advantage of the Victorian solar and battery rebates and loans to keep the upfront cost down, but you want quality then Fronius might be a more economical choice. While SolarEdge’s higher initial cost promises long-term returns, Fronius offers quicker payback, making it ideal for those seeking faster financial recovery without sacrificing quality.
SolarEdge has a better warranty then Fronius
SolarEdge has a full 12 year warranty on their inverters and a 25 year warranty on the optimisers. They pro-actively monitor their systems and can have a replacement sent before you even realise there is a problem. Their service fee payments are some of the best in the industry so there is no reluctance to replace parts, even if a third party is required.
As a side note related to warranty, you can’t claim a panel warranty if you don’t know it isn’t working or performing as it should. Because the SolarEdge inverter provides monitoring at the panel level, you can easily spot individual panel issues early on. This data may speed up / simplify solar panel warranty claims.
Fronius was the first inverter in the market to offer a 10 year warranty (when they were all just 5 years). It wasn’t really a full 10 year warranty but a full 5 year warranty with a further 5 years covering the parts only (no labour or shipping). Our experience has shown it a bit more difficult to diagnose a fault in the inverter and what is paid for claims is not sufficient (like most inverter brands).
Remember the best warranty is the one you don’t need! Fronius inverters are rock solid and there is only one device to cover so there is a good chance you won’t need the warranty. The SolarEdge system consists of the inverter and many optimisers. No matter how good they are, there is a bit more chance you will need the warranty.
SolarEdge provides greater design flexibility than Fronius
Fronius inverters are well-suited for larger roofs where panels can be arranged in contiguous rows. This conventional setup is effective for maximizing space and sunlight capture. Fronius inverters only have 2 inputs and on each input, panels must all be in the same pitch and orientation. The latest Fronius Gen24 inverters can handle as low as 2 panels and up to 14 panels in a string (panel dependent). Some models allow parallel strings of the same length that could be on a different orientation but if there are any shade issues, it will have a significant effect on performance when run in parallel.
On the other hand, SolarEdge’s flexible design is advantageous for roofs with limited space or unique shapes, allowing for strategic panel placement to allow for larger systems than Fronius. They require at least 6 or 8 panels in a string (dependent on optimiser) but the longer the better (up to 15 panels). Because they are optimised, the panels don’t all need to be on the same orientation. However, you should deal with a SolarEdge specialist as mistakes can be made by inexperienced designers which can have a signifcant impact on performance and longevity.
SolarEdge is safer than Fronius
SolarEdge uses optimisers on each panel which helps improve performance but they also make the system safer. Each optimiser has SafeDC ensuring DC voltage is reduced to touch safe levels when the inverter is shut down, enabling safe maintenance and emergency intervention. In a string system, the cabling is still live and possibly carrying hundreds of volts during daylight.
Thermal sensors in the optimisers can detect faulty wiring that can potentially cause overheating connections or electric arcs.
Module level monitoring can also act as an early-warning system with automatic alerts and notifications on system issues. These allow us to perform remote diagnostics well in advance of any significant event.
Both Fronius and SolarEdge have arc fault detection. Both inverters will shutdown to minimise the chance of the arc causing a fire and send an alert to the owner / installer to take immediate action.
While Fronius systems are safe when properly installed, SolarEdge offers an additional layer of safety for those particularly concerned about fire hazards.
Both Fronius and SolarEdge are battery ready hybrid inverters
The Fronius Gen24 range inverters are all battery ready. You can simply plug in a battery at a later date. This is much better than having to use a separate inverter to run a battery – you may run into grid connection limits due to the second inverter. The only caveat is that if you go for the solar only option (at installation) you will have to pay extra to upgrade the firmware in the inverter when you add a battery later.
Fronius don’t provide their own battery so it works with a few different brands / models of batteries providing some flexibility but there is potentially some difficulties around where warranties overlap for battery / inverter. I trust Fronius has chosen it’s battery partners carefully and that shouldn’t be a problem.
SolarEdge has Genesis models and Home Hub models which can both accept a battery. However, only the Home Hub inverter provides backup capabilities.
The SolarEdge Home Hub inverter is battery ready with no strings attached, but you can only use the 10kWh SolarEdge battery (or multiples off). This doesn’t provide much granularity so if you only need 5kWh or want 15kWh you just have to pay for a larger battery or come up short on what you’d like. Since there are no other options, you are at their mercy and have to pay their price. They are quite attractive compared to a Fronius with a bolt on brand battery.
About the Companies
SolarEdge
SolarEdge is a US / Israeli company founded in 2006. They are a visionary leader in smart energy technology, committed to harnessing the power of the sun to create a sustainable future.
SolarEdge’s DC-Optimized technology maximizes energy production, and drives innovation in energy storage and EV charging solutions for both residential as well as commercial applications.
SolarEdge is committed to leading the energy transition to a sustainable future. Through their innovation, operational excellence, and highly motivated people, they are working to decarbonize and electrify energy behaviour – improving the way we generate, store, use and manage power in every aspect of our lives.
They have Australian offices and staff so you can trust them for any future support.
Fronius
Fronius was founded in Austria in 1945. Initially focusing on welding and battery charging, Fronius used their AC/DC conversion experience and branched into solar energy in the 1990s.
For 30 years, Fronius has been developing innovative products, solutions and digital tools to cost-effectively and intelligently generate, store, distribute and consume solar energy with their first solar inverter, ‘Sunrise’ being produced in 1994 (some are still working today!).
Dedicated to innovation, quality and service, Fronius has expanded to 34 subsidiaries on five continents – yet are still the same owner-managed company they have always been, combining the values of a family business with regional roots, with the visions of a global company.
They have Australian offices and staff just in Tullamarine so you can trust them for any future support.
When to Choose SolarEdge?
SolarEdge is recommended if you:
Seek a long-term return (25+ years)
Have a higher budget
Possess a small or uniquely shaped roof
Aim to maximize savings
Require the largest system possible
Prioritize safety
Desire full system visibility
Have no plans to move
Are interested in solar battery integration
Want Australian support
When to Choose Fronius?
Fronius is suitable if you:
Desire a quicker ROI
Have an average budget
Own a large roof
Are considering moving in the future
Face no / limited shading issues
Use most energy during the day
Are comfortable with string PV systems
Are interested in solar battery integration
Want local Australian support
Conclusion
Both SolarEdge and Fronius offer exceptional performance tailored to different needs and budgets. If advanced technology, long-term investment and safety are your priorities, SolarEdge is the ideal choice. For those seeking rapid financial returns and cost-effectiveness, Fronius is better suited. Ultimately, both inverters are highly reliable, and the choice depends on your specific requirements and circumstances.
Share your experiences and opinions on these quality inverters in the comments below. Have you encountered any issues with either brand? Your insights can help others make informed decisions.
Alan is an award winning solar designer that has been working in the solar industry since 2007. He has extensive knowledge of all things solar from his experience working in off-grid, grid connected and large scale solar systems.
SolarEdge vs Fronius: A comparison of the best inverters in Australia
In this article, we compare two of the most highly-regarded solar inverters in Australia — SolarEdge vs Fronius — to help you determine which is more suitable for you. While this analysis does not declare a definitive winner, they both have their strengths and weaknesses, it aims to assist you in selecting the inverter that best aligns with your home’s needs and budget.
Fronius and SolarEdge are both popular
Both Fronius and SolarEdge are well regarded for their performance and quality and are very popular in Australia. SolarEdge, with the advanced features due to using optimisers, appears superior on paper, but Fronius’ new Gen24 hybrid battery inverters are rock solid and rival SolarEdge for performance. The suitability of each inverter depends on your specific roof configuration, system requirements including future plans, and financial considerations. Investing in an inverter that meets your exact needs ensures optimal long term performance and value for money.
String Inverter vs an Optimised String System
Fronius inverters are what we call string inverters or a standard inverter. The solar panels are connected in series to meet the inverters input requirements. The inverter converts the DC power from the panels into AC power for the home. The inverter has to deal with a wide range of voltages so uses clever algorithms to get the most energy out of the system possible. Fronius’ algorithm is very clever and with bypass diodes built into panels, it can perform very well with shade. As it is just one inverter connected to the panels, they is little to go wrong with them.
SolarEdge is an optimised string system. This means that on each panel there is an optimiser which adjusts the panel voltage and current to extract as much power from the panel as possible. This makes them ideal for shaded environments. The optimisers are connected in series but they can adjust their voltage so the inverter sees a relatively fixed voltage. This takes complexity our of the SolarEdge inverter allowing for very high efficiency. While internally, the inverter is less complex than a Fronius string inverter, the system overall has more complexities.
SolarEdge monitoring is better than Fronius
Fronius has a perfectly good monitoring system where you can see in near real-time what the system is producing and with a smart meter, where the energy is going (to the home, grid or battery). From an installer perspective, it has very good low level detail to help diagnose any system issues. As and end user, it provides the basic information you would expect. However, if you want more advanced features or to review daily power curves more than 3 days old, you are required to pay a subscription.
The SolarEdge monitoring really sets it apart from standard inverters. Thanks to having optimisers on every panel, you can visualise down to the panel level how much power / energy is being generated. There is no time restriction on how long you can view this information and with a battery, you can adjust your reserve level on the fly (not possible with Fronius). If a storm is coming, you can make sure you are ready for it.
SolarEdge is more efficient than Fronius
Inverter efficiency is how well the inverter converts DC power from the panels to AC power for your home. The SolarEdge inverter boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 99.2%, surpassing Fronius’ 97.6%. You also need to factor in the optimiser efficiency of 99.5% for SolarEdge making it 98.7% efficient as a system. Although the efficiency difference is only 1.1%, it adds up when considering long-term systems with warranties of 25 years or more. In such cases, SolarEdge’s higher efficiency can offer better performance over time.
Over time, panels degrade (very slowly!) and are affected by dirt and debris at different rates than each other. A string inverter can only see the system as a whole but as the panels begin to vary from each other, that becomes harder to optimise with an algorithm. An optimised system will simply continue to optimise the output of each panel giving better long term performance.
Fronius is more affordable the SolarEdge
For many homeowners, cost is a critical factor in the choice of inverter / solar system. There is no getting around it that Fronius is generally more affordable than SolarEdge, which incorporates extra hardware and smart features.
If you are planning to take advantage of the Victorian solar and battery rebates and loans to keep the upfront cost down, but you want quality then Fronius might be a more economical choice. While SolarEdge’s higher initial cost promises long-term returns, Fronius offers quicker payback, making it ideal for those seeking faster financial recovery without sacrificing quality.
SolarEdge has a better warranty then Fronius
SolarEdge has a full 12 year warranty on their inverters and a 25 year warranty on the optimisers. They pro-actively monitor their systems and can have a replacement sent before you even realise there is a problem. Their service fee payments are some of the best in the industry so there is no reluctance to replace parts, even if a third party is required.
As a side note related to warranty, you can’t claim a panel warranty if you don’t know it isn’t working or performing as it should. Because the SolarEdge inverter provides monitoring at the panel level, you can easily spot individual panel issues early on. This data may speed up / simplify solar panel warranty claims.
Fronius was the first inverter in the market to offer a 10 year warranty (when they were all just 5 years). It wasn’t really a full 10 year warranty but a full 5 year warranty with a further 5 years covering the parts only (no labour or shipping). Our experience has shown it a bit more difficult to diagnose a fault in the inverter and what is paid for claims is not sufficient (like most inverter brands).
Remember the best warranty is the one you don’t need! Fronius inverters are rock solid and there is only one device to cover so there is a good chance you won’t need the warranty. The SolarEdge system consists of the inverter and many optimisers. No matter how good they are, there is a bit more chance you will need the warranty.
SolarEdge provides greater design flexibility than Fronius
Fronius inverters are well-suited for larger roofs where panels can be arranged in contiguous rows. This conventional setup is effective for maximizing space and sunlight capture. Fronius inverters only have 2 inputs and on each input, panels must all be in the same pitch and orientation. The latest Fronius Gen24 inverters can handle as low as 2 panels and up to 14 panels in a string (panel dependent). Some models allow parallel strings of the same length that could be on a different orientation but if there are any shade issues, it will have a significant effect on performance when run in parallel.
On the other hand, SolarEdge’s flexible design is advantageous for roofs with limited space or unique shapes, allowing for strategic panel placement to allow for larger systems than Fronius. They require at least 6 or 8 panels in a string (dependent on optimiser) but the longer the better (up to 15 panels). Because they are optimised, the panels don’t all need to be on the same orientation. However, you should deal with a SolarEdge specialist as mistakes can be made by inexperienced designers which can have a signifcant impact on performance and longevity.
SolarEdge is safer than Fronius
SolarEdge uses optimisers on each panel which helps improve performance but they also make the system safer. Each optimiser has SafeDC ensuring DC voltage is reduced to touch safe levels when the inverter is shut down, enabling safe maintenance and emergency intervention. In a string system, the cabling is still live and possibly carrying hundreds of volts during daylight.
Thermal sensors in the optimisers can detect faulty wiring that can potentially cause overheating connections or electric arcs.
Module level monitoring can also act as an early-warning system with automatic alerts and notifications on system issues. These allow us to perform remote diagnostics well in advance of any significant event.
Both Fronius and SolarEdge have arc fault detection. Both inverters will shutdown to minimise the chance of the arc causing a fire and send an alert to the owner / installer to take immediate action.
While Fronius systems are safe when properly installed, SolarEdge offers an additional layer of safety for those particularly concerned about fire hazards.
Both Fronius and SolarEdge are battery ready hybrid inverters
The Fronius Gen24 range inverters are all battery ready. You can simply plug in a battery at a later date. This is much better than having to use a separate inverter to run a battery – you may run into grid connection limits due to the second inverter. The only caveat is that if you go for the solar only option (at installation) you will have to pay extra to upgrade the firmware in the inverter when you add a battery later.
Fronius don’t provide their own battery so it works with a few different brands / models of batteries providing some flexibility but there is potentially some difficulties around where warranties overlap for battery / inverter. I trust Fronius has chosen it’s battery partners carefully and that shouldn’t be a problem.
SolarEdge has Genesis models and Home Hub models which can both accept a battery. However, only the Home Hub inverter provides backup capabilities.
The SolarEdge Home Hub inverter is battery ready with no strings attached, but you can only use the 10kWh SolarEdge battery (or multiples off). This doesn’t provide much granularity so if you only need 5kWh or want 15kWh you just have to pay for a larger battery or come up short on what you’d like. Since there are no other options, you are at their mercy and have to pay their price. They are quite attractive compared to a Fronius with a bolt on brand battery.
About the Companies
SolarEdge
SolarEdge is a US / Israeli company founded in 2006. They are a visionary leader in smart energy technology, committed to harnessing the power of the sun to create a sustainable future.
SolarEdge’s DC-Optimized technology maximizes energy production, and drives innovation in energy storage and EV charging solutions for both residential as well as commercial applications.
SolarEdge is committed to leading the energy transition to a sustainable future. Through their innovation, operational excellence, and highly motivated people, they are working to decarbonize and electrify energy behaviour – improving the way we generate, store, use and manage power in every aspect of our lives.
They have Australian offices and staff so you can trust them for any future support.
Fronius
Fronius was founded in Austria in 1945. Initially focusing on welding and battery charging, Fronius used their AC/DC conversion experience and branched into solar energy in the 1990s.
For 30 years, Fronius has been developing innovative products, solutions and digital tools to cost-effectively and intelligently generate, store, distribute and consume solar energy with their first solar inverter, ‘Sunrise’ being produced in 1994 (some are still working today!).
Dedicated to innovation, quality and service, Fronius has expanded to 34 subsidiaries on five continents – yet are still the same owner-managed company they have always been, combining the values of a family business with regional roots, with the visions of a global company.
They have Australian offices and staff just in Tullamarine so you can trust them for any future support.
When to Choose SolarEdge?
SolarEdge is recommended if you:
When to Choose Fronius?
Fronius is suitable if you:
Conclusion
Both SolarEdge and Fronius offer exceptional performance tailored to different needs and budgets. If advanced technology, long-term investment and safety are your priorities, SolarEdge is the ideal choice. For those seeking rapid financial returns and cost-effectiveness, Fronius is better suited. Ultimately, both inverters are highly reliable, and the choice depends on your specific requirements and circumstances.
Share your experiences and opinions on these quality inverters in the comments below. Have you encountered any issues with either brand? Your insights can help others make informed decisions.
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