Do you need a solar inverter?

Solar inverters are a necessary but often forgotten part of a home solar panel system since they convert sunlight into usable electricity for your home appliances. Without a solar inverter, you wouldn't be able to use those solar panels to power your home.

Which solar inverter is best for You?

Ultimately, best inverter for you depends on your roof shape and size, nearby trees, how much energy you need, and your budget. To recap, there are three kinds of inverters: string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers. They all transform the power your solar panels generate from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).

How to choose a solar inverter?

If you are looking to get microinverters, you must verify that the micro-inverter can handle the rated power of the solar panel. In addition, looking at the inverter’s rated efficiency is also important to compare among similar options. Inverters should have efficiencies above 95% to be considered good.

Which solar inverter should I buy in 2025?

Every solar system needs some kind of inverter to convert sunlight into usable electricity. CNET experts have compared the most popular solar inverters' specs, warranties, prices and more. The SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter is our top pick in 2025.

What are the pros and cons of a solar inverter?

Pros: Cons: Optimized string inverters are among the best options for solar systems with partial shading. This type of inverter is similar to the standard string inverter, except that in this case a power optimizer is included for each panel.

What are the different types of solar inverters?

To recap, there are three kinds of inverters: string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers. They all transform the power your solar panels generate from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This makes the energy usable for your home. Here’s a few things to look for when shopping for inverters