Recommended cost-effective photovoltaic inverters

How much does a solar inverter cost?

Your solar adventure starts here—let’s light it up! The Enphase IQ8 is a top pick for its reliability, panel-level optimization, and 25-year warranty—especially great for shaded or complex roofs. Solar inverters cost between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the type (string, micro, or hybrid) and your home's energy needs.

Which solar inverter is best?

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. It was the most efficient inverter we looked at, letting you use a larger percentage of the energy your solar panels generate. This translates to less and more power to use around the house.

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 different types of solar inverters?

When it comes to home solar installation, homeowners have three types of solar inverters to consider: string inverters, string inverters with DC power optimizers and microinverters. Each inverter setup comes with upsides and downsides. Here's what you should know.

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.

How do I choose the right solar inverter type?

There are two categories to consider when deciding on the right solar inverter type: the solar inverter technology, and the type of solar power system the inverter is for. String inverter: A string inverter is a single, standalone unit that converts power from a whole string (or strings) of solar panels.