Solar Inverter Comparison — String vs Hybrid vs Micro
Your inverter converts solar electricity for your home. Here's which type is right for you.
What's the Difference Between String, Hybrid, and Microinverters?
The three main inverter types used in Irish solar installations are string/hybrid inverters, optimiser-based systems, and microinverters. Each handles the DC-to-AC conversion differently and suits different roof configurations. The table below compares them across cost, shading performance, monitoring, and warranty.
| Feature | String / Hybrid | Optimiser-Based | Microinverter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | Huawei, Solis, GoodWe | SolarEdge | Enphase |
| Cost | Lowest | Mid-range | Highest |
| Best for | Single roof face, no shading | Partial shading, multiple orientations | Complex roofs, maximum per-panel monitoring |
| Battery-ready | Hybrid models only | With compatible battery | Via AC-coupled battery |
| Panel monitoring | System-level only | Per-panel via optimisers | Per-panel built-in |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 10–15 years (optimisers 25yr) | 25 years |
| Failure impact | Whole system stops | Affected panel reduced, rest continues | Only affected panel stops |
Which solar inverter brands are available in Ireland?
Huawei SUN2000
Most PopularHybrid Inverter
Market leader in Ireland with the largest share of residential installations. The SUN2000 hybrid inverter pairs seamlessly with the Huawei Luna2000 battery for a fully integrated ecosystem. Excellent monitoring via the FusionSolar app, which shows real-time generation, consumption, and export data. Most Irish installers recommend Huawei as their default choice.
5-year warranty (extendable to 10)
Solis
Best ValueHybrid Inverter
The best-value hybrid inverter on the Irish market. Solis offers reliable performance with a 10-year warranty at a lower price point than Huawei. Compatible with multiple third-party battery brands, giving you more flexibility. A solid choice when budget is the priority but you still want battery-ready capability.
10-year warranty
SolarEdge
Best for ShadingOptimiser-Based
An optimiser-based system where each panel gets a dedicated power optimiser that feeds into a central inverter. If one panel is shaded by a chimney, dormer, or tree, the rest continue at full output instead of being dragged down. Best for partially shaded roofs or homes with panels facing multiple directions.
12-year inverter warranty, 25-year optimiser warranty
Enphase
Longest WarrantyMicroinverter
A microinverter system with one small inverter installed on each individual panel, converting DC to AC right at the source. No single point of failure — if one unit fails, only that panel is affected. Provides the best per-panel monitoring and maximum flexibility for complex roof layouts with multiple orientations.
25-year warranty
GoodWe
Battery FlexibleHybrid Inverter
A mid-range hybrid inverter that works well with multiple third-party battery brands including BYD, Pylontech, and Alpha ESS. GoodWe offers competitive pricing and solid monitoring software. A practical choice if you want flexibility to choose your battery brand independently of your inverter.
10-year warranty
Fronius
Premium BuildString / Hybrid Inverter
A premium Austrian manufacturer known for exceptional build quality and advanced monitoring via the Fronius Solar.web platform. Particularly popular with commercial and larger residential installations. The Symo and Primo ranges are well-established in the European market and come with strong after-sales support.
5-year warranty (extendable)
Which Inverter Should You Choose?
The right inverter depends on your roof layout, shading, budget, and whether you want a battery. Most Irish homes with a single south-facing roof do best with a hybrid inverter. Use the scenarios below to find the best match for your situation.
Single south-facing roof, no shading
String/Hybrid (Huawei or Solis)
The simplest and most cost-effective option. A standard hybrid inverter handles this setup perfectly.
Want a battery now or later
Hybrid (Huawei SUN2000 + Luna)
Huawei's ecosystem offers the tightest integration between inverter and battery. The Luna battery plugs directly into the SUN2000.
Partial shading or east/west split roof
Optimiser (SolarEdge) or Micro (Enphase)
Panel-level optimisation ensures shaded or differently-oriented panels don't drag down the whole system's output.
Budget is the priority
String (Solis)
Solis offers reliable performance with a 10-year warranty at the lowest price point. A solid choice when budget matters most.
Maximum monitoring and flexibility
Micro (Enphase)
Per-panel microinverters give you granular monitoring and the ability to expand your system one panel at a time. 25-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Inverters
What's the difference between a string and hybrid inverter?
A string inverter only converts solar DC to AC. A hybrid inverter also manages battery charging and discharging. If you want a battery now or in the future, choose a hybrid inverter.
Is Huawei or Solis better?
Huawei is the market leader with better ecosystem integration (especially with the Luna battery). Solis is a solid budget alternative. Both are reliable. Choose Huawei if you plan to add a battery; Solis if cost is the main factor.
Do I need a microinverter?
Most Irish homes don't need microinverters. They're beneficial if your roof has significant shading, faces multiple directions, or if you want per-panel monitoring. For a standard south-facing roof, a string or hybrid inverter is more cost-effective.
How long do solar inverters last?
String and hybrid inverters last 10-15 years and will likely need one replacement during your panel's 25-30 year lifespan. SolarEdge optimisers and Enphase microinverters are warrantied for 25 years.
Related Guides
Sources
- SEAI — Solar Energy for the Home — seai.ie
- Huawei — SUN2000 Residential Smart PV — solar.huawei.com
- SolarEdge — Residential Solutions — solaredge.com
- Enphase — Microinverter Technology — enphase.com
- Solis — Hybrid Inverters — solisinverters.com
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
The Solar Info editorial team researches and writes comprehensive guides on solar energy in Ireland. Our content is fact-checked against official SEAI data and updated regularly to reflect the latest grant rates and industry developments.
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