Inverter efficiency is the share of solar DC power that comes out as usable AC power. At 97.8%, about 2.2% is lost, mostly as heat. A higher figure means slightly more of your panels’ energy reaches your home.
Maximum vs weighted efficiency
Maximum efficiency is the best figure the inverter reaches at its ideal operating point. Weighted efficiencies, such as the European or CEC figure, average performance across different loads and are closer to real-world use. Compare like with like across brands.
Tenzor figures
| Inverter | Maximum efficiency |
|---|---|
| Supernova 1-Phase (1–4 kW) | 97.80% |
| Supernova 1-Phase (5–6 kW) | 97.60% |
| Supernova 3-Phase | up to 98.4% |
What is a 1% difference worth?
A rough example: a system producing 4,000 units a year gains or loses about 40 units a year for each 1% of inverter efficiency. Small, but it adds up over the life of the system.
What keeps efficiency high in practice?
- Correct sizing so the inverter works in its efficient range.
- Shade and ventilation around the inverter; heat lowers performance.
- Clean panels and good cabling, which reduce losses before the inverter.
FAQs
Is higher efficiency always better?
For the same price and quality, yes. But reliability, warranty, service and correct sizing matter as much as a fraction of a percent.
Where is the efficiency figure listed?
On the inverter datasheet, usually as maximum and weighted efficiency.