One of the major costs associated with installing a solar system is the price of a solar inverter. As per my experience, it is about 40% of the total system’s cost, though in some cases, the cost may be around 30%. Solar inverters are essential components of solar power systems. They convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power appliances and devices.
But how much do solar inverters cost?
Read on. In this article, we will discuss everything about solar inverter prices in Pakistan. We will also provide a price comparison of key brands and highlight the best solar inverters in the market.
But first of all, we will talk about some key factors that determine the prices of solar inverters in Pakistan. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision—it’s better to shop around for something when you have knowledge about it and know what you are buying.
Factors Influencing Solar Inverter Prices in Pakistan
Here are factors that influence the cost of inverters.
Capacity of the Inverter
Larger capacity inverters are more expensive than smaller capacity inverters. It is simple—they require more materials and components to build. So, a 5kW solar inverter will be cheaper than a 10kW inverter.
However, as you go up in capacity, the price difference becomes less. For instance, a 5kW inverter of one brand would cost 300,000, and a 10kW inverter of the same brand may cost Rs. 450,000. But a 15kW inverter may just cost you Rs. 5200,000.
See the pattern? That’s why we recommend installing a high-capacity inverter in the beginning if you plan on upgrading their solar system soon.
Type of inverter
There are three types of inverters: on-grid inverters, hybrid inverters, and off-grid inverters. On-grid inverters are typically cheaper than off-grid and hybrid inverters. On-grid inverters are designed to work with the grid; hybrid inverters work both with the grid and batteries, while off-grid inverters can operate independently of the grid and work only with solar panels and batteries.
Off-grid inverters are more expensive compared to the other two types. However, off-grid inverters are usually not installed in homes and offices and are better only for areas without a WAPDA supply.
Brand of the Inverter
Some brands are more expensive than others, depending on their reputation and quality. Well-known brands with a good track record tend to charge more for their products. For instance, in Pakistan, Huawei inverters are expensive compared to other inverters, especially those that are new to the market.
The Phase of the Inverter
Inverters can be single-phase or 3-phase. As per the latest NEPRA directives, all those desiring to apply for net metering must have 3-phase inverters. So, for systems above 5kW, if you are going to connect your system to the grid, you will need a 3-phase inverter.
However, 3-phase inverters are more expensive than single-phase inverters. At times, this difference is not quite high, but it still makes a difference, especially in smaller systems like 5kW or 6kW solar systems.
Features
Inverters with additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity and LCD display are more expensive than simple ones. These features can be convenient and useful, but they come at a price. However, these features are currently considered necessary, and almost all inverters have them. So, you may not feel the difference much.
Warranty and customer support
A good warranty and customer support are essential factors to consider when choosing a solar inverter. Make sure to choose a brand that offers a comprehensive warranty and has a good track record. Huawei, Inverex, and Sungrow are expensive because of their superb warranties. That said, there are other inverters that are equally competitive, with good warranties.
Besides the factors mentioned above, some other things could drive prices up or down. For instance, the exchange rate between the Pakistani rupee and other currencies can also impact the price of solar inverters, as most inverters are imported. However, I won’t call this a ‘deciding factor.’
Now that we know some of the things we need to keep in mind, let’s talk about the prices of inverters based on prices.
Solar Inverter Price Range in Pakistan
There is quite a good gap in the prices of inverters. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay the following prices for different capacity solar inverters.
Note one thing, however. At times, you will come across 3kW inverters, which will be a little over 3kW, but still considered a 3kW inverter. For instance, 3200W inverters, 5.4kW inverters, or even 6kW inverters are used instead of 3kW and 5kW inverters, respectively. That means I will consider a 3.2kW inverter as a 3kW inverter.
Here is the range of prices. We will talk about brand-specific prices in the next sections.
3kW Solar Inverter Price in Pakistan
The price of a 3kW solar inverter ranges from PKR 80,000 to 200,000. The difference in prices is due to the fact that some brands are more expensive than others. It also depends upon the type of inverter. A good 3kW on-grid inverter would roughly cost you Rs. 150,000, but there are other brands with higher and lower prices. Generally, 3kW inverters come in hybrid setups.
Similarly, you can expect to pay around Rs. 150,000 for a 3kW hybrid inverter. As far as 3kW off-grid inverters are concerned, the prices could be in the range of Rs. 140,000 to 180,000.
5kW Solar Inverter Price in Pakistan
The prices of 5kW solar inverters start from Rs. 160,000 and can go as high as Rs. 400,000. For instance, the price of 5kW Growatt on-grid inverter is around Rs. 230,000. A Huawei 5kW on-grid would, on the other hand, cost you Rs. 360,000. Similarly, if you want to go for 3-phase options, then there is one in Inverex, Fronious, which would cost you well over Rs. 400,000. But many would cost less, even with the 3-phase option.
Talking about 5kW hybrid inverters, they start from Rs. 160,000 and can go higher, depending upon the brand. The same stands true for 5kW off-grid inverters as well.
6kW Solar Inverter Price in Pakistan
There is not much difference in the prices of 5kW and 6kW solar inverters. In fact, we often install 6kW inverters for some of our clients, who may plan on adding additional panels to their systems. If you would like a 6kW inverter, just add a 10,000-30,000 to the range of 5kW inverters.
For example, Tesla Pakistan’s 6kW on-grid inverter would cost you Rs. 215,000 (don’t get Tesla Pakitan confused with Elon Musk’s Tesla, which is based in the US). But Chint’s 6kW inverter would be Rs. 240,000. In hybrid options, the choices are many. Inverex Nitrox comes at the price of PKR 360,000, but Knox would come at Rs. 220,000. And so on.
| April 2024 Update: While the prices of solar panels have dropped, an increase was seen in the prices of inverters. Since there are tens of options available, consider this article only a starting point. That is, the prices mentioned here are only to give you an idea. The actual price of your inverter would depend upon factors mentioned above the market forces. |
Cost of 7kW Solar Inverter in Pakistan
Companies usually do not manufacture 7kW solar inverters, though you may come across 7kW solar inverters in some brands. The reason is simple: at times, your 6kW inverter has the potential input of a 7kW solar panel array. Sometimes, we also use 8kW inverters for a 7kW solar system. If it is a 6kW solar inverter, the above prices would apply.
For 8kW solar inverter prices, see the section below.
Price of 8kW Solar Inverter in Pakistan
When shopping for an 8kW inverter, keep the budget around PKR 250,000 to 550,000. Inverex offers its Nitrox 8kW hybrid inverter for PKR 480,000, but if you want a 3-phase, you may have to pay a bit extra cost. The on-grid inverters are cheaper, though. The prices are almost similar for hybrid and on-grid. In addition to Nitrox, there are other options as well. For instance, Tesla’s HLE 8kW hybrid inverter comes in PKR 425,000.
10kW Solar Inverter Price in Pakistan
The prices of 10kW solar inverters start from around PKR 270,000 and can go as high as PKR 800,000. Hopewind’s 10kW on-grid inverter has a price tag of Rs. 385,000, while Huawe’s on-grid 10kW inverter would cost you around Rs. 500,000.
The range of prices is almost the same for 10kW hybrid inverters. Just add 50,000 to 100,000 to the above price range.
12kW Solar Inverter Price in Pakistan
For a 12kW solar inverter, keep the range of Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 900,000 in mind. Solis 12kW 3-phase on-grid would cost you Rs. 400,000. Huawei comes at Rs. 600,000, while Nitrox 3-phase would come at Rs. 900,000. There could be many other options between Rs. 500,000 and 700,000.
Price of 15kW Solar Inverters in Pakistan
The price of 15kW inverter starts from 350,000. For instance, a Goodwe 15kW on-grid is priced around 420,000, while Solax comes at approximately 352,000. Solis would be around 410,000. In hybrid options, the nitrox 12kW is usually used with 15kW solar PV array, and that comes at cost of 920,000, as per June 2024. Similarly, Maxpower 12kW hybrid inverter is priced at around PKR 800,000.
How to Choose the Best Solar Inverter?
When it comes to choosing a solar inverter, I recommend going with a reputable brand that offers high-quality products with a good warranty. It is also important to choose the right type of inverter for your solar power system setup. If you want to install a hybrid system, the inverter needed would be hybrid. Likewise, for off-grid and on-grid solar systems. If you are not sure which type of inverter you need, consult with a solar installer or let us know, and we will guide you.
If you choose a cheap, low-quality inverter, you may end up with problems down the road. Your inverter may not be able to handle the load of your appliances, or it may fail prematurely. This can lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
It is important to invest in a high-quality solar inverter from a reputable brand. This will ensure that you have a reliable and durable inverter that can meet your energy needs for many years to come.
When choosing a brand, look for one with a comprehensive warranty and a good reputation for quality and customer support. Some of Pakistan’s leading solar inverter brands include Inverex, Crown, Fronius, Solis, Sofar, Huawei, Infinix, and Max Power. We have installed many others for our clients, and they’re satisfied with their performance.
I also recommend choosing an inverter with the features that are important to you. For example, if you want to be able to monitor your solar system remotely, you should choose an inverter with Wi-Fi connectivity. If you want to have power during power outages, you should choose an inverter with battery backup.
Finally, make sure to choose the right size inverter for your solar power system. The inverter should handle the total wattage of all the appliances and devices you will be powered with the solar system. Ideally, inverters should equal the size of the solar array. If your system is 5kW, the inverter must be at least 5kW, or it must be capable of taking the load of 5kW solar panels.
Last month, we installed a 10kW solar system for an NGO office in Islamabad. However, we installed an 8kW solar inverter, as it was within budget and could take the input load of a 10kW solar panel array. So, when choosing a solar inverter, it is important to consider your budget and needs. Note that price is not the only factor to consider when choosing a solar inverter. Other important factors include efficiency, performance, testimonials, and warranty.
If you are not sure how to choose the right size inverter, consult a good solar installer or let us know, and we’ll gladly help.
Also, if you want to install a solar system and want to do it affordably and in the best possible way, let Ecospark Solar be your partner. We do it like pros—because at Ecospark Solar, it’s all about solar and YOU!
