Solar Inverters Melbourne
Installation and replacement of string, hybrid and three phase inverters, backed by a 10-year warranty.
The inverter is the part of your solar system doing the work every day — converting DC from the panels into usable AC power for your home. It is also the component most likely to need replacing first. Smart Solar Energy installs and replaces solar inverters across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a 10-year inverter warranty and a 25-year panel warranty.
What a solar inverter does
Panels produce DC electricity. Your home runs on AC. The inverter sits between the two, converting the power and managing where it goes — into your home first, then to a battery if you have one, then out to the grid.
It also monitors performance, shuts the system down safely during a fault, and sends generation data to the app on your phone. When an inverter fails, the whole system stops producing, even if every panel is fine. If you are still planning the array itself, start with solar panel installation in Melbourne and size the inverter to it.
Types of solar inverter
One inverter handles all panels wired in series. Lowest cost and simplest to service. Best when your roof gets consistent sun with little shading.
Runs your solar and a battery from a single unit. Choose this if you plan to add storage now or within a few years — it avoids paying twice.
One small inverter per panel, so shading on one panel doesn't drag down the rest. Higher upfront cost, better output on complex roofs.
For properties with a three phase supply. Spreads generation evenly across all phases and supports larger system sizes.
Inverter brands we install
We install inverters from manufacturers with established Australian service networks, so a warranty claim is handled here rather than overseas.
Strong hybrid range with reliable battery pairing and solid backup performance. Our most commonly installed inverter.
Hybrid inverters that pair cleanly with FoxESS storage. Good value where you want a matched inverter and battery.
Competitive hybrid and string options, well suited to retrofit work on existing systems.
All-in-one inverter and storage units with built-in monitoring and strong local support.
We also install other tier-one inverters depending on availability and what suits your system.
Ask about a specific brandTell us now. Choosing a hybrid inverter at install time is far cheaper than replacing a string inverter in three years when you decide to add storage.
Compare solar battery storageInverter replacement and repair
Inverters are typically warranted for around 10 years, while panels last 25. Systems installed between 2014 and 2016 are now reaching the point where the inverter fails but the panels are still generating perfectly well.
- Red or flashing fault light on the unit
- Error codes on the display or in your monitoring app
- Generation has dropped noticeably with no change in weather
- System shuts down repeatedly through the middle of the day
- Loud buzzing, clicking or a burning smell near the unit
- App shows no data at all despite clear sun
Replacing just the inverter is usually far cheaper than a full system replacement, since your panels and racking stay in place. We assess whether a repair, a like-for-like swap, or an upgrade to a hybrid inverter makes the most financial sense for your setup.
What size inverter do you need?
Inverter capacity is matched to your panel array, not chosen independently. In Australia you can oversize the array relative to the inverter by up to 133%, which improves output in morning and afternoon light.
Final sizing depends on your roof orientation, shading, usage pattern and grid connection limits in your area. Array sizes above match the systems listed on our solar panel page.
Our process
We check your existing setup, switchboard and grid connection, and diagnose the fault if you have one.
Repair, replace or upgrade — we tell you which makes financial sense and quote a fixed installed price.
We handle the grid connection paperwork where a change of inverter requires it.
CEC-accredited installers complete the work, commission the system and reconnect your monitoring.
10-year inverter warranty, with claims handled by us rather than left to you.
Areas we service
We install and replace inverters across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Cranbourne, Clyde, Dandenong, Frankston, Pakenham, Berwick and surrounding suburbs. Not sure if you're in range? Ask us.
Frequently asked questions
Hybrid inverters, replacement costs, lifespan and sizing.
What is a hybrid inverter?
A hybrid inverter manages both your solar panels and a battery from a single unit. A standard string inverter only handles solar, so adding storage later means either replacing it or installing a second battery inverter. If solar battery storage is anywhere in your plans, a hybrid inverter installed upfront is almost always the cheaper path.
How long does a solar inverter last?
Most quality inverters are warranted for around 10 years, and many run longer with good ventilation and a shaded, weather-protected mounting position. Panels typically carry a 25-year warranty, which is why the inverter is usually the first component replaced in a system's life.
How much does it cost to replace a solar inverter?
Replacement cost depends on the size of your system, whether you stay with a like-for-like string inverter or upgrade to a hybrid, and how much rewiring the switchboard needs. It is substantially cheaper than replacing a whole system, since your panels and racking stay in place. We quote a fixed installed price after assessing the site.
Can I replace my inverter with a different brand?
In most cases yes. The replacement needs to be compatible with your panel array voltage and approved for grid connection in your distribution area. We check both before quoting, and handle the paperwork if the change requires a new approval.
Why has my solar generation dropped?
An inverter fault is one of the more common causes, but so are soiled panels, shading from grown trees, a tripped isolator, or a failed string. Our assessment identifies which it is before you spend anything, so you are not replacing hardware that isn't the problem.
Send us your details and we'll assess your setup and quote a fixed installed price.
Get a free assessment
Frequently asked questions
Hybrid inverters, replacement costs, lifespan and sizing.
Frequently asked questions
Hybrid inverters, replacement costs, lifespan and sizing.
What is a hybrid inverter?
A hybrid inverter manages both your solar panels and a battery from a single unit. A standard string inverter only handles solar, so adding storage later means either replacing it or installing a second battery inverter. If a battery is anywhere in your plans, a hybrid inverter installed upfront is almost always the cheaper path.
How long does a solar inverter last?
Most quality inverters are warranted for around 10 years, and many run longer with good ventilation and a shaded, weather-protected mounting position. Panels typically carry a 25-year warranty, which is why the inverter is usually the first component replaced in a system’s life.
What size inverter do I need for a 6.6 kW system?
A 5 kW inverter. Australian rules let you oversize the panel array up to 133% of the inverter’s rating, and 6.6 kW of panels on a 5 kW inverter sits right at that limit. The oversizing improves output in morning and afternoon light when panels aren’t at full capacity.
Why has my solar generation dropped?
An inverter fault is one of the more common causes, but so are soiled panels, shading from grown trees, a tripped isolator, or a failed string. Our assessment identifies which it is before you spend anything, so you are not replacing hardware that isn’t the problem.
How much does it cost to replace a solar inverter?
Replacement cost depends on the size of your system, whether you stay with a like-for-like string inverter or upgrade to a hybrid, and how much rewiring the switchboard needs. It is substantially cheaper than replacing a whole system, since your panels and racking stay in place. We quote a fixed installed price after assessing the site.