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What are the Costs of Replacing a Solar Inverter?

Are you here because your inverter isn't working?

The first thing you’re going to want to know is, is it fixable and how much is it going to cost. Let’s have a look at what your options are.

If you’re looking for a quick answer, the cost to get an inverter replaced is going to be around $3000, but there are a number of factors to consider, which we will explore now.

Key Takeaways:

  • Inverter Replacement Costs: Replacing an old inverter typically costs around $3,000, including installation. This price is generally the same whether you are replacing a smaller system (e.g., 2kW to 3kW) or a larger one (5kW), as the smallest inverters available from top manufacturers like SMA in Australia are usually 3kW.

  • Upgrading vs. Replacing: Instead of simply replacing an old inverter, it might make more sense to replace the entire system. This is especially true if your current system is small or outdated, as you can take advantage of newer, more efficient technology and potentially achieve higher energy output with modern 400W+ panels.

  • Federal Government Incentives: If you decide to replace the inverter and upgrade the entire solar system, you may qualify for Federal Government incentives (STCs), which can reduce the overall cost of the new system, making it a more cost-effective option than merely servicing an old one.

  • Long-Term Benefits of Upgrading: Upgrading to a new system gives you access to the latest technology, such as smarter and safer solar solutions like Enphase microinverters, which offer better performance and longevity. This can provide more reliable energy generation and savings over time, aligned with future energy needs.

Replacement Under Warranty

If the inverter fails and it is still under warranty, it’s best to go back to your original installer. They will be able to help you with your warranty claim.

If you are one of our customers, please contact our team so that we can help you get your system fixed as soon as possible. 1KOMMA5° services full replacement warranties so that you are not out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Things don’t always go that smoothly though…

It is estimated that around 1 in 3 solar systems are orphans, in that either the installer or the manufacturer is no longer around to service the warranty. In this case, unfortunately, your warranty is worthless, which is why it’s so important to choose the right system and the right installer when going solar.

We get a lot of calls from people unable to contact their original installer. If you are in this boat, unfortunately, you may not be able to replace your inverter under warranty.

Tesla Powerwall 3

Solar Inverter Replacement

Tesla Powerwall 3

For most inverter replacements, the system is at least a few years old. Typically, this means the system is probably no more than 5kW or so. Many are much smaller than that, say around 2kW or 3kW systems.

With most of the better inverter manufacturers such as SMA, the smallest inverter they currently supply in Australia is a 3kW inverter. A 3kW or 5kW inverter are relatively similar in price, so we normally say budget around $3000 for a replacement inverter including installation.

But here’s where things get interesting.

If you are going to pay $3000 to fix an old inverter, why not rip the whole system off and start again? Especially if it’s a small system sitting on the roof.

A new solar system will also qualify for the Federal Government Incentive (STCs), as long as we replace the inverter, and so instead of servicing the old system, perhaps you’d rather put that money towards installing a new one. That way you are able to get more output from the new 400W+ solar panels, plus you can get the latest technology from Enphase that’s much smarter, and safer.

Of course, it depends on how much you want to pay and your plans for the future, and it’s something we’d be happy to help you with. You can call the 1KOMMA5° Sydney and Mebourne on 1800 640 919 for more information and personalised advice.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Solar Power

How much does it cost to off-grid with solar power?

Taking your home off-grid with a solar system can cost 2-4 times more than installing a standard grid tied solar system. The jump in price is due to the need for additional solar panels, large battery banks, a backup generator and a specialised off-grid inverter in order to handle the fluctuating energy demands associated with stand alone systems. The starting cost is usually around $40,000, this does not include ongoing maintenance costs and fuelling the generator.

What are the main maintenance challenges for off-grid systems?

Off-grid solar systems require far more regular maintenance that your standard grid tied or hybrid solar systems due to their larger size, added components and greater complexity of their setup. This includes servicing the batteries, checking inverter health and ensuring your backup generator runs efficiently. The stakes are also higher with an off-grid system, failure to perform these regular checks and servicing could leave you without power.

What happens if my off-grid solar system runs out of power?

If you choose to take your home off the grid there will come a point where you will run out of solar power. Whether this be because of weather conditions or higher than usual household energy demand. This is why a backup generator is an integral part of an off-grid solar system. This generator is usually powered by petrol or deisel and will provide power to the home until solar production is back up again.

Is it better to go off-grid or use a hybrid solar system?

For the vats majority of people it is better to install a hybrid system, they offer the benefits of solar power generation and energy independence using storage solutions whilst still having the grid to fall back on. While it's awesome to generate, store and use your own energy around the clock, remaining grid tied allows you to export excess solar energy back to the grid for a feed in tariff when production is high and draw from the grid to power your home when production is low. Installing an off-grid system is only really feasible if you live in a remote area with limited grid access or the grid connection fee is extremely expensive (more expensive than the price of an off-grid system).

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Need more information?

Head over to the 1KOMMA5° blog for more helpful tips and other important guides on everything solar, from inverters, panels and batteries to how to make the most of your investment for years to come.

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