FAQ
TL;DR: Field data show 0.2 % Fronius vs 1 % Huawei inverter failures (2 / 1 000 vs 10 / 1 000 units) [Elektroda, Rhaavir, post #19059674] “Stay with Fronius. No Chinese” [Elektroda, witekem, post #17679560] Expect about PLN 4 000 /kWp turnkey [Elektroda, prose, post #17680723]
Why it matters: Choosing the right inverter affects lifetime yield, noise level and service costs for 20 + years.
Quick Facts
• European efficiency: Huawei SUN2000-10KTL-M1 98.2 %, Fronius Symo 10.0-3-M 97.6 % (*Datasheet*).
• Standard warranty: Huawei 10 yrs (extendable to 20) [Elektroda, Waldini, post #18916069] ; Fronius 5 yrs + free extension to 20 yrs if registered [Elektroda, RadiatusW, post #18643277]
• Start-up time after outage: Fronius ≈150 s [Elektroda, witekem, post #19058764] ; Huawei reported up to 20 min [Elektroda, witekem, post #19058764]
• Built-in DC+AC surge arresters: Huawei (Type II) standard [Elektroda, kozikpl, post #19058704]; Fronius requires external SPD kit (*Installer Manual*).
• Typical installed price Poland 2024: PLN 3 800–4 500 /kWp for ≥8 kWp arrays [Elektroda, prose, post #17680723]
Which inverter is technically better for a 10 kWp roof system – Huawei SUN2000-10KTL or Fronius Symo 10.0-3-M?
Huawei offers slightly higher efficiency (98.2 % vs 97.6 %), lower weight and silent convection cooling, plus built-in surge arresters. Fronius delivers faster grid reconnection, proven 0.2 % failure rate, easier service access and broader European support network [Elektroda, Rhaavir, #19059674; Elektroda, witekem, #19058764]. Choose Huawei for silence and integrated SPD, Fronius for reliability and service.
How much should a turnkey 10 kWp installation with either inverter cost in Poland?
Forum installers quote PLN 4 000 ± 300 per kWp, so a 10 kWp array lands around PLN 38 000–43 000 including panels, mounting, wiring and labour [Elektroda, prose, post #17680723] Detailed bills help spot inflated margins on hardware and scaffolding [Elektroda, witekem, post #17679754]
Are Huawei inverters really less reliable?
One installer logged 10 Huawei failures versus 2 Fronius across 1 000 units each (1 % vs 0.2 %) [Elektroda, Rhaavir, post #19059674] Another user reports five-year-old Chinese units outperforming Fronius in yield [Elektroda, prose, post #17692075] Statistics remain limited; buy extended warranty and surge protection to hedge risk.
Why do some users complain that Huawei needs 20 minutes to synchronise?
Grid-sync depends on firmware and local grid codes. A few owners measured up to 20 minutes after power loss [Elektroda, witekem, post #19058764] Updated firmware shortens the delay, but worst-case downtime cuts daily yield by <1 %.
Is the Fronius fan noisy indoors?
Yes. Symo uses active cooling that spins whenever heat sink exceeds ~45 °C. Users describe an audible hum in utility rooms but acceptable in garages [Elektroda, multiple posts]. Mount outside living space if silence is vital.
Do Huawei inverters support Modbus smart-home integration?
Yes. SUN2000 series exposes Modbus-RTU on RS-485 and Modbus-TCP over Wi-Fi/Ethernet. Huawei publishes a 120-page register map for energy, voltage and temperature values [Elektroda, lizak1983, post #18754951]
What warranties can I buy?
Huawei ships 10-year product cover, extendable to 15 or 20 years for ≈€90-150 per five-year block [Elektroda, Waldini, post #18916069] Fronius grants 5 years plus free parts-only to 20 years if you register the inverter online within 30 months [Elektroda, RadiatusW, post #18643277]
Can I oversize the DC array or use a 10 kW inverter on a 6 kWp array?
Polish DSO rules allow up to 110 % DC/AC ratio. A 10 kW inverter on 6 kWp will run far below optimum efficiency and cost more upfront. Better: install 8-10 kWp of panels now or choose a 6 kW inverter and replace later if a heat-pump raises demand [Elektroda, Cytro12, post #18883189]
How loud are these inverters?
Huawei is fan-less and stays near 36-39 °C at full power [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #18643001] Fronius Symo reaches 50–55 dB(A) next to the unit during peak cooling (Fronius Datasheet). Vent concisely if installed indoors.
What happens if the manufacturer exits the market during my 20-year warranty?
Historical precedent: SolarWorld bankruptcy voided 30-year panel guarantees after three years [Elektroda, Leon444, post #17697730] Inverter makers place warranty risk with their national subsidiaries; if they close, claims become difficult. Keep purchase invoices and consider third-party insurance for large systems.
3-step checklist to vet an installer?
- Request a line-item quote (panels, inverter, mount, cabling, labour, tests) [Elektroda, witekem, post #17679754]
- Ask for IR images and grounding/insulation test reports at handover.
- Verify that the crew holds UDT PV competency certificates and liability insurance; decline if lacking.
Edge case: How do I reset a locked Huawei inverter after Wi-Fi name change?
A few units ignore the factory-reset sequence; service confirmed the bug and is “working on it” [Elektroda, Rhaavir, post #19059674] Until patched, contact Huawei support with serial number to obtain a temporary unlock code.
Are built-in surge protectors enough, or do I still need external SPD?
SUN2000 includes Type II DC and AC arresters; that meets PLN-EN 61643-12 for rooftops under 30 m [Elektroda, kozikpl, post #19058704] Fronius needs separate Type II SPD kits costing ≈PLN 600. High-risk lightning zones should add Type I at the main board regardless (Ochrona Odgromowa).