Which hybrid inverter gives the most watts per dollar?
Among the hybrid inverter picks here, the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter from EG4 Electronics ranks #1 of 8 on watts per dollar, at 3.61 W/$. It sells for $4,435.59 at A1 SolarStore. The FlexBOSS18 Hybrid Inverter, also from EG4 Electronics, sits at #2 of 8 with 3.32 W/$.
Sol-Ark's 5K-1P-N Hybrid Inverter follows at #3 of 8 and 3.20 W/$. Phase, battery voltage and size matter for fit, so check those before the price.
| Product | Best current price | Watts per dollar | Value rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| EG4 Electronics FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter | $4,435.59 at A1 SolarStore | 3.61 W/$ | #1 of 8 |
| EG4 Electronics FlexBOSS18 Hybrid Inverter | $3,919.55 at A1 SolarStore | 3.32 W/$ | #2 of 8 |
| Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N Hybrid Inverter | $1,499.92 at A1 SolarStore | 3.20 W/$ | #3 of 8 |
| Sol-Ark 30K-3P-208V Commercial Hybrid Inverter | $10,899.33 at A1 SolarStore | 2.75 W/$ | #4 of 8 |
| EG4 Electronics 12kPV Hybrid Inverter | $3,036.50 at A1 SolarStore | 2.63 W/$ | #5 of 8 |
| Sol-Ark Limitless 18K-2P-LV Hybrid Inverter | $6,999.32 at A1 SolarStore | 2.57 W/$ | #6 of 8 |
| EG4 Electronics 18kPV Hybrid Inverter | $4,747.52 at A1 SolarStore | 2.53 W/$ | #7 of 8 |
| Sol-Ark Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter | No current price | - | - |
What output does the FlexBOSS21 offer?
EG4 Electronics rates the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter at 16000 W of continuous AC output, with surge of up to 24000 W for 0.5 s. On battery alone, EG4 Electronics lists 12000 W of continuous AC output. The maker lists 3 MPPT inputs and a recommended array of up to 21000 W, along with a CEC efficiency of 97 %.
At a listed 121 lb, it falls in the heavy (over 50 lb) class. A heavy unit needs a mounting surface or floor rated for its weight. EG4 Electronics lists a maximum of 16 units in parallel.
What changes when you step down to the FlexBOSS18?
At A1 SolarStore, the FlexBOSS18 Hybrid Inverter costs $3,919.55, against $4,435.59 for the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter, and EG4 Electronics rates it at 13000 W instead of 16000 W. The maker lists 2 MPPT inputs where the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter has 3. EG4 Electronics lists a maximum charge current of 208 A and a recommended array of up to 18000 W.
EG4 Electronics rates surge at 20000 W. The maker lists a weight of 115 lb and a size of 22.28 in wide by 30.43 in tall. Size an inverter to the loads you run at the same time, and leave some room to add more later.
What does the 5K-1P-N Hybrid Inverter offer at its price?
For $1,499.92 at A1 SolarStore, the 5K-1P-N Hybrid Inverter carries a Sol-Ark rating of 4800 W of continuous output, on single phase at 120 V. Sol-Ark lists a switchover time of 5 ms at most. Its battery types are lithium or lead-acid, according to Sol-Ark.
According to Sol-Ark, the unit measures 13 in wide and 23.6 in tall, and it weighs 53 lb. Sol-Ark says yes to both a generator input and grid sell back, and lists an operating range down to -40 C. Check whether your home runs on single phase or split phase before you compare models.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
How big a system is the 30K-3P-208V Commercial Hybrid Inverter?
Sol-Ark rates the 30K-3P-208V Commercial Hybrid Inverter at 30000 W of continuous output on three phase power at 208 V, with a recommended array of up to 39000 W. It costs $10,899.33 at A1 SolarStore and ranks #4 of 8 with 2.75 W/$. Sol-Ark lists a nominal battery voltage of 300 V, in a range from 160 V to 500 V.
The listed battery type is lithium-ion. For solar, the maker lists 4 MPPT inputs. Sol-Ark lists a height of 35.2 in and a weight of 176 lb.
Confirm your building's service type and phase with an electrician before you order.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
How does the 12kPV handle solar and batteries?
EG4 Electronics lists a maximum solar input of 12000 W for the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter, with a recommended array of up to 15000 W. On the battery side, the maker lists lead-acid or lithium, with a maximum charge current of 167 A. EG4 Electronics rates continuous output at 8000 W, with 16000 W of surge for 0.5 s.
At $3,036.50 from A1 SolarStore, it ranks #5 of 8 with 2.63 W/$. EG4 Electronics lists these certifications: UL1741, SA, SB, PCS CRD. If you plan to reuse batteries you already own, match their chemistry and voltage to the spec sheet.
What stands out on the Limitless 18K-2P-LV spec sheet?
Surge on the Limitless 18K-2P-LV Hybrid Inverter reaches 36000 W for up to 10 s, according to Sol-Ark. Sol-Ark rates continuous output at 18000 W. Battery charging tops out at 350 A, per the maker.
The maker lists a maximum solar input of 28800 W and a recommended array of up to 32400 W. It costs $6,999.32 at A1 SolarStore and holds #6 of 8 at 2.57 W/$. At 137 lb, the unit stands 34 in tall and 18.2 in wide, per Sol-Ark.
Confirm output voltage and phase on the spec sheet before you order any unit.
Where does the 18kPV land on value?
The 18kPV Hybrid Inverter ranks #7 of 8 at 2.53 W/$. A1 SolarStore has it at $4,747.52. EG4 Electronics rates it at 12000 W of continuous output and 15500 W of surge for 300 s.
The maker lists a maximum solar input of 18000 W across 3 MPPT inputs, and a recommended array of up to 21000 W. EG4 Electronics says yes to generator input, grid sell back and rapid shutdown. Listed size is 34.3 in tall, with a weight of 121 lb.
Surge ratings differ in how long they last, so compare the time as well as the watts.
How fast does the Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter switch to battery?
Sol-Ark lists a switchover time of 5 ms at most for the Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter. Sol-Ark rates it at 15000 W continuous. On battery alone, the maker lists 12000 W of AC output.
The maker lists lithium as the battery type, with a maximum charge current of 275 A. Listed maximum solar input is 19500 W, and the recommended array is up to 23400 W. The listed operating range runs from -25 C to 55 C.
Sol-Ark gives a weight of 135 lb. Compare the switchover time if you plan to back up computers or network gear.
How do you choose a hybrid inverter for your solar setup?
Start with the phase and voltage of your home, then match the battery voltage, the size of your solar array and your budget. Add up the loads you need during an outage. Then pick a unit whose continuous rating covers them, and check the surge figure for motors and pumps.
EG4 Electronics and Sol-Ark each list a warranty of 10 years on every model in this article. Look at weight and size as well as output. Last, compare the value rank with the features you need, and pick the lowest price that covers them.