What is a solar inverter?
Panels make one kind of electricity, your home uses another. The inverter is the box in between.
An inverter converts the direct current (DC) that solar panels make into the alternating current (AC) your home and the grid use, the US Department of Energy explains (DOE). Every grid-tied home system has one, either as one box for the whole array or as small units on each panel.
Types you'll see in quotes
- String inverter. A set of panels, a string, connects to one inverter that converts the whole string's power. Usually the lowest cost; shade on one panel can pull down the string.
- Microinverters. A small inverter on every panel, so shade on one panel doesn't affect the others, DOE notes, at a higher cost.
- String inverter with optimizers. A box on each panel tunes its output, and one inverter converts it. A middle option for partly shaded roofs.
- Hybrid inverter. Also manages a battery. Needed if you want power during an outage.
Which fits your roof
- Unshaded roof, one direction: a string inverter is usually enough.
- Shade or panels facing several directions: microinverters or optimizers.
- Battery now or later: ask whether the inverter supports it and backup.
What to check in the quote
- Brand, model and warranty years for the inverter, separate from the panel warranty. Inverters often have shorter warranties than panels.
- Monitoring: panel-by-panel or whole system.
- Rapid shutdown equipment, required by the electrical code: see fire safety on the roof.
Run your own numbers
Enter your ZIP and bill to see system size, cost and payback where you live.
Keep reading
- Do solar panels work in a power outage? — Why a standard system switches off with the grid, and what it takes to keep the lights on.
- How much a home battery costs — Installed price per kWh by state, what it does and doesn't do for your bill, and who actually needs one.
- Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline panels — What home systems actually use, from utility records, and what matters more than cell type.
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Updated 2026-09-22.