Inverters

Yes, if you choose a hybrid or battery-ready inverter. Compatibility is specific: the battery must be on the manufacturer’s approved list, match the inverter’s voltage range, communicate with it through its battery management system and run compatible firmware, sometimes with an extra accessory. That is why we plan battery compatibility from day one, even if you install the battery a few years later.

Yes. Huawei uses the FusionSolar app, Growatt uses ShinePhone, Deye systems are usually monitored with Solarman, and Victron Energy uses the VRM portal. You can see solar production, home consumption, battery level and grid export in real time. With your permission we can also monitor the system remotely and spot problems early.

Usually, yes, without replacing your panels. If your current inverter has failed, is out of warranty or you want to add a battery, we can replace it with a hybrid model sized to your existing array. First we check your panel strings, voltages and grid connection, and we handle the paperwork if the change affects your registered installation.

Usually, yes, if it is planned from the start. The inverter size, your contracted power and your supply (an 11 kW charger needs three-phase) all need to allow for it, and dynamic load balancing stops the charger from overloading your home. Some manufacturers, including Growatt, also make EV chargers that integrate with their monitoring app. Tell us if an electric car is in your plans and we will size the system accordingly.

A quality inverter typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Manufacturer warranties depend on the product family, model and region, and some require product registration. As a guide, Huawei and Growatt residential hybrid inverters commonly come with around 10 years, Victron Energy products with 5 years, and Deye between 5 and 10 years depending on model and distributor. We confirm the exact terms in your quote. Separately, KiDi Solar gives a 5-year warranty on our installation work.

Your electricity bill or contract states whether your supply is monofásica (single-phase) or trifásica (three-phase). Many larger villas with pools, heat pumps or EV chargers are three-phase. The distribution board alone is not proof, as some older properties have unusual arrangements, so the supply should be inspected by a qualified installer. The inverter must match your grid configuration; we check this for free during the survey.

Battery capacity, in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is how much energy is stored. Backup power, in kilowatts (kW), is how much the system can deliver at the same moment, and it is limited by the inverter’s backup output. For example, a 16 kWh battery behind an inverter with 5 kW of backup output can run up to 5 kW of appliances for roughly three hours, not 16 kW at once. We size both to the circuits you want to keep running.

No single brand is best for every home: it depends on your consumption, single- or three-phase supply, the size of your solar array, your battery and backup needs and your budget. As a guide, Huawei suits owners who want a premium, smart all-in-one system; Growatt offers excellent value and covers large three-phase villas with its WIT series; Deye is strong on backup power and battery flexibility; and Victron Energy suits off-grid fincas and homes that cannot afford outages. After a free survey we recommend the system that fits your property.

The location matters as much as the brand. Any inverter loses output when it overheats, so we install it out of direct sun with the manufacturer’s clearances, in a ventilated space. Near the sea we choose sheltered spots and corrosion-resistant fixings, because an IP65 or IP66 rating protects against dust and water, not specifically against salt. All four brands we install can work well on the coast when they are installed correctly.

Not automatically. A grid-connected system switches off during an outage for safety. To keep power during a blackout you need a hybrid inverter with its backup (EPS) function enabled, a compatible battery, approved backup switching equipment and usually a separate backup board for your essential circuits, all correctly configured. Only the circuits within the inverter’s backup output can run, and most systems take a short moment to switch over.