Step 3 of 6
Choose your inverter
The inverter converts DC power from your panels to AC for your home. Size it to your array — not too small (clips generation on sunny days), not too large (wastes money).
DC:AC ratio explained
In the UK, it is standard to install an inverter rated at about 80–85% of your array's peak DC output. A 4 kWp array would typically use a 3.2–3.6 kW inverter. This is called DC:AC clipping and it intentionally limits output on the handful of peak-irradiance hours per year — those hours contribute very little to annual generation, so you are not losing meaningful output.
String vs micro-inverters
All products below are string inverters — the standard choice for a simple, unshaded roof. If any part of your roof gets significant shade during the day (chimney stacks, dormer windows, trees), consider micro-inverters or DC power optimisers instead, as they prevent one shaded panel from pulling down the whole string's output.
Hybrid vs string
If you plan to add battery storage within the next two or three years, a hybrid inverter (which manages both panels and a battery) installed now avoids a second inverter install later. If you do not plan to add storage, a standard string inverter is cheaper and simpler.