String Inverter
Standard residential, no shadingEfficiency
97–99%
Lifespan
10–15 yr
Price
₱25,000–₱60,000
Most affordable
Simple design
Easy to maintain
×Single point of failure
×Affected by panel shading
Hybrid Inverter
Homes planning battery storageEfficiency
96–98%
Lifespan
10–15 yr
Price
₱40,000–₱100,000
Battery-ready
Brownout backup
Future-proof
×Higher cost
×More complex installation
Microinverter
Complex roofs, shading, small systemsEfficiency
95–97%
Lifespan
20–25 yr
Price
₱8,000–₱18,000/panel
Panel-level optimization
No single point of failure
Best for shaded roofs
×Most expensive
×Harder to service on roof
Off-grid Inverter
Remote areas, no grid accessEfficiency
90–95%
Lifespan
8–12 yr
Price
₱15,000–₱50,000
Works without grid
Simple setup
Good for remote PH areas
×Lower efficiency
×No net metering possible
How to choose the right inverter
- 1Match inverter capacity to your solar array size. A 5kW solar array needs a 5kVA or 5.5kVA inverter.
- 2If you plan to add batteries later, buy a hybrid inverter from the start (saves ₱15,000+ on future upgrades).
- 3For roofs with partial shading (common in PH subdivisions), consider microinverters or optimizers.
- 4Check that the inverter is certified for Philippine net metering (Meralco approved list).
- 5Choose a brand with local warranty support — not all international brands have service centers in the PH.