Close up view of solar panels installed on black shingled roof

solar inverters

Solar inverters— key to a Vivint solar energy system

A solar inverter’s critical ability to convert energy into
usable power makes it one of the most important
products in your
solar energy system.

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How do solar inverters work?

You can’t go solar without inverters. Here’s why: Your panels absorb direct current (DC) energy from the sun, but your home runs on alternating current (AC) energy.  Solar inverters are necessary to convert the energy your panels generate from DC to AC so you can power your home. 

But solar inverters accomplish more than energy conversion:

  • Track your system. Manage the amount of energy your
    system generates.
  • Oversee function. Know when solar panels are
    underperforming.
  • Manage production. Maximize efficiency with  continuous
    system monitoring.
Explore solar inverters Explore solar inverters
a smart energy system

Connecting your solar panels
with inverters

  • battery icon
    Single phase solar inverter

    With a single phase or string inverter, groups of panels (strings) are wired together in series with one central inverter. Because each panel connects on the same circuit, your panels function at the same level.

  • light bulb icon
    Micro inverters for solar

    There is no central inverter in a system comprising micro inverters. Instead, each panel is connected to its own micro inverter. This means panels can be removed or added without affecting
    system performance.

Go solar and save. Find out how.

To ensure a smooth experience, have your electric bill on hand.

A house with Vivint solar power system products in front of it

By clicking "Start Your Quote", you agree by electronic signature to:
1. The Electronic Disclosure Consent;
2. Receive recurring marketing communications from Vivint at the telephone number and email address you provide on this form, including autodialed calls, texts, and prerecorded messages (consent not required to make a purchase; reply “STOP” to opt-out of texts or “HELP” for help); and
3. Vivint's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

your investment is covered

Your panels will perform—that’s a promise

Get an industry-leading production guarantee or warranty when you go solar with Vivint. Work with your installer to find out what is available to you. Enjoy the benefits of a smart energy system, backed by the best solar panel protection in the business.

the essential solar
power inverter

Solar power inverters to fit
your unique home

 

Take a look at some potential panel inverter options for your home. Not sure what type of inverter is best for
your home and energy needs? Our solar specialists are here to help.

  • light bulb icon

    single phase solar inverter

    SolarEdge

    • Built-in DC safety switch
    • Cost effective and reliable
    • Small, lightweight, easy to install

    The SolarEdge single phase inverter dynamically manages  the energy conversion from solar panels into your system. This small, lightweight solar power inverter works for outdoor and indoor installations and comes with built-in module-level monitoring, arc-fault protection, and
    rapid shutdown. 

  • power icon

    micro inverter for solar

    Enphase

    • Easy to install
    • Smart grid ready
    • Reliable warranty

    The high-powered, smart grid-ready Enphase IQ 7 Microinverter series provides high efficiency and simplified installation. These micro inverters for solar extend the reliability standards established by previous generations and undergo more than a million hours of power-on testing.

smart energy financing

Plans for every home and every budget

To make it easier and more cost-effective to get started with your new solar system, Vivint offers three simple financing options. Discover power independence with a plan that works for you.

  • Solar PPA/Lease: Pay a fixed rate per kWh.
  • Solar Loan: Purchase and finance your system.
  • Solar Cash Purchase: Own your system outright.

Click below for more details about financing your Vivint smart energy system.

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solar energy from Vivint

Make your solar power even smarter. Bundle it.

A Vivint home combines energy-savings and award-winning protection for total peace of mind. See how much you could save by switching to Smart Energy from Vivint and bundling with a smart home security system. 

education

Learn more about solar energy

Learn more Learn more
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How solar inverters work
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How solar batteries work

FAQ

How long do solar inverters last?

Solar inverters last approximately 10 to 15 years—a shorter life span than solar panels, which generally last 25 to 30 years. This is due to rapidly aging components and the electro-mechanical wear on the capacitor inside the inverter. Plan on replacing solar inverters at least once over the lifetime of your panels if you want the safest, most efficient solar generation possible. Speak with a Vivint specialist for additional information about the longevity of solar inverters.

How do inverters work with solar panels?

Inverters are essential if you’re going solar. Your home runs on alternating current (AC) energy, and solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy your solar panels absorb from DC to AC for residential use.

How many inverters per solar panel?

Vivint offers single phase or string inverters and microinverters. A single phase inverter is a standalone box mounted close to your main service panel and electricity meter. Typically you need only one to two single phase inverters in a residential solar installation. The size of the home can affect this number.

Micro inverters are about the size of an internet router and perform the same function as single phase inverters. However, they are installed underneath each solar panel on your roof—typically the number of micro inverters equals the number of solar panels in your installation.

What are the best inverters?

The best solar inverter for you depends on your home, your energy needs, and your budget:

  • Start by learning about the different types of inverters available, including single phase or string inverters and micro inverters.
  • Study the efficiency of the different types of inverters. Even though some can achieve up to 98% efficiency, be advised they may not necessarily be the right inverters for your home.
  • Check the parameters to make sure you’re getting inverters that work effectively, paying close attention to input DC voltage, output AC voltage, frequency, and the most suitable circuitry.
  • Look for inverters that monitor your solar installation and alert you to underperforming panels.
  • Make sure you choose robust inverters that can withstand continuous exposure to the elements.

If you need help deciding which solar inverters are best, speak to a Vivint specialist who’ll help you customize the right system with the right components
for your home.

How much do solar inverters cost?

The cost of solar panels depends on the size of your home, how much energy you need to generate, and what type of inverter you choose. Speak to a Vivint specialist and provide basic information about your home and energy usage to get a free quote. Like other companies, Vivint provides financing options to make it more cost-effective to transition to solar.

What are micro inverters for solar panels?

Micro inverters are about the size of an internet router and perform the same function as single phase or string inverters. However, they are installed underneath each solar panel on your roof—typically the number of micro inverters equals the number of solar panels in your installation.

Go solar and save. Find out how.

To ensure a smooth experience, have your electric bill on hand.

A house with Vivint solar power system products in front of it

By clicking "Start Your Quote", you agree by electronic signature to:
1. The Electronic Disclosure Consent;
2. Receive recurring marketing communications from Vivint at the telephone number and email address you provide on this form, including autodialed calls, texts, and prerecorded messages (consent not required to make a purchase; reply “STOP” to opt-out of texts or “HELP” for help); and
3. Vivint's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

*Freedom Forever 25-Year Production Guarantee:

Subject to the terms of each customer's individual Supply and Installation Agreement with Freedom Forever, including all conditions and exclusions set forth therein, Freedom Forever provides a 25-year production guarantee that a customer’s Solar PV System will produce a certain minimum number of kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Terms, conditions, and exclusions may vary from customer to customer. Click here for more details.

*Requires customer’s execution of a Smart Home Agreement with Vivint for professional monitoring services and a Solar Contract with an eligible Vivint Energy service provider. Offer includes free Vivint Smart Home System Essentials Plus Package (1 Vivint Smart Hub, 1 Doorbell Camera Pro, 1 Element Thermostat, 2 Door / Window Sensors, 1 Motion Sensor, 1 Smart Door Lock, 1 Garage Door Controller, and 1 Outdoor Camera Pro with professional installation) + free professional installation + free Vivint monitoring service for 12 months. After the term of the Smart Home Agreement expires, customer may either cancel Smart Home Agreement or pay for continued monitoring starting at $54.99/mo. If customer cancels the Solar Contract, they will no longer qualify for Solar Promo Offer #1 and will owe $54.99/mo for the remainder of their Smart Home Agreement term. Taxes and local permit fees may apply. New customers only. Visit vivint.com/legal/energy for full Offer Terms & Conditions.