FAQ
TL;DR: One user pushed a 3 kW hybrid inverter to 8 kW peak (267 %) [Elektroda, Slak68, post #17521523], yet “China has gone up with quality” [Elektroda, prose, post #17521271]; cheaper units work but component quality, cooling method, and service access vary widely.
Why it matters: The right inverter safeguards long-term yield and warranty claims.
Quick Facts
• Used Fronius IG20 sells for < PLN 1 000 [Elektroda, PV_Albert, post #17531405]
• Polish Lumel 20 kW inverter quoted at PLN 6 800–7 000 [Elektroda, noja102, post #18184821]
• Elnix suffered two warranty failures within hours [Elektroda, chrobry25, post #17544032]
• Active cooling draws ≈1 W and lowers internal temperature [Elektroda, witekem, post #17586591]
• Zeversolar = SMA subsidiary, built in China [Elektroda, cuuube, #17520818; prose, #17520891]
Are budget inverters like Volt Spirvent, Elnix or Zeversolar reliable?
Reports are mixed. Zeversolar 6 kW ran “smoothly” for months [Elektroda, cuuube, post #17520818] Elnix showed repeated disruptions and two early warranty returns [Elektroda, chrobry25, post #17544032] Spirvent failed basic customer support—no reply to sales queries [Elektroda, Lisciasty, post #17581066] Reliability therefore depends on brand and after-sales service.
What do forum members mean by a “lower shelf” inverter?
“Lower shelf” denotes cheaper units that use inferior components, lighter production control and looser post-assembly testing [Elektroda, Leon444, post #17520718] Users noted messy internal wiring and low-grade parts in 10–15 sampled Chinese models [Elektroda, Leon444, post #17522640]
Who actually owns Zeversolar?
Zeversolar is a Chinese company acquired by Germany’s SMA; designs originate from the older Ever Solar line, now assembled in China [Elektroda, cuuube, #17520818; prose, #17520891].
Is Chinese manufacturing automatically bad?
No. One expert writes, “China has gone up with quality” [Elektroda, prose, post #17521271] Yet another found poor soldering in several Chinese units inspected [Elektroda, Leon444, post #17522640] Evaluate each model rather than origin.
How does active cooling compare to passive heat-sinks?
Active (fan) cooling uses about 1 W during bursts and lowers device temperature, extending component life [Elektroda, witekem, post #17586591] Critics counter that fans add moving parts and filters that can fail [Elektroda, Michal_WWL, post #17586576]
Which Polish-made inverter brands are discussed?
Forum users mention Elnix (Elektronix), Spirvent, Twerd and Lumel PVSA [Elektroda, multiple posts]. Availability is limited; wholesalers rarely stock them, forcing direct orders [Elektroda, witekem, post #17584042]
What real-world failures were reported for Elnix?
One unit stopped after only 3 hours; its replacement produced heavy grid disturbances; the installer switched to Fronius and ended the issues [Elektroda, chrobry25, post #17544032]
Can an inverter be overloaded safely?
A 3 kW hybrid unit handled 4 kW continuous and 8 kW peak without immediate failure [Elektroda, Slak68, post #17521523] Overloading shortens life and voids warranties; follow datasheet limits.
Are 30-year lifespans realistic?
Users still operate 30-year-old Fronius and SMA devices [Elektroda, Leon444, post #17522640] Budget inverters lack comparable long-term data, so expect shorter service intervals.
What should I inspect before buying a low-cost inverter?
- Warranty length and on-site service terms. 2. Internal build: PCB quality, cable gauge, heat-sink mass. 3. Vendor responsiveness—test email and phone support first. One user never got a reply from Spirvent [Elektroda, Lisciasty, post #17581066]
Where can I read independent tests?
Polish pvforum.pl hosts scattered user logs, but comparative lab tests remain scarce [Elektroda, cuuube, post #17520818] Check TÜV Rheinland or Photon lab certificates when available.
How do I verify a manufacturer supports my purchase?
Use this quick check:
- Email tech support; expect a reply within 48 h.
- Call the hotline; confirm spare-part stock.
- Ask for local service partner list.
Lack of response at step 1 signals risk [Elektroda, Lisciasty, post #17581066]
