A solar inverter, also known as a PV inverter, is an electronic device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and the grid. The AC electricity produced by the solar inverter can be used immediately or fed into the electrical grid for later use.
The inverter plays a critical role in a solar energy system, as it ensures that the solar panels produce electricity at the right voltage and frequency to be usable. It also provides important safety features, such as protection against overloading and short-circuits, and monitoring of the solar panels’ performance.
Overall, a solar inverter helps optimize the performance of a solar energy system and makes the clean, renewable energy produced by the panels usable and accessible.
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the top 8 solar inverter suppliers in China in 2023.
- Sungrow
- INVT
- Hoymiles
- SRNE
- Sorotec
- Atess Power
- Sineng
- Bluesun Solar
Why Source from China?
Cost Effective
Sourcing photovoltaic inverters from China can significantly reduce costs, as the cost of labor and materials in China is lower than in many other countries. This can result in lower costs for the manufacturer and ultimately lower prices for the end-user, which can make it an attractive option for those looking to invest in solar energy.
Abundant Supply
China is one of the largest manufacturers of solar inverters in the world, and has a large pool of manufacturers and suppliers. This means that there is a wide variety of solar inverters available from different manufacturers, which can provide a competitive advantage for those looking to source from China.
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
China has a long history of manufacturing and a strong technological base, and has invested heavily in the renewable energy sector in recent years. This means that many Chinese manufacturers have the latest technology and manufacturing capabilities, which can result in high-quality products and increased competitiveness in the market.
Types of Solar Inverters
There are mainly three types of solar inverters:
- String inverters
- Microinverters
- Central inverters
String Inverters
String inverters are the most commonly used type of inverters in residential and small commercial solar panel systems. They are called “string” inverters because they work by connecting a series or “string” of solar panels together and then converting the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity.
In a solar panel system with a string inverter, all the panels are connected in a series, and the DC power generated by the panels is combined and then sent to the inverter. The inverter then converts the DC power into AC power that can be used to power homes and businesses.
String inverters are cost-effective and easy to install, making them a popular choice for small to medium-sized solar panel systems. However, if one panel in the series fails, the entire string will not produce power, so the system’s efficiency can be impacted. Additionally, the power output of the entire string is limited by the performance of the weakest panel in the series.
Microinverters
Microinverters are a type of inverter that are installed directly on each individual solar panel. Unlike string inverters, which convert the DC power generated by a series of panels into AC power, microinverters convert the DC power generated by each panel into AC power independently.
This means that if one panel in the system is not performing optimally, it will not affect the performance of the other panels. This makes microinverters a good choice for systems with panels that are exposed to shading, debris or other conditions that can reduce their performance.
Additionally, because each panel is independently optimized, the system’s overall power output is maximized, providing a higher efficiency compared to string inverters. Microinverters also have the advantage of providing real-time monitoring and optimization of each panel, which can help to improve the system’s overall performance.
However, microinverters are more expensive than string inverters and require more installation time and labor, as each microinverter must be installed directly onto each panel. This can make them a more expensive choice for small-scale solar panel systems.
Central Inverters
Central inverters, also known as large-scale or utility-scale inverters, are used in large commercial and industrial solar panel systems. They are called “central” inverters because they are located in a centralized location and convert the DC power generated by all the panels in the system into AC power.
In a solar panel system with a central inverter, all the panels are connected in a series and the DC power generated by the panels is combined and then sent to the inverter. The inverter then converts the DC power into AC power, which is then distributed to the electrical grid.
Central inverters are more efficient than string inverters for large-scale solar panel systems because they can handle a higher DC input power and generate a higher AC output power. Additionally, central inverters are more cost-effective than microinverters for large-scale systems because they do not require individual inverters to be installed on each panel.
However, central inverters have some drawbacks. If the inverter fails, the entire system will not produce power, and the cost of replacing a central inverter can be significantly higher than replacing a string inverter or microinverter.
Additionally, the performance of the entire system is limited by the performance of the central inverter, so if the inverter is not functioning properly, the system’s efficiency may be impacted.
Other types of inverters
Additionally, there are also hybrid inverters and battery inverters that combine the functions of an inverter and a battery system to provide backup power during power outages.
What are the Top Solar Inverter Suppliers in China in 2023?
My top picks are Sungrow, INVT, Hoymiles, SRNE, Sorotec, Atess Power, Sineng and Bluesun Solar.
1. Sungrow
Headquarters
Shanghai, China
Year Established
1997
Company Introduction
Founded in 1997 by Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is headquartered in Shanghai, China and has branches and offices around the world. The company offers a range of products including new energy power equipment, central inverters, string inverters, energy storage systems, and PV solutions.
Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters, boasting the largest dedicated R&D team in the sector and a wide range of products that include PV inverter solutions, energy storage systems, and NEV driving, EV charging, and renewable hydrogen production systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications.
More than 150 countries are powered by Sungrow products.
Visit their website for more information.
2. INVT
Headquarters
Shenzhen, China
Year Established
2001
Company Introduction
INVT is a company in the renewable energy industry, specifically in the field of solar energy.
INVT is a Chinese company that was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. It is one of the top solar inverter manufacturers in China.
The company specializes in the development, production, and sales of solar inverters, energy storage systems, and related products. INVT is known for producing high-quality and reliable products and has a strong reputation in the industry.
The company has a growing global presence, with offices and branches in many countries around the world, and has established partnerships with companies in many countries around the world.
Visit their website for more information.
3. Hoymiles
Headquarters
Shenzhen, China
Year Established
2009
Company Introduction
Hoymiles is a Chinese company that provides smart energy management solutions, renewable energy solutions, including solar inverters, energy storage systems, and solar charge controllers.
Hoymiles was established in 2009 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, China.
The company offers a range of products that are designed to be reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. Hoymiles’ products are used in various applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar projects.
Hoymiles is one of the best solar inverter manufacturers in China that has a strong focus on research and development, and invests heavily in the development of new products and technologies to stay at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.
Visit their website for more information.
4. SRNE
Headquarters
Shenzhen, China
Year Established
2010
Company Introduction
SRNE is the abbreviation for Shenzhen Solar Energy Sources Co., Ltd., a Chinese company that specializes in the research, development, production, and sale of photovoltaic (PV) inverters and energy storage systems.
The company was established in 2010 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. SRNE’s product range include street light solar charge controllers, household solar charge controllers and off-grid all-in-one solar charge inverters.
Since its founding, SRNE has been awarded with more than 250 national technology patents and has been chosen as a Guangdong Province intellectual property demonstration organization.
Visit their website for more information.
5. Sorotec
Headquarters
Hangzhou, China
Year Established
2006
Company Introduction
Sorotec is an established Chinese company that focuses on providing top-notch renewable energy solutions.
Founded in 2006 and based in Hangzhou, China, Sorotec specializes in the development, production, and sales of photovoltaic (PV) inverters and energy storage systems.
They offer a range of high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective products that are used in various applications, from residential to commercial and utility-scale solar projects.
As a result of years of accumulation and growth, Sorotec has established itself as a trustworthy supplier for China Mobile, China Unicom, China Tower, China Telecom, PetroChina, and State Grid. The company also ships to Europe, South America, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and other regions.
The company’s major offerings include solar energy storage systems, active harmonic filters, static variable generators, low frequency UPS, high frequency UPS, outdoor UPS, and uninterruptible power supplies ranging from 1 KVA to 800 KVA (home use solar energy systems, Telecom base station solar power systems).
Visit their website for more information.
6. Atess Power
Headquarters
Hangzhou, China
Year Established
2009
Company Introduction
Shenzhen ATESS Power Technology Co.,Ltd, a global provider of solar energy storage and EV charging solutions, was established in 2017 with the goal of creating and distributing accessible clean energy to every region of the globe.
ATESS has an advanced, automated manufacturing facility that is based in Shenzhen, China. To ensure quick shipment and after-sale support, an international service network with offices and warehouses has been established across 5 continents.
All-in-one hybrid inverters, battery inverters, and lithium battery solutions are just a few of ATESS’s product offerings.
Inverters are available from 5 kW to 1 MW, and they can be used for utility, commercial, and residential applications.
The EV charger portfolio consists of 7kW to 360kW AC and DC electric vehicle chargers for residential and public charging stations. These chargers are compatible with all widely available EVs, including e-buses and e-ferries.
Over 85 countries throughout the world have installed the company’s goods since it was created.
Visit their website for more information.
7. Sineng
Headquarters
Hangzhou, China
Year Established
2008
Company Introduction
Sineng Electric Co., Ltd. is a Chinese high-tech company that specializes in the R&D, production, trade, and maintenance of power electronic goods. These products include PV inverters, energy storage systems, power quality control, plant development, and other areas.
In the PV sector, Sineng offers all-scenario power generation solutions, ranging from 3kW to 6800kW central and string inverters. These inverters are widely used in ground mounted, floating, complex terrain, C&I rooftop, and residential projects, and they can be customized to meet the needs of clients from all over the world.
Sineng offers all-scenario energy storage solutions, including 1000V/1500V central and string PCS and system integration products, which are applicable to the power generation side, the power grid side, the user side, and the micro-grid.
With regard to power quality management, Sineng offers a full selection of active power filters, smart power quality correction devices, and other products that are used in a variety of sectors including communications, medicine, rail transit, petroleum and petrochemical, metallurgy, etc.
Visit their website for more information.
8. Bluesun
Headquarters
Hefei, China
Year Established
1983
Company Introduction
Bluesun is a Chinese company that is highly focused on solar products and solutions.
Hoymiles was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Hefei, China.
The company offers a range of products that include solar panels, on-grid solar systems, off-grid solar systems, hybrid solar systems, batteries, inverters and even solar pumps.
Visit their website for more information.
Summary
Sourcing solar inverters from China has become a popular choice for many companies and individuals in the renewable energy industry. China is one of the largest manufacturers of solar inverters and has become a hub for the production of these products due to the availability of low-cost labor and materials.
Companies and individuals can benefit from the lower costs of production by sourcing their solar inverters from China, leading to increased profitability and competitiveness in the market.
However, sourcing solar inverters from China also has some challenges and risks. Quality control can be a concern, as some manufacturers in China may not adhere to the same quality standards as manufacturers in other countries.
Additionally, there can be issues with shipping and logistics, as the long distance between China and other countries can lead to delays and increased shipping costs.
To mitigate these risks, it is important to work with a reliable and trustworthy supplier when sourcing solar inverters from China. This includes conducting thorough research, visiting the supplier’s facility, and establishing clear and effective communication.
By taking these steps, companies and individuals can ensure that they are getting high-quality products at a competitive price, while also minimizing the risks associated with sourcing from China.