A successful solar installation begins with the right inverter. It determines how efficiently energy is converted, stored, and delivered to meet the needs of a home or business. Solis is a trusted global brand that provides a diverse line up of inverters that cater to varying power demands and system designs. This article offers an in-depth look at Solis’s single-phase inverters (5kW to 12kW), three-phase systems (up to 50kW), and hybrid models capable of battery integration, providing clear guidance for system designers and property owners alike.
Understanding Inverter Basics
An inverter is a critical component in any solar power system. It converts direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which powers household and commercial appliances.
There are three main types of inverters:
Single-Phase Inverters: These are best suited for small to medium residential systems where the power requirement is not too high.
Three-Phase Inverters: Designed for commercial and industrial-scale operations, these inverters handle larger energy demands efficiently.
Hybrid Inverters: These advanced systems can manage solar power generation and battery storage. They are ideal for users who want backup power and load shifting capabilities.
Solis Single-Phase Inverter Comparison: 5kW, 6kW, 8kW vs 12kW
Solis offers a reliable series of single-phase inverters, primarily used in residential and small-scale commercial settings. The models vary in power output, efficiency, and added functionality like hybrid operation and UPS capabilities.
Each of these inverters is designed to handle specific household or light commercial energy needs:
- 5kW & 6kW models are excellent for smaller homes with moderate energy consumption, typically supporting three to five occupants.
- 8kW inverters suit larger homes or home offices with higher daily energy loads.
- 12kW inverters are ideal for larger residences or setups where the inverter must support a home and a small workshop simultaneously.
Hybrid Functionality: Backup and Storage
Hybrid inverters offer a key advantage in areas with unstable grids or high electricity tariffs. Solis’s S6 hybrid models are engineered with advanced features for backup and battery storage.
These systems support automatic switchover to batteries during power outages, thanks to their uninterruptible power supply (UPS) functionality with a switchover time of less than 10ms. They also allow high current charging and discharging—up to 135A—making them compatible with high-performance battery systems.
Notably, Solis hybrid inverters support parallel configurations of up to six units. For example, six 12kW inverters can provide a scalable solution up to 72kW, ideal for growing energy needs.
Solis Three-Phase Inverter Comparison: 12kW, 15kW, 30kW, 40kW, 50kW
Three-phase inverters are engineered for commercial environments where consistent, high-capacity energy conversion is critical. Solis provides robust three-phase models that cater to a variety of commercial and light industrial applications.
These models offer the following practical applications:
- 12kW to 15kW three-phase inverters are suitable for larger homes with high-energy appliances, agro-processing setups, or school campuses.
- 30kW to 50kW inverters serve the energy needs of shopping centers, mid-sized industrial units, or multi-family apartment blocks with significant solar infrastructure.
Cost and ROI Considerations
Although higher-capacity inverters involve larger upfront investments, they typically yield greater returns due to their energy handling capabilities and savings over time.
For example, a 12kW system installed in South Africa can save between R36,000 to R50,000 annually when integrated with battery storage. This figure depends on the local electricity tariff, system usage pattern, and whether solar energy is consumed directly or stored for peak times.
For business users, especially in commercial environments where demand charges apply, the savings can be even more significant.
One of Solis’s advantages is the ability to scale systems easily. If a user begins with a 5kW or 8kW setup, they can expand by adding additional units or upgrading to higher-rated models.
Hybrid and three-phase models support advanced grid interactions, enabling smart load prioritization, time-of-use optimization, and compatibility with demand-side management strategies.
Smart Monitoring and Integration
All Solis inverters support real-time monitoring via built-in WiFi or optional 4G/GPRS dongles. The SolisCloud platform allows users to track energy generation, storage levels, and consumption.
For more sophisticated applications, these inverters can integrate with smart home systems or Building Management Systems (BMS) using open APIs, making them highly adaptable to automated environments.
Choosing the Right Inverter: A Summary Guide
To aid in selection, here’s a simplified reference chart:
Application Type
Recommended Model Range
Small Home (1–3 users)
5kW – 6kW single-phase
Medium Home / Home Office
8kW – 12kW single-phase hybrid
Large Residence / Workshop
12kW hybrid or 15kW 3-phase
Commercial Office
15kW – 30kW 3-phase
Industrial Plant / Mall
30kW – 50kW 3-phase
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Solis inverter goes beyond just power output. It involves evaluating current energy needs, determining future expansion potential, and identifying opportunities for backup and storage. Whether you are a homeowner seeking reliable solar backup or a commercial facility planning to offset utility costs, Solis provides scalable, efficient, and smart inverter options to support your energy goals.