The four types of inverter set-up
| Set-up | How it works | Suits | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| String inverter | Panels wired in strings to one central inverter | Unshaded roofs facing one direction | Shade on one panel can pull down the whole string |
| Hybrid inverter | A central inverter that also charges and discharges a battery | Homes adding a battery now or later | Costs more than a basic string inverter |
| Microinverters | A small inverter behind each panel | Shaded, split or multi-direction roofs | More units on the roof; battery needs its own inverter |
| Optimisers + inverter | A device per panel feeding a central inverter | Partial shade with a central (often hybrid) inverter | More components to fail; check warranties |
Choosing for your roof
- One unshaded roof slope: a string or hybrid inverter is usually the sensible, lower-cost choice.
- Chimney, dormer or tree shade: optimisers or microinverters limit the loss to the shaded panels.
- East and west slopes: either separate strings on an inverter with two inputs, or panel-level electronics.
- Battery plans: a hybrid inverter now avoids buying a second inverter later.
Inverter size and the grid
The inverter’s rating decides which connection route applies. For most homes, systems up to 16A per phase (about 3.68kW on a single-phase supply) are installed first and the installer notifies the network operator within 28 days of commissioning. Larger systems, and some battery set-ups that can export, need the network operator’s approval before connection. Your installer handles this; ask which route your system needs.
What to ask on a quote
- The inverter make and model, and its warranty term.
- Whether the inverter can take a battery later.
- How shading on your roof has been handled in the design.
- What monitoring is included, and whether it alerts you to a fault.
- Which grid connection route applies and who submits it.
“Panel-level electronics are always better.” Not on an unshaded single slope, where a good string inverter can deliver the same output with fewer parts on the roof.
A hybrid inverter and battery let you use more of your own solar in the evening rather than exporting it under the Smart Export Guarantee, at a rate each supplier sets.