Top 10 Solar Inverters Australia for Commercial & Industrial Use

In Australia, solar energy is booming: over 300,000 rooftop systems were added in 2024, taking our total past 4 million. Today, rooftop PV supplies about 12% of the national power mix. Businesses are jumping on board fast – in May 2025 alone, 235 MW of new rooftop solar (mostly 15–100 kW systems) were installed nationwide, with the commercial segment growing faster than ever. The Australian Government even confirms that solar power is now the cheapest source of electricity available, making it one of the smartest investments for companies.

At the heart of every system are Solar Inverters Australia relies on – the essential technology that transforms panel output into usable electricity. This guide walks you through the top 10 commercial and industrial solar inverters in Australia, helping you find the right one to maximise efficiency, reliability, and long-term savings.

Why Solar Inverters Matter for Aussie Businesses

A solar inverter (PV inverter) converts the DC output of your solar panels into AC power your building can use or feed back to the grid. Think of it as the heart of your solar system – without it, your panels are just collecting sun without powering anything. With rising energy costs and sunny days aplenty, companies Down Under are treating solar as a no-brainer. By installing solar, Australian homes and businesses already save around $6 billion in electricity bills annually. A smart inverter maximizes that payoff. For example, models with multiple MPPT trackers let different arrays on your roof run at peak efficiency (crucial for complex commercial roofs). Others boast built-in Wi-Fi or monitoring so you can watch your system earn its keep in real time.

Aussies also face unique challenges: heat, dust, and the occasional blackout. Many top inverters on our list are IP65/66 rated for outdoor use, and some are fanless (no moving parts) to avoid breakdowns in dusty conditions. In short, choosing a quality inverter means wringing out every last kilowatt-hour from your array. As the Australian Government’s Solar Guide points out, going solar can protect your business from price rises and dramatically cut bills. Pair that with the right inverter, and you’re future-proofing your power. (For more on rooftop solar stats, see the Clean Energy Council’s biannual report.)

Grid-Tied vs Hybrid: Choosing Your Inverter Type

First, decide on grid-tied or hybrid (battery-ready). A grid-tied inverter simply feeds your solar power to the grid and stops during outages. By design, “grid-tie inverters are designed to shut down automatically upon loss of utility supply… They do not provide backup power during outages”. This is fine if you’re in a location with reliable grid and want the cheapest system. In Australia’s big commercial hubs, grid-tied setups are common because they cost less and use net metering.

A hybrid inverter, on the other hand, includes a charger for batteries. In practice, hybrid inverters let you store excess solar for later and keep lights on when the grid is down. They essentially do everything an on-grid inverter does plus battery backup. For example, Sofar’s hybrid models above have built-in EPS (Emergency Power Supply) so selected loads (fridges, critical lights) can run off stored energy during a blackout. As one industry write-up explains, a hybrid inverter “combines [grid-tie] capability with the capacity to store energy in batteries… allowing you to use solar during the day, store extra energy for later use, and even feed extra power back into the grid”. In short: grid-tied = simpler and cheaper; hybrid = more independence and resilience. In Australia’s sunbelt environment, many businesses choose hybrid to get a bit of both worlds.

Key Factors to Consider

When picking an inverter for a commercial or industrial install, keep these in mind:

• Capacity (kW) & Phases: Match the inverter’s kW rating to your system’s size. Small commercial sites (<10 kW) often use single-phase units, while larger systems use three-phase inverters to balance heavy loads. (E.g., systems above ~10–15 kW usually go 3-phase.)
  
  

• MPPT Trackers: More MPPT channels mean you can have multiple panel strings at different orientations. This boosts yield on complex roofs. Dual or multi-MPPT inverters adapt better to shady or split-array setups.
  
  

• Efficiency: Higher efficiency (95%+) means less energy wasted. Many modern inverters hit ~98%. A fan-cooled unit might run slightly cooler (and quieter) than a pure heatsink design.
  
  

• Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi/Ethernet and monitoring apps let you see performance on your phone. This helps troubleshoot issues early. Several models above have integrated Wi-Fi dongles for easy setup.
  
  

• Environment Rating: Look for an IP65/66 rating for outdoor durability. Australia’s heat and dust demand rugged units. Also, check operating temperature range – some inverters derate above ~45°C.
  
  

• Safety & Compliance: Inverters should be CEC-approved (Safe to install and eligible for incentives). Many brands carry UL or IEC certifications. In Australia, only CEC-listed inverters are typically allowed. (Notably, Sofar once had a 2018 recall but later fixed it and got re-listed.)
  
  

• Warranty & Support: Commercial installers lean on brands that offer 5–10 year warranties (often extendable). Fronius, GoodWe, and SolarEdge in particular have solid support networks in Australia.
  
  

Keep these bullet points in mind as we break down our picks. Now, let’s dive into the top solar inverters on the market for Aussie businesses.

 

1. Sofar 4.6 kW Single-Phase Inverter: A compact grid-tied workhorse. It packs dual MPPT, letting you optimize two separate string segments (handy if part of your roof is shaded or angled differently). Built-in Wi-Fi keeps you in the loop on production. This 4.6 kW size is great for smaller commercial setups – think corner stores or office wings. Sofar’s inverters are known for solid efficiency and good support for the price. This model even includes internal DC isolators to speed up installation.

2. Sofar 5 kW 3-Phase Inverter: Stepping up, this 3-phase unit is meant for slightly larger business installations that need to feed all three phases of a building. It still has dual MPPT and Wi-Fi, but the 3-phase output gives smoother power for bigger loads (e.g. workshop equipment). Aussie solar installers appreciate Sofar’s broad CEC approvals, and as one technical review noted, Sofar has shipped 34 GW of inverters worldwide – so they’re not a small player. This 5 kW 3-phase is an affordable way to get that extra phase stability.

3. Sofar 10 kW Single-Phase (Multi-MPPT, Fanless): A larger single-phase inverter (handles bigger systems or multiple strings). Its multi-MPPT design means it can juggle more than two arrays at once, squeezing out maximum yield. Notably, it’s fanless, so it uses convection cooling – quieter and more dust-resistant, a plus in Aussie conditions. If you want a nearly maintenance-free inverter for a mid-sized business roof, this is the tech-savvy choice.

4. GoodWe 5 kW 3-Phase SDT G3 (Grid-tied): GoodWe is a trusted name (ranked top 5 in Australia’s inverter brands). This 5 kW 3-phase inverter is robust – it’s IP65-rated to shrug off dust and rain – and comes with dual MPPT and Wi-Fi. The SDT G3 series is known for handling 150% oversizing on the DC side, which means you can install a slightly bigger solar array on it to maximize harvest. In practice, it’s a reliable midrange unit used on many Aussie small-business installs.

5. Sofar 20 kW 3-Phase Hybrid (Built-in EPS): This is Sofar’s heavy hitter hybrid. At 20 kW three-phase, it’s aimed at large commercial arrays. Like a good hybrid, it has all the on-grid features plus a built-in Emergency Power Supply (EPS). The EPS function (essentially a mini UPS) lets you keep critical circuits running during a blackout – say emergency lighting or key servers. It also includes a meter for more accurate self-consumption tracking. For a business that needs backup power and big production, this inverter’s versatility shines.

6. Fronius 4.0 kW Gen24 PRIME (Single-Phase, Hybrid): Fronius tops many solar polls for a reason. This Austrian-made hybrid inverter is legendary for reliability – installers have called it “well-supported” and “legendary” in Australia. The GEN24 PRIME series can work with AC-coupled batteries and includes a built-in smart grid feature. It’s fan-cooled (hence a slight hum) but that also keeps it cool under load. At 4 kW, it’s smaller, but excellent for a business wanting a premium, compact hybrid unit.

7. SolarEdge 15 kW Three-Phase (Grid-tied): SolarEdge is famous for panel-level optimization. Their 15 kW 3-phase inverter must be used with SolarEdge optimizers on each panel. The upside is extraordinary energy harvesting (especially in partial shade), since each panel runs at its own max power. This model is aimed at medium-to-large commercial roofs. If your site has tricky shading or you want per-panel monitoring, SolarEdge can squeeze more out of each module than traditional string setups.

8. GoodWe 10 kW 3-Phase SDT G2 (Grid-tied): Another solid GoodWe, this time 10 kW. Part of the earlier-generation SDT series, it still offers dual MPPT and an IP65 rating. At 10 kW, this inverter is great for mid-sized installations (warehouses, schools, etc.). It comes with Wi-Fi monitoring as well. Like its smaller G3 sibling, it can handle a bit of oversizing. GoodWe’s track record in Australia is strong, making this a reliable workhorse.

9. Sofar 5 kW Single-Phase Hybrid (Built-in EPS): Taking 5 kW single-phase into hybrid territory, this Sofar unit includes EPS and can drive a small battery (or battery-ready). It’s perfect for smaller businesses or homes that also have a small commercial component (like a home office, workshop, or café). Dual MPPT and a CT clamp allow basic self-consumption monitoring. In a grid-down scenario, this inverter can keep a few circuits alive via its EPS. Think of it as a versatile Swiss Army inverter for DIY solar+backup setups.

10. GoodWe 10 kW 3-Phase ET Series Hybrid (IP66, HV-Compatible): This GoodWe model is a hybrid built tough – IP66 means it can live outdoors even in dust storms or heavy rain. The ET (Energy Storage) series is designed for battery use. In fact, it’s HV (high-voltage) ready, meaning it can connect to the latest high-voltage battery packs for more efficient storage. At 10 kW, it fits large homes or small businesses. Being 3-phase, it can easily power heavy loads or machinery. If you plan to integrate a big battery bank later, this inverter is on the cutting edge of compatibility.

Each of the above inverters has its strengths. Sofar and GoodWe dominate our list with multiple entries, reflecting their popularity in Australia’s market. Fronius earns a spot for its stellar reputation. SolarEdge is the specialist choice for complex sites. Ultimately, the “best” inverter depends on your needs – capacity, backup requirements, and even whether you want Wi-Fi monitoring or extra safety features (like built-in DC switches).

Why These Solar Inverters Australia Made the List

Let’s break it down. Here’s why these ten stand out for commercial solar systems and industrial setups:

• Sofar Series: Ideal for small-to-mid sized businesses chasing affordable yet reliable performance. Fanless models keep things whisper-quiet — perfect for offices or shops.

• GoodWe Range: Known for robust 3-phase solutions. If you’re running heavy equipment or want easy Wi-Fi monitoring, these are dependable picks.

• Fronius GEN24: Stylish, premium, and feature-packed. Think of it as the Tesla of inverters — built for those who value innovation and long-term reliability.

• SolarEdge: Big power for big players. Perfect if your warehouse roof is cranking serious solar energy and you want per-panel optimisation.

Each option strikes a balance between efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness — crucial when every kilowatt and dollar counts in your business.

FAQs about Solar Inverters in Australia

Q. : What is a solar inverter and why do I need one?
A. : A solar inverter converts the DC power from panels into the AC electricity your business can use. Without it, your PV panels’ output can’t run standard equipment or feed into the grid. It’s the essential bridge in any solar setup.

Q. : How do grid-tied and hybrid inverters differ?
A. : Grid-tied (on-grid) inverters feed solar power to the grid but shut off when the grid goes down. Hybrid inverters do the same and charge batteries, so you can store extra energy and have backup power. In short, grid-tied saves you money on bills; hybrid lets you ride through blackouts.

Q. : How do I pick the right inverter size?
A. : Match the inverter’s kW rating to your solar array. For small systems (<10 kW), single-phase is common. Larger commercial arrays (10–20 kW+) usually use three-phase inverters to balance heavy loads. A rule of thumb is to size the inverter AC output close to your array’s peak DC power (sometimes slightly oversizing on DC side for extra harvest).

Q. : Can hybrid inverters work without batteries?
A. : Yes. A hybrid inverter will function like a normal grid-tied inverter even if no battery is connected. You only add a battery later to use its storage features. The hybrid unit simply gives you the option to plug in batteries for backup or self-consumption when you’re ready.

Q. : How much maintenance do solar inverters need?
A. : Very little. Keep vents and surroundings clean, and check for firmware updates occasionally. Many modern units are fanless (or have durable fans) to avoid dust issues. Expect a commercial inverter to last 10+ years; most come with 5–10 year warranties. Good ventilation and keeping the unit cool are the main keys to longevity.

Q. : Can these inverters handle Aussie conditions?
A. : Yes – all listed models are built for heat and dust. Look for IP65/66 ratings (most above have that), and note that some are fanless or have robust fans. For example, the Sofar 10 kW is fanless to avoid dust clogging. Always install in a shaded, ventilated spot if possible to help with cooling.

Conclusion

Australia’s solar revolution is firing on all cylinders, and savvy businesses are capitalizing on it. Our top 10 Solar Inverters Australia picks above cover a range of needs – from budget-friendly grid-tied units to robust hybrid powerhouses. These inverters will help you squeeze every kilowatt-hour out of your panels, cut your bills, and even keep essential circuits alive if the grid fails. Remember, the right inverter is as important as the panels themselves. Whether you value peak efficiency (multi-MPPT), backup power (EPS-enabled), or legendary reliability (think Fronius), there’s an option on this list for you.

Ready to take the next step? Browse the product links above to learn more about specs and pricing, or chat with a local solar installer. With incentives and tech evolving fast, now’s a great time to plan your commercial solar project. Share this guide with colleagues or drop a comment below about your solar goals – let’s harness that Aussie sunshine together!