Fronius vs GoodWe: Which Inverter Is Best?
Fronius and GoodWe both make good inverters. Which inverter fits your budget and needs?
Fronius and GoodWe both make good inverters. Which inverter fits your budget and needs?
When investing in a solar energy system, one of the most crucial components you'll need to select is the inverter. Choosing the right inverter can make a significant difference in the efficiency and performance of your solar system.
In this article, we’ll compare two of the most popular inverter brands in the Australian solar market: Fronius and GoodWe.
Both brands offer reliable, high-performance products, but they cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you're looking for top-tier quality or a more affordable solution, understanding the differences between these two brands will help you make the best choice for your solar installation.
Before diving into a comparison of Fronius and GoodWe, it’s important to understand the role of a solar inverter in a photovoltaic (PV) system. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. However, most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity. This is where solar inverters come in—they convert the DC electricity produced by your solar panels into AC electricity that can be used by household appliances.
In short, the solar inverter acts as the brain of your solar energy system, managing energy flow and ensuring optimal performance. Choosing the right inverter is crucial for system efficiency and long-term energy savings.
Why the Right Inverter Matters
When investing in a solar energy system, choosing the right inverter is crucial. This component converts the DC electricity your panels produce into usable AC electricity for your home. The inverter’s quality influences the efficiency of your entire solar system, so it's essential to pick one that fits your energy needs and budget. Today, we compare two top solar inverter brands—Fronius and GoodWe.
Here’s a brief comparison table that highlights the main differences and similarities between Fronius and GoodWe inverters:
One of the key differences between Fronius and GoodWe is the cost. GoodWe inverters are generally more affordable than Fronius models. In fact, a Fronius inverter typically costs around $800-$1000 more than a comparable GoodWe model. However, while GoodWe inverters have a lower upfront cost, Fronius inverters often offer better long-term value due to their durability and longer lifespan.
If you’re considering the long-term benefits, the extra cost for a Fronius inverter could pay off in efficiency and longevity, reducing the need for replacements or repairs down the line.
Many of us prioritise cost when selecting a solar inverter. However, there are other important factors to take into consideration. These include:
Let’s explore how Fronius and GoodWe stack up in each of these areas.
Founded by Gunter Fronius in 1945 in Austria, Fronius initially specialised in manufacturing welding devices, lead-acid batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. The company expanded its portfolio to include solar inverters in 1992, launching its first solar inverter, the Fronius Sunrise, in 1995. This innovation helped Fronius evolve into one of the leading solar inverter manufacturers worldwide.
Fronius has been serving the Australian market with its high-quality inverters for decades, offering a wide power range from 3.0kW to 27.0kW to suit both residential and commercial applications. The company has achieved multiple certifications for quality, sustainability, and workplace safety, including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 9001, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.
Today, Fronius operates with over 5400 employees across more than 20 branches worldwide, continuing to lead the industry with its focus on innovation, durability, and efficiency.
Fronius inverters come with a range of features that make them stand out in the solar inverter market:
Smart Monitoring: Fronius offers its Solar web platform, an advanced monitoring system that allows users to track their system’s performance in real time. This platform is intuitive and offers comprehensive energy insights, which can help users optimise energy use.
High Efficiency: Fronius inverters are known for their efficiency rates, typically around 98%. This high level of efficiency ensures that the energy produced by your solar panels is used optimally, reducing energy loss.
Durability: Built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, Fronius inverters have a robust design. This makes them particularly suitable for installations in areas with extreme weather conditions like Australia’s hot summers.
Active Cooling Technology: Unlike many competitors, Fronius inverters come with active cooling technology, which helps extend the life of the inverter. This reduces the risk of overheating and prolongs the lifespan of the unit.
Long Warranty: Fronius inverters come with a standard 5-year warranty, extendable to 10 years, providing peace of mind to users.
Fronius offers a wide range of inverters suited to both residential and commercial installations. Fronius offers four series of inverters: Galvo and Primo are single-phase, with Galvo using a transformer and Primo being transformerless.
The Symo and Eco series are three-phase and transformerless, designed for larger systems. Galvo inverters are under 3kW, while Primo ranges from 3.0kW to 8.2kW, making them ideal for residential systems.
For commercial applications, Symo inverters range from 3.0kW to 20.0kW, and Eco inverters come in 25kW and 27kW sizes, suitable for systems over 30kW.
Here are the four main Fronius inverter series, their specifications, and suitable applications.
These inverters offer high efficiency and scalability, allowing homeowners and businesses to expand their systems as needed. Read more about Fronius inverters.
GoodWe, a Chinese manufacturer, has quickly become one of the most recognised names in solar inverters globally, offering reliable performance at a lower price point. The company has been supplying the Australian market with solar inverters since 2010 and focuses heavily on research and development, making it a leader in photovoltaic inverters and energy storage solutions.
GoodWe’s product range spans from 0.7kW to 250kW, making its inverters suitable for both residential and large commercial installations. In 2012, GoodWe was ranked among the world’s top 10 solar inverter manufacturers, a testament to its rapid growth. The company achieved the prestigious VDE-AR-N5110-2018 compliance certificate in 2020, further validating its commitment to quality. Additionally, GoodWe is the only inverter brand to have won the TÜV Rheinland Quality Award for seven consecutive years, underscoring its reputation for high standards in manufacturing.
With approximately 5000 employees across 15 countries, including more than 1000 dedicated to research and development, GoodWe is committed to innovation and advancing solar technology. Its continued focus on delivering efficient and reliable solar inverters has made it a strong competitor in both the Australian and global markets.
GoodWe inverters offer a host of features that make them a competitive option in the solar market:
Hybrid Capabilities: Many GoodWe inverters are hybrid-ready, meaning they can easily integrate with battery storage systems. This makes them ideal for future-proofing your solar installation as more homeowners look to add energy storage for greater independence from the grid.
User-Friendly Monitoring: GoodWe’s SEMS Portal allows for easy monitoring of your solar system’s performance. It provides detailed insights into energy production, consumption, and potential savings, all accessible from your smartphone or desktop.
Compact Design: GoodWe inverters are known for their lightweight and compact design. This makes them easier to install and a great choice for smaller spaces where a bulkier inverter might not fit.
Affordable Yet Reliable: GoodWe provides reliable performance at a more affordable price compared to premium brands like Fronius. Their inverters maintain a solid efficiency rate of 97%, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Extended Warranty Options: GoodWe offers a 5-year warranty, similar to Fronius, with options to extend the coverage up to 20 years. This ensures you can feel confident in the longevity of your solar investment.
GoodWe offers several series of solar inverters, designed to reduce electricity costs for residential and commercial systems. The XS and DNS series are single-phase, while the SDT G2 and Smart DT series are small three-phase systems, all suited for residential use in areas with high electricity costs.
For large commercial installations, the SMT and MT series are ideal, offering power capacities up to 80kW. The DSS and ET series cater to regions without subsidies and high electricity costs, with DSS supporting double-glass bifacial modules and ET providing energy storage solutions.
Here are nine popular GoodWe inverter series along with their power ratings, phase types, MPPT configurations, and best-use cases.
GoodWe inverters provide a cost-effective solution with flexible options, making them ideal for both residential users and large commercial projects looking for reliable performance and efficiency. Read more about GoodWe inverters.
Fronius inverters typically offer slightly higher efficiency, often reaching up to 98%. They are also praised for their robust build, making them a favourite in harsh weather conditions. GoodWe inverters, while slightly lower in efficiency, deliver a strong 97% output efficiency, making them a competitive choice for homeowners seeking value for money.
Fronius: Offers a standard 2-year warranty on all products, with the option to extend to 7 years at no extra cost if registered online. Additional warranty extensions are available for up to 20 years.
GoodWe: Provides a standard 5-year warranty on all products, with flexible options to extend the warranty up to 20 years.
In terms of after-sales service, Fronius has a well-established service network in Australia, ensuring quick support and reliable warranties. GoodWe has been expanding its support network locally, providing solid customer service despite being a newer player in the market.
Yes, like all inverters Fronius inverters use fans for cooling, which can generate noise up to 55 dB during peak operation.
Yes, they offer great efficiency, performance, and warranty options, making them a solid long-term investment for budget-conscious homeowners.
Prices range from $1,990 for a 3kW model to $3,690 for a 10kW model.
Typically 10 to 15 years, with premium models like Fronius lasting up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Grid-tied inverters don’t, but hybrid inverters with battery storage can provide backup power.
Single-phase is for homes with lower energy needs, while three-phase is suited for larger properties and distributes electricity more efficiently.
Learn more about single phase and three phase here.
Minimal maintenance is needed, but annual inspections and cleaning help keep them efficient.
Yes, ensure the new inverter is compatible, especially if you plan to add battery storage.
Read more about upgrading you solar system here.
Both Fronius and GoodWe offer top-notch solar inverters, each with its own strengths. Fronius provides premium, durable inverters that deliver long-term reliability, while GoodWe offers cost-effective, efficient inverters with flexible warranty options. The right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term energy goals.
At Evergreen Electrical, we’ve installed both brands in homes across Brisbane and have seen excellent results with both. Reach out to us for personalised recommendations!
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