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.

See how much
you could save

Tell us a little about your home or skip the form
and call us now 844.481.8630

 

Home equipped with solar panels

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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.

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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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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. 

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education

Learn more about solar energy

Learn more Learn more
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Graphic of home with solar panels, a sun, and arrow pointing to panels
How solar inverters work
Graphic of solar battery and a light bulb
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.

See how much
you could save

Tell us a little about your home or skip the form
and call us now 844.481.8630

 

Home equipped with solar panels

Clicking the button below constitutes your consent for Vivint Energy and its parent company NRG to use automated technology, including calls, texts and prerecorded messages, to contact you at the number provided about Vivint Energy and NRG offers. Consent not required to make a purchase. Up to 10msg/month. Reply 'STOP' to opt-out. See Terms of Use 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.

*Freedom Forever x Vivint Offer Details

Freedom Forever x Vivint offer requires customer’s (a) execution of (i) Solar System Purchase Agreement with Freedom Forever or (ii) Power Purchase Agreement with Sunrun, installed by Freedom Forever; and (b) execution of Smart Home Agreement for Vivint’s monitoring service. New Vivint and Freedom Forever customers only. Offer includes free Vivint Smart Home Essential Package (1 Vivint Smart Hub, 1 Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro (Gen 2), 1 Element Thermostat, 2 Window/Door Sensors, 1 Motion Sensor [or item of equivalent value]) + free professional installation + free Vivint monitoring service during thirty-six (36) month Smart Home Agreement term (“Term”). After the Term, customer may cancel Vivint monitoring service or pay for continued monitoring starting at $44.99/mo. (+ $1.48/mo. Cellular Network Maintenance Fee). Taxes and local permit fees may apply. Click here for full Offer Terms & Conditions.