Fronius has established itself as a reputable brand in the Australian solar market, consistently ranking among the top choices for homeowners and businesses. But with numerous inverter options available, a comprehensive review is crucial before making a decision. This article delves into the key aspects of Fronius inverters, including their performance, reliability, features, and value proposition, to help determine if they align with your solar needs in Australia.
Fronius: A global leader in solar technology
Hailing from Austria, Fronius boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1945. They have steadily built a reputation for innovation and quality in the solar inverter space, with a global presence across 60 countries.
In Australia, Fronius inverters are known for their reliability, efficiency, and advanced features, making them a popular choice for various solar applications.
Fronius GEN24 and BYD Battery: An All-in-One Home Energy Solution
The Fronius GEN24 inverter family offers a versatile and powerful solution who are looking to maximise their solar energy usage and achieve greater energy independence.
One device, multiple functions
The GEN24 family combines multiple functionalities into a single unit, eliminating the need for additional hardware. It acts as a grid-connected inverter, hybrid inverter, energy management system, monitoring system, and emergency power supply. This comprehensive approach simplifies installation and streamlines your home energy system.
Flexible emergency power
Even without a battery, the GEN24 is the only non-hybrid inverter with an emergency power function called PV Point. This allows you to access essential power during outages without upfront battery investment. As your needs evolve, you can seamlessly upgrade to the GEN24 Plus and unlock full backup capabilities.
The full backup function is only available for the Primo GEN24 Plus and the Symo GEN24 Plus 6-10 kW.
Unmatched charging and discharging
The GEN24 Plus boasts impressive charging and discharging capacities of up to 9 kW, depending on the connected battery. This enables efficient use of solar energy during peak sunlight hours and allows for quick charging of electric vehicles. Additionally, it ensures a stable power supply during emergencies.
Sustainable choice: Holds the world's first life cycle assessment
Fronius prioritises sustainability throughout the GEN24 lifecycle. The inverters are certified and tested by the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for their low environmental impact, with a CO2 payback time of less than one year up to 3.7 years, depending on the scenarios. This means that Fronius GEN24 holds the world’s first life cycle assessment by an independent institute.
Additionally, they contribute significantly up to 16,932 kg CO2 saved over 20 years, equivalent to 9 transatlantic flights.
To learn more about Fronius Primo GEN24 / GEN24 Plus features and specifications, please visit the datasheet here.
Additional features: Packed with innovation
Fronius inverters come equipped with a range of innovative features that enhance system performance and monitoring. These include:
➢ High Efficiency: Fronius inverters boast impressive conversion efficiencies, reaching up to 98.8% in some models. This translates to maximising your solar energy harvest, leading to higher returns on your investment.
➢ Integrated WLAN and Ethernet: Enables easy connection to the internet for remote monitoring and data analysis.
➢ Advanced MPPT: Multiple Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) ensures optimal energy extraction from your solar panels, even under varying weather conditions or partial shading. This feature is particularly beneficial for complex roof layouts or unpredictable weather patterns in Australia.
➢ Smart grid integration: Fronius inverters seamlessly integrate with smart grid technologies, enabling features like demand response participation and islanding capability. This future-proofs your system and potentially unlocks additional financial benefits.
➢ Zero injection: Ensures no excess solar energy is fed back to the grid, complying with regulations and maximising self-consumption.
➢ Monitoring and data logging: The Fronius Solarweb platform provides real-time performance monitoring and data analysis of your system, allowing you to track energy production, identify potential issues, and optimise performance.
➢ Durable design and reliability: Fronius inverters are known for their robust construction and high-quality components, contributing to their long lifespan and reliable operation. The company offers a standard 10-year warranty, extendable up to 20 years, reflecting its confidence in product longevity.
➢ Lightweight and compact design: Fronius inverters are generally compact and lightweight, simplifying installation and making them suitable for various mounting options, even in space-constrained areas.
➢ Wide Range of options: Fronius caters to diverse needs with a comprehensive inverter portfolio ranging from small residential models like the Primo GEN24 Plus to powerful commercial solutions like the Symo GEN24 Plus. You’re sure to find the perfect fit for your solar system size and requirements.
Use our easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator to determine the size of your solar system with storage or even an EV charger! Our solar calculator will generate performance information and potential savings.
We can send this information to 3 trusted local installers in your area to receive obligation-free solar quotes.
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*Prices quoted are to be used as a guide only and do not factor in state and other rebates and incentives. Includes STC discount.
Benefits | Drawbacks |
High efficiency: Maximizes energy production and financial returns. | Price: Fronius inverters tend to be priced slightly higher than some competitors. |
Advanced MPPT: Ensures optimal performance even under challenging conditions. | Limited service network: While growing, the service network in certain remote areas of Australia might be less extensive compared to some larger brands. |
Wide range of options: Caters to diverse needs and system sizes. | Complexity: Some advanced features might require technical expertise for configuration or troubleshooting. |
Smart grid integration: Future-proofs your system and unlocks potential benefits. | |
Monitoring and data logging: Provides valuable insights for optimising performance. | |
Durable design and reliability: Ensures long lifespan and peace of mind. | |
Lightweight and compact design: Simplifies installation and flexibility. | |
Strong reputation and warranty: Offers confidence and peace of mind. |
Reliability and warranty: Built to last in Australian conditions
Fronius inverters are built with high-quality components and undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and reliability.
Fronius inverters enjoy a reputation for reliability, backed by a comprehensive 10-year warranty with extension options. This peace of mind is particularly valuable in Australia’s often harsh climate, including extreme temperatures, dust, and humidity; where reliable solar equipment is essential. User reviews generally confirm Fronius’s commitment to quality and reliable products.
Value proposition: Weighing the investment
Fronius inverters generally command a premium price compared to some competitors. However, their higher efficiency, reliability, and advanced features translate to long-term benefits. They offer lower lifetime operating costs due to reduced energy losses and potential maintenance needs. Additionally, the extended warranties provide valuable peace of mind.
Where are Fronius Inverters made?
Fronius inverters are primarily manufactured in Austria and Germany, adhering to strict European quality standards. This ensures consistent quality and performance across their product range.
Fronius reviews: What do users say?
Customer reviews of Fronius inverters are generally positive, highlighting their performance, reliability, and ease of use. Users appreciate the advanced features and data monitoring capabilities, allowing them to optimise their solar systems and track energy production. However, some users mention the higher price point as a potential drawback.
In conclusion: Are Fronius Inverters right for you?
Fronius inverters offer a compelling proposition for homeowners and businesses seeking high-performance, reliable, and feature-rich solar solutions. Their premium price tag might be a deterrent for some, but the long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, reliability, and reduced operating costs can justify the investment.
If you prioritise performance, reliability, and advanced features and are willing to invest in a premium brand, Fronius inverters deserve serious consideration for your Australian solar system.
Moreover, weighing the benefits and drawbacks against your specific needs and budget will help you determine if Fronius inverters are the right choice for your solar system in Australia. Read more about Best Solar Inverters 2024 | Reliable And Intuitive Inverters.
Fronius Wattpilot at a glance: A smart EV charger
Fronius offers the Wattpilot, a smart EV charger, in two versions: Home and Go. Both versions enable sustainable charging using solar power or grid electricity and offer features like app control and solar energy optimisation modes features.
Home is the fitted charger for use at home.
- Power categories: 11 kW and 22 kW
- Mounting: hanging upright indoors or outdoors, fitted
Go is the transportable solution for when you’re on the road.
- Power category: 22 kW
- Mounting: hanging upright indoors or outdoors, detachable and portable
Key features of Fronius Wattpilot
- Standalone app for visualisation and operation of the Wattpilot
- Web visualisation, including energy balance, bubble chart and analysis
- Inbuilt protection via 6mA DC RCD Type A
- Multiple charging modes to maximise PV system optimisation
- Eco mode: combines PV surplus charging with electricity tariffs
- Next Trip mode: ensures that the vehicle charges for a defined km distance or amount of electricity in kWh as cheaply as possible by a certain time of day (combines PV surplus and electricity rates)
- Switching of charging modes possible via app or a button on Wattpilot
For PV optimisation, a Fronius inverter, including Smart Meter, is required at the feed-in point, or a third-party inverter can be used at the feed-in point with Datamanager Box 2.0 and Fronius Smart Meter.
Key benefits of Fronius Wattpilot
- Maximise self-consumption: Utilise more of your solar energy for your own needs.
- Reduce energy costs: Achieve greater energy independence and potentially lower electricity bills.
- Faster payback: Optimise your PV system and EV investment for quicker returns.
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Energy Matters recommends cost-effective solar batteries such as GoodWe, Enphase, sonnen, Fronius, Fimer, Sungrow, Tesla and LAVO.
With our 3 free solar quotes, you can compare plans from pre-qualified and vetted installers in your area and find the perfect solution for your home and business. Harness the sun’s power and save money on electricity bills while reducing environmental impact. Let Energy Matters guide you towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
