Enphase vs. Competitor’s System: Choosing the Right Solar Inverter

Here is the Comparison Chart from EnphaseInvesting in solar energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on electricity bills. However, choosing the right solar inverter can be overwhelming, with so many options available in the market.Two popular options are the Enphase microinverter and the Competitor’s System inverter. In this blog, we will compare and contrast these two systems to help you make an informed decision.

Proven Technology

Enphase has been in the game for over 16 years and has deployed approximately 4 million systems. On the other hand, the Competitor’s System has deployed about 0.5 million systems in the last three years.

Safest Design

Enphase’s microinverters use low-voltage AC power, eliminating the risks associated with high-voltage DC power that can cause arc faults. They also come with enhanced safety features like built-in rapid shutdown capability. In comparison, the Competitor’s System requires additional hardware on the roof to achieve the same level of rapid shutdown capacity.

Widest Compatibility

Enphase’s IQ Battery 5P is compatible with IQ or M Series Microinverters and can also be retrofitted with existing rooftop solar systems. In contrast, the Competitor’s System is not retrofittable, and its meter collar installation may require a meter upgrade and utility visit.

More Power and Production

Enphase’s IQ8A Microinverters produce 23% more total power than an equivalent-sized system with a string inverter, while IQ8M Microinverters produce 19% more total AC power. Additionally, the microinverters produce more energy in partially shaded settings, and their per-module conversion means less degradation and more energy over time.

Lowest Defect Rates

Enphase’s microinverter failure rate is only 0.05%, approximately 1 in 2000 systems. This is because there are no moving parts, and there is no single point of failure in the system. In contrast, the Competitor’s System has a 4.5-10% failure rate, with fan cooling that makes it less reliable.

Longest Product Warranties

Enphase offers a 25-year microinverter warranty, a 15-year battery warranty, and a 5-year EV charger warranty. In comparison, Competitor’s System only offers a 10-year string inverter and battery warranty, and a 4-year EV charger warranty.

Fastest Support

Enphase provides 24/7 phone customer support with wait times under two minutes and in-person field service technicians. The Competitor’s System has reported wait times of up to two hours or more.

More Installation Options

Enphase’s microinverters can be installed in a variety of locations, including interior locations, garages, or exterior walls, making it easier to tailor the system to your needs. In contrast, the Competitor’s System has limited installation options, making it challenging to scale the system according to your energy needs.

Easiest Repairs

Enphase microinverters are field-replaceable, making repairs relatively simple. Enphase also has a seed stock for quick return merchandise authorizations (RMAs). On the other hand, repairing the Competitor’s System may require replacing the entire unit, leading to longer wait times.

More Flexible Storage Sizing

Enphase’s IQ Battery 5P can be daisy-chained on a common set of AC conductors and a common breaker, making it easy to install multiple batteries. Additionally, Enphase’s Sunlight Jumpstart feature enables the system to recover automatically, even with a fully depleted battery after a prolonged outage. The Competitor’s System requires wiring to every battery in the system and is limited to a fixed battery size.In conclusion, Enphase is the better option for homeowners looking for a reliable, versatile, and easy-to-use solar inverter. Enphase’s microinverters offer proven technology, enhanced safety features, wider compatibility, more power and production, lower defect rates, longer warranties, faster support, more installation options, easier repairs, and more flexible storage sizing.Investing in solar energy can be expensive, but choosing the right solar inverter will ensure that your investment pays off in the long run. We hope this blog helps you make an informed decision and find the right solar inverter that fits your needs.