The Australian solar power industry continues to thrive, with homeowners embracing clean energy solutions. A crucial solar system component is the inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home. Two popular solar inverter brands in Australia are GoodWe and Growatt. This article delves into the key aspects of both brands to help you make an informed decision for your solar setup.
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Understanding inverter performance
Before diving into specific brands, let’s explore some key inverter performance factors.
- Efficiency: This metric indicates how well the inverter converts DC to AC power. Higher efficiency translates to less energy loss and more power reaching your home.
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): Solar panels don’t always operate at peak efficiency due to varying sunlight conditions. MPPT technology ensures the inverter constantly adjusts to extract the maximum power from your panels under any circumstance. Multiple MPPTs allow for better optimisation with complex roof layouts or different panel types.
- Warranty: A robust warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring financial protection in case of inverter malfunctions.
- Monitoring capabilities: Modern inverters offer Wi-Fi or data connection options, enabling remote monitoring of your system’s performance through a smartphone app or web interface. This lets you track energy production, identify potential issues, and maximise your solar power usage.
- System size: Ensure the inverter capacity aligns with your solar panel wattage.
- Compatibility: Verify compatibility with your chosen solar panels and any potential battery storage.
- The reputation of your solar installer: Choose a reputable solar installer with experience using both GoodWe and Growatt inverters to get their expert opinion on which might be best suited for your specific project.
GoodWe vs. Growatt
The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
GoodWe: A strong contender
GoodWe is a Chinese inverter manufacturer with a significant presence in Australia. They offer a comprehensive range of inverters, catering to residential and small commercial applications. Here’s a closer look at GoodWe’s strengths:
GoodWe is a Chinese inverter manufacturer with a significant presence in Australia. They offer a comprehensive range of inverters, catering to residential and small commercial applications. Here’s a closer look at GoodWe’s strengths:
- High efficiency: GoodWe inverters boast efficiency ratings of approximately 97% to 98.3%, depending on the model. This translates to minimal energy loss and optimal power generation.
- Advanced MPPT technology: GoodWe inverters feature up to 3 MPPTs, allowing for efficient power extraction even with uneven roof layouts or partially shaded panels. Some models offer even more MPPTs for complex installations.
- Extensive warranty: GoodWe offers a standard 10-year warranty on its inverters, with the option to extend it up to 25 years in some cases. This demonstrates their confidence in product quality and durability.
- Monitoring and communication: GoodWe inverters incorporate Wi-Fi or data connectivity options, enabling remote monitoring via the GoodWe Smart app or web portal. This allows for real-time performance tracking, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
- Broad battery compatibility: GoodWe inverters are compatible with a wide range of lithium-ion battery storage solutions, offering flexibility for homeowners who plan to add battery backup.
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Growatt: A budget-friendly choice
Growatt, another major Chinese inverter player, has established itself in the Australian market, focusing on affordability and user-friendliness. Let’s explore what Growatt brings to the table:
- Competitive efficiency: Growatt inverters offer efficiency levels ranging from 97% to 98.4% for its flagship model. This ensures efficient power conversion and minimises energy loss.
- Multiple MPPT options: Growatt offers single or dual MPPT configurations, depending on the model, to accommodate various roof layouts and panel setups.
- Standard warranty: Growatt provides a 5-year warranty on its inverters, which can be extended to 15 or 20 years.
- Web-based monitoring: Growatt inverters typically come equipped with Wi-Fi or data connectivity, allowing for remote monitoring through their online platform. This enables users to track system performance and identify potential issues.
- Compact design: Growatt inverters are generally known for their compact size, making them ideal for installations with limited space availability.
- Cost-effectiveness: Growatt inverters are often priced competitively compared to other brands, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.
Choosing between GoodWe and Growatt
Here’s an additional breakdown to help you decide between Goodwe vs Growatt:
1. Features and functionality
Modern solar inverters come equipped with various features to enhance your solar experience. Here’s a breakdown of some key features offered by both brands:
Monitoring
Both GoodWe and Growatt offer monitoring capabilities through smartphone apps or web interfaces. These allow you to track your solar energy production and system performance and identify potential issues.
Multiple Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPTs)
MPPTs ensure optimal power generation even if some panels experience shading or different orientations. GoodWe offers a range of inverters with both dual & triple MPPTs for more complex roof layouts, while Growatt also provides options with dual or even triple MPPTs.
Battery compatibility
Inverter compatibility is essential to add a battery storage system. GoodWe offers a wider range of battery compatibility options compared to Growatt. This flexibility allows you to choose from a broader selection of batteries when expanding your solar system.
Smart features
Some GoodWe inverters have additional features like built-in Wi-Fi or data logging capabilities. These features might require additional setup but can offer a more comprehensive view of your system’s performance.
2. Cost
Price is a significant factor for many homeowners. Growatt inverters tend to be slightly more budget-friendly than GoodWe, although GoodWe is considered to be incredibly affordable. However, the cost can vary depending on the specific inverter model, its features, and the retailer you purchase from. When evaluating the cost, it’s important to consider the total value proposition, including warranty, features, and potential future battery compatibility.
3. Safety and reliability
Safety should be a top priority when choosing a solar inverter. GoodWe and Growatt prioritise safety by incorporating features like arc fault detection and ground fault protection. Additionally, both brands adhere to strict Australian safety standards.
Important note on recent recalls: It’s important to be aware of any recent safety recalls that might affect your decision. In early 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued recalls for specific models of inverters from GoodWe and Growatt.
The GoodWe recall involved a non-compliant plug assembly, while the Growatt recall pertained to a potential live voltage risk during specific installation scenarios. GoodWe were very proactive with their communication & fix strategy alleviating market concerns in a timely manner. Ensure you choose a model not part of a current recall and always prioritise safe installation practices. Read more about Understanding Product Recalls: Steps to Take if You’re Affected.
4. Brand reputation and market share
GoodWe is a global brand with a dominant & significantly growing presence in Australia, now a top 2 supplier of inverters alongside Sungrow. Growatt, on the other hand, has been a well-established player in the Australian solar market for a longer period. Both brands have earned a reputation for reliable and efficient inverters.
5. Warranty & after-sales support
Both companies provide comprehensive warranties, typically 5 years with an option to extend. GoodWe has a strong presence in Australia, with established after-sales support networks. Growatt’s after-sales support structure is also expanding, but it may not be as readily accessible in all regions compared to GoodWe.
Our recommendation
Here, we consider the totality of factors. If affordability is your primary concern, both inverters are worth considering. If you’re comfortable with less features but a slightly higher efficiency on its flagship model, Growatt is a solid option. Their web-based monitoring system is user-friendly, and their warranty is on par with industry standards.
However, if you prioritise a potentially more feature-rich inverter with broader battery compatibility and are willing to invest slightly more, GoodWe is the better option. Their advanced monitoring capabilities and potential for future system expansion provide a compelling advantage.
GoodWe’s solar solution also appeared in the Renovate or Rebuild episode 2. James Treble explored their offerings at the Melbourne Home Show, showcasing solar panels, batteries, inverters, and even EV chargers. Prior to that, James caught up with Roshan, our CEO of Energy Matters, and chatted about the benefits of solar.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget
Consulting with a certified solar installer can provide personalised advice based on your unique setup and power generation goals. They can assess your roof space, sun exposure, and desired energy consumption to recommend the inverter that best suits your requirements.
Energy Matters will feature stunning homes installed with the latest solar technology every Saturday at 3.30 pm on Renovate or Rebuild on Channel 9. Be sure to watch this show; you don’t want to miss it!
