Outdoor power inverter solar panels

What is a solar panel inverter?

The solar panel inverter is the heart and soul of your solar power system. It connects directly to your solar panels to convert the DC current electricity produced by solar panels into AC current electricity you can use in your home, store in a battery or feed back into the power grid.

Can a solar inverter power a home?

Without a solar inverter, you wouldn't be able to use those solar panels to power your home. A solar inverter's job is simple: It converts the direct current -- the electricity generated by your solar panels -- into alternating current electricity that your appliances run on.

Which solar inverter is best?

CNET experts have compared the most popular solar inverters' specs, warranties, prices and more. The SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter is our top pick in 2025. It was the most efficient inverter we looked at, letting you use a larger percentage of the energy your solar panels generate. This translates to less and more power to use around the house.

How to choose an outdoor solar inverter?

Outdoor solar inverters are exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, hail, and extreme temperatures. Look for inverters with robust weatherproof enclosures and high IP (Ingress Protection) ratings to ensure durability and reliability in outdoor environments. 2. Ventilation and Cooling