Solar power has been growing rapidly around the world as an alternative to fossil fuels. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing clean renewable energy for homes and businesses. A key component in any solar PV system is the inverter. The inverter takes the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels and converts it into alternating current (AC) that can be used to power lights, appliances and anything else that requires AC electricity.
In this article, we will provide an overview of what solar inverters are, why they are a necessary part of solar power systems, and highlight the top 10 solar inverter manufacturers globally. First, we will define what a solar inverter is and the different types available. Next, we will explain why inverters play such a critical role in solar installations. We will then rank the leading solar inverter companies worldwide, providing details on each manufacturer. To conclude, we will summarize the importance of inverters for enabling the continued growth of residential, commercial and utility-scale solar power systems.
What is a Solar Inverter?
A solar inverter, also known as a PV inverter, is a critical component of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that converts the variable direct current (DC) output from solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity. The inverter allows solar generated electricity to be fed into conventional electrical systems and power common household appliances and devices.
Solar inverters serve three core functions:
- DC to AC Conversion – Inverters convert the DC power produced by solar panels into AC power that can be used for electrical loads or exported to the grid. This conversion is essential for integrating solar into existing AC-based electrical infrastructure.
- Voltage Conversion – In addition to changing DC to AC, inverters transform the voltage levels of solar panels to match electrical grid and appliance requirements. For example, solar panels typically operate at 25-40 DC volts, while household AC voltage is 120/240 volts. Inverters “step up” the DC voltage for grid integration.
- Monitoring and Control – Advanced inverters have built-in monitoring and control capabilities to optimize system performance. This includes maximum power point tracking to maximize solar energy harvest.
There are three main types of solar inverters:
- String Inverters – Designed for small-to-medium residential systems. Multiple solar panel strings connect to a single string inverter, which converts the DC output into grid-compliant AC power. String inverters offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
- Central Inverters – Used for large commercial and utility-scale solar arrays. All strings of solar panels aggregate into a central inverter station. Central inverters provide economies of scale for large installations.
- Microinverters – Installed at the individual solar panel level instead of centrally. Microinverters convert DC to AC at each panel. This provides module-level monitoring and optimization for maximum energy production across an array. More complex and costly than string inverters.
Why are Inverters Needed?
Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, but our homes and the utility grid run on alternating current (AC) power. An inverter converts the DC output into usable AC electricity.
Inverters play a critical role in optimizing the performance of a solar energy system. They maximize power production from the solar array and modulate power output to smoothly interact with the grid.
The key functions of a solar inverter include:
- Converts DC electricity from solar panels into AC power
- Optimizes the match between solar array output and load or grid requirements
- Ensures a steady, consistent “sine wave” output synchronized with the grid
- Disconnects the system from the grid during power outages for safety
- Collects production data for monitoring and analytics
Without an inverter, solar panels cannot be connected to the electrical grid or power most household appliances and devices. The inverter serves as the brains of the solar energy system, ensuring efficient delivery of clean electricity. Their advanced functions are crucial for growth in residential, commercial and utility-scale solar adoption.
Top Solar Inverter Manufacturers
Here are the 10 top global manufacturers of solar PV inverters:
1. Huawei Technologies
Based in China, Huawei produces string, central, and residential solar inverters as well as smart PV solutions for the utility and commercial markets. The company has 11% market share globally according to IHS Markit.
2. Sungrow Power Supply
Sungrow is a China-based supplier of PV inverter systems for residential, commercial and large-scale utility applications. The company is estimated to hold 9% global market share.
3. SMA Solar Technology
Headquartered in Germany, SMA is a leading manufacturer of solar inverters for residential and commercial PV systems. They are a top supplier in Europe and North America with 8% global market share.
4. Power Electronics
Based in Spain, Power Electronics designs and manufactures string, central, and residential inverters as well as grid management solutions. They hold 7% of the global market.
5. FIMER S.p.A.
FIMER is headquartered in Italy and manufactures string, central, and residential inverters. They are estimated to have 6% market share worldwide.
#1 – Huawei Technologies
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. is a Chinese technology company that designs, develops and sells telecommunications equipment, smartphones and inverters for solar power systems. Founded in 1987, Huawei is headquartered in Shenzhen, China and has over 194,000 employees.
Huawei entered the solar inverter market in 2010 with the launch of its SUN2000 string inverter series. Since then, the company has continued to expand its solar inverter product portfolio to include central, string and residential inverters. Some of Huawei’s key solar inverter products include:
- SUN2000 string inverters – single and three phase inverters for commercial and utility-scale solar projects
- FusionSolar residential inverters – for home solar systems
- SUN2000 central inverters – for large-scale solar farms
According to IHS Markit, Huawei was the world’s largest supplier of PV inverters in 2019, with a 16% global market share. The company shipped over 10 GW of inverters worldwide. Huawei’s market share has grown significantly since it entered the solar inverter business just a decade ago. Its rise has been fueled by strong demand for its products in China and Asia Pacific.
#2 – Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd.
Founded in 1997, Sungrow Power Supply is a Chinese solar inverter manufacturer headquartered in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. The company develops and produces string, central, hybrid and energy storage inverters for the solar industry.
Sungrow is currently the world’s largest supplier of PV inverters, holding over 20% of the global market share. The company has an extensive product portfolio that includes:
- String inverters – SG110CX, SG50KTL, SG60KTL, SG125HV
- Central inverters – SG2500U, SG3125HV, SG3400U
- Hybrid inverters – SH5K, SH5.0RS, SH6K-3PH, SH10RT
- Energy storage inverters – PowCube, SH5K-20, SCS200KU
Sungrow has installed over 182 GW of inverters worldwide across Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. The company has subsidiaries in over 20 countries and continues to expand its global presence.
In 2019, Sungrow shipped approximately 40 GW of inverters, maintaining its position as the world’s largest supplier. With its extensive product range and global footprint, Sungrow is poised to remain a leading solar inverter manufacturer.
#3 – SMA Solar Technology AG
SMA Solar Technology AG is a German company founded in 1981 that develops and manufactures solar inverters, monitoring systems, energy storage systems, and other solar components. They are one of the largest solar inverter manufacturers in the world, with over 3000 employees globally.
SMA has been a pioneer in solar technology since first developing solar inverters in the 1980s. They launched the world’s first commercial inverter for grid-connected PV systems, the Sunny Boy, in 1993. Their Sunny Central series of central inverters are among the most popular for large-scale commercial and utility-scale projects.
Some of SMA’s key solar inverter product lines include:
- Sunny Boy – Residential PV string inverters
- Sunny Tripower – Three-phase string inverters for residential and commercial installations
- Sunny Central – Central inverters for large-scale solar farms
- String Monitoring Systems – Grid management and monitoring solutions
SMA holds around 20% global market share for solar inverters as of 2020. Their products are used in PV systems with total output of over 100GW worldwide. They have a strong presence across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Africa. SMA continues to be a leader in innovation for the solar industry.
#4 – Power Electronics
Power Electronics is a leading multinational company in the renewable energy industry, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Catalonia, Spain. The company has over 37 years of experience manufacturing power inverter systems for photovoltaic and wind applications.
Some key facts about Power Electronics:
- Specializes in the design, manufacturing and supply of inverters for solar PV plants.
- Has installed over 10 GW of utility-scale solar inverters worldwide.
- Operates manufacturing facilities in Spain, China and India.
- Major solar inverter product lines include the SK central inverter series up to 2,400 kW and the new PVS residential inverter range.
- According to IHS Markit, Power Electronics held around 4.5% global market share in 2018 based on megawatts shipped.
- The company has a strong presence in Europe, Latin America and emerging solar markets like Mexico, Chile and Brazil.
- Acquired a 70% stake of India-based inverter manufacturer Tejas Networks in 2018 to expand manufacturing in India.
As a leading global supplier of PV inverters for utility-scale solar projects, Power Electronics continues to innovate and bring high efficiency solar inverter systems to new markets worldwide. The company is well positioned to maintain a sizable share of the fast-growing inverter industry.
5. FIMER S.p.A.
FIMER S.p.A. is an Italian company headquartered in Vimercate, Italy that designs and manufactures solar inverters. Founded in 1942 as Marelli Motori, the company has grown into one of the top solar inverter manufacturers globally through acquisitions and technological innovation.
In 2017, ABB’s Power Grids division acquired the inverter business from Power-One, combining it with its own solar inverter business to form FIMER. As a result, FIMER has a rich heritage of experience in power electronics and solar inverters.
FIMER offers a wide range of string, central, and residential inverters for photovoltaic systems of all sizes. Some of their key solar inverter products include:
- PVS-100/120, 185/200 – Single phase string inverters
- TRIO-20.0/27.6/33.3 – Three-phase string inverters
- PVS980-58 – Central inverter for large-scale PV plants
- UNO-2.0-I-OUTD – Single phase residential inverter
According to IHS Markit’s latest PV Inverter Market Tracker report, FIMER ranks 5th globally with a market share of around 6%. The company has an extensive sales and support network across the Americas, EMEA, Asia, and Australia.
FIMER continues to innovate and expand its solar offerings, with a focus on emerging technologies like storage and smart inverters. With its strong expertise and diverse portfolio, FIMER is well positioned as a leading PV inverter supplier worldwide.
Conclusion
Solar inverters play a critical role in solar PV systems by converting the DC power generated by solar panels into usable AC power that can be fed into the grid or used to power electrical loads. As highlighted in this article, there are a number of major global manufacturers producing solar inverters today.
Some of the top solar inverter companies include Huawei Technologies, Sungrow Power Supply, SMA Solar Technology, Power Electronics, and FIMER S.p.A. Each of these companies has made significant investments in solar inverter R&D and production capacity to meet growing demand around the world. They offer a range of central, string, and microinverters tailored to different applications.
With solar power generation continuing to expand rapidly, the solar inverter market is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. High-efficiency inverters that maximize energy harvest from solar panels will be key to reducing the overall costs of solar energy. Innovations in monitoring, control, and grid integration will also help drive adoption of solar across the residential, commercial and utility sectors. As solar further penetrates the energy mix, advanced inverters will play an integral role in enabling this transition.