Choosing Between an Inverter and Solar Inverter: A Homeowner’s Guide
About one in three Australian homes now have rooftop solar. Are you thinking of joining the club? If so, you’d be making a smart move! Solar energy is one of the most effective ways to cut your power bills.
You’ve likely done your research on solar panels, but what about inverters? This little box makes solar panels useful. No inverter? No power to your fridge, lights, or TV!
Not all inverters are the same. A regular inverter and a solar inverter have different jobs, and picking the wrong one could mean wasting energy—or worse—wasting money.
What are the differences between the two, how can you choose the right inverter, and why is Australian-owned iStore a name you can trust when it comes to powering your home with solar? Let’s find out!
What Is an Inverter?
A regular inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity from a battery, car, generator, or off-grid system into alternating current (AC).
Most household appliances run on AC power. So, if you have a battery or another source producing DC power, you’ll need an inverter to make that electricity usable in your home.
How Does an Inverter Work?
DC power flows in one direction, while AC power switches direction rapidly, which is the kind of electricity that comes through your power points. A regular inverter uses internal electronics to convert the one-way flow of DC into the back-and-forth flow of AC, so your home’s devices can run smoothly and safely.
In non-solar setups, you can use these inverters to
- Power appliances during blackouts with stored battery power from backup systems.
- Run devices from a car or portable batteries while camping, in a caravan, or on a boat.
- Support off-grid living in remote homes or properties with generators or battery banks.
What Is a Solar Inverter?
When solar panels collect sunlight, they produce electricity in the form of direct current. A solar inverter converts this DC electricity into AC electricity. Without a solar inverter, the energy from solar panels wouldn’t be compatible with appliances or the power grid.
How Does a Solar Inverter Work?
In a typical grid-tied residential solar system, a solar inverter constantly monitors how much electricity the home needs. It sends the converted AC power straight to appliances first.
If your solar panels produce more energy than your home needs, the inverter routes that extra electricity back into the power grid. Your electricity provider usually gives you credits for the exported energy through a feed-in tariff.
A solar inverter can also work with solar batteries to store excess DC electricity generated during the day. When your home needs power at night or during cloudy weather, the inverter draws this energy from the batteries.
Solar Inverter Benefits for Your Home
Energy Efficiency
With a solar inverter converting solar energy into usable power for your home instantly, you can run your appliances during the day without relying on grid electricity.
Any extra power your home doesn’t use is sent to the grid. If you have a solar battery, that excess energy can be stored for later, so you can keep using solar power at night or during cloudy weather instead of switching to grid power.
Some solar inverter models come with smart features that track your usage and adjust output to match your needs. That means less waste, lower power bills, and more control over how your home uses energy.
Cost Savings
Using solar energy allows you to rely less on electricity from the grid, which translates to lower electricity usage charges.
Your electricity provider may pay you through feed-in tariffs for any extra solar energy you don’t use and send back to the grid. Over time, these savings can add up and help offset the cost of your solar setup.
Sustainability
Choosing a solar inverter supports a more sustainable way of living and a cleaner energy future for Australia.
When you use solar energy, you reduce your reliance on electricity that comes from fossil fuels like coal and gas. The results? Fewer carbon emissions and a smaller impact on the environment.
In 2024, rooftop solar made up 12.4% of all electricity generated in the country, up from 11.2% in 2023. More and more households are contributing to Australia’s clean energy, and you can too!
Reliability
A solar inverter makes your home’s energy setup more reliable by keeping your power supply steady and managing how and when solar energy is used.
In off-grid or hybrid setups with backup generators or battery storage, the inverter can automatically switch between solar, battery, and generator power. That way, your home stays powered even if the weather changes or there’s a grid outage.
Why Choose iStore for Your Inverter Needs?
Affordability
At iStore, we believe every Australian household should have access to solar power so they can cut their energy costs and reduce their environmental impact. That’s why we price our solar inverters competitively within the Australian market.
They’re affordable while delivering advanced safety and monitoring features and long-term durability.
To add even more value, we offer free shipping and exclusive promotions. For example, if you purchase an iStore inverter between August 1, 2023, and July 1, 2025, you’ll receive a promotional 2-year warranty extension in addition to the standard 10-year warranty!
Safety
We know how important the safety of your home and family is. We’ve packed our solar inverters with the following safety features.
- AI-Powered Arc Fault Detection: Instead of relying on preset limits that may miss early warning signs, our inverters use artificial intelligence to monitor electrical patterns in real time. This detection system can recognise unusual activity that might lead to arcing and automatically shut down power to prevent damage or fire.
- Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI): Identifies dangerous arc faults and cuts off power in under half a second, helping to eliminate potential fire hazards.
- Residual Current Monitoring Unit (RCMU): Constantly checks for stray electrical currents caused by moisture, insulation damage, or wiring faults. Any leakage triggers a safety response to avoid electric shocks, fires, or harm to your equipment.
- Natural Cooling Systems: Natural airflow and heat sinks (metal components that absorb heat and spread it out) regulate temperature and overheating. With no fans or moving parts, these systems cool quietly and minimise wear.
Durability
The best inverter for your home should have an IP (Ingress Protection) 65+ rating for weather protection, heat-resistant components, and robust build quality to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust.
iStore single-phase solar inverters are rated IP65. They’re dust-tight, protected against water jets, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Our three-phase inverter models are rated IP66, offering enhanced protection and durability in harsher outdoor environments.
User-Friendly Features
iStore solar inverters are easy for installers to install and customers to use.
What makes them so?
- Simple Installation and Setup: Clearly marked wiring points, flexible mounting options, and a straightforward interface help installers get the job done faster and reduce the chance of mistakes.
- User-Friendly Display: A built-in screen shows key system information so you can see how everything’s working at a glance.
- Real-Time Energy Monitoring: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity enables you to check how much energy your system is making and using through an app or online, anytime, anywhere.
- Automated Alerts and Diagnostics: The system spots problems early, sends you a warning, and shows what’s wrong so you can fix issues quickly before they affect performance.
Australian Expertise
iStore is a proudly Australian-owned, family-run company. We understand what Australian families need when it comes to solar energy.
They need solar solutions that perform reliably and safely in local conditions, backed by strong warranties. We offer a 10-year warranty on our inverters to give you confidence your system will keep performing for years to come: rain, hail, shine, or anything in between.
We’re also committed to providing comprehensive customer support, including technical advice, installation and user manuals, and direct access to local solar experts and technicians.
Our Range
5kW/6kW Single-Phase Hybrid Inverters
Our single-phase inverters are perfect for most homes, connecting to standard single-phase power setups.
The 5kW/6kW hybrid inverter model includes
- Dual MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking): Tracks and adjusts solar panels to operate at their most efficient, even under changing conditions like partial shade.
- IP65-Rated Housing: Built to resist dust and heavy rain.
- Quiet Operation: Under 30dB.
- Remote Access: Monitor the performance of your solar system from anywhere through the iStore app.
10kW Single-Phase Hybrid Inverters
The 10kW hybrid inverter model is suited to higher energy demands or larger homes. It features
- 3 MPPT Inputs: For advanced energy optimisation, especially in panel setups facing different directions or on multiple roof sections.
- 3 PV String Inputs: Connect up to three separate groups of solar panels for flexible system design and better performance across changing sunlight conditions.
- Efficiency: Up to 98.1%, meaning more sunlight gets turned into usable energy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Inverter
- Energy Needs: How much electricity does your household use daily? Check your last electricity bill. A larger home or one with high energy usage (pools, EV charging, or people working from home) may need a more powerful inverter.
- Efficiency: The higher the efficiency rating, the more solar energy is turned into usable power. Look for an inverter with 96% efficiency or higher to get the most out of your system.
- Compatibility: Make sure the inverter you choose works with your home’s grid connection (single or three-phase) and any future upgrades, like adding a solar battery or expanding your panel setup.
- Durability: Australian weather can be harsh, so check the inverter’s IP rating. An IP65 rating or higher means it’s protected against dust, rain, and heat and is suitable for outdoor installations.
- Cost vs. Benefits: While cheaper inverters might be appealing, investing in a quality inverter can save you more money in the long run through better performance, less maintenance, and longer warranties.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between an Inverter and a Solar Inverter?
A regular inverter converts direct current (DC) electricity from a battery, car, generator, or off-grid system into alternating current (AC) that a home can use, while a solar inverter converts the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC power.
Can You Use a Standard Inverter With Solar Panels?
A standard grid-tied inverter can be used with solar panels; however, it must be a solar-compatible inverter designed to work with a solar energy system. Regular inverters that aren't made for solar lack key features like Maximum Power Point Tracking, system monitoring, and grid export controls.
For safety, performance, and compliance with Australian standards, it's best to use a dedicated solar inverter or hybrid inverter with a solar panel setup.
Are Solar Inverters More Energy-Efficient Than Standard Inverters?
Yes. Solar inverters work specifically with solar panels and use smart features to maximise energy output. They convert more solar energy into usable power, making them more efficient than standard inverters in a solar setup.
How Long Do Solar Inverters Last?
Most solar inverters last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the type, quality, and local conditions. Some high-quality models can last up to 25 years with proper care and regular maintenance.
Power Your Home Smarter with iStore’s Energy Solutions
Power your home smarter and sustainably while saving seriously on energy costs with an iStore solar inverter.
Explore our range of the best solar power inverters in Australia. Then, call 1300 515 640 or fill out this online form. We’ll answer your questions, give you a quote, and help organise installation.
Don’t wait to get in touch—take the first step toward enjoying iStore solar inverter benefits today!
