For most UK new builds in 2026, specify a hybrid solar inverter (PV + battery + grid in one unit) sized at 80-110% of the PV array kWp. SolarEdge HD-Wave and SunSynk are the most-installed; Enphase for shaded roofs; GivEnergy for UK manufacturer support.
The five inverters we install on UK new builds
| Brand | Type | Typical size | Cost installed | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SolarEdge HD-Wave | Hybrid + optimisers | 3-10 kW | £820-£1,400 | 12 yr (ext. to 25) |
| SunSynk | Hybrid | 3.6-12 kW | £740-£1,650 | 10 yr |
| Enphase IQ8 | Micro (per-panel) | 1 per panel | £140-£180/panel | 25 yr |
| GivEnergy | Hybrid (UK-made) | 3-10 kW | £780-£1,500 | 10 yr |
| Fronius Primo | String / hybrid | 3-8.2 kW | £950-£1,800 | 10 yr (ext. to 20) |
Hybrid vs string vs micro-inverter — choosing for your new build
Three architecture choices exist for a new build inverter:
- Hybrid inverter: PV input + battery storage + grid tie in a single unit. The default for FHS-spec new builds because of the high probability of battery addition (now or later). 90% of our new-build installations use a hybrid inverter.
- String inverter (PV only): Lower upfront cost but requires a separate AC-coupled battery later (~£600 extra plus a second unit on the wall). Best where there is zero future battery intent — increasingly rare on FHS new builds.
- Micro-inverter (one per panel): Panel-level monitoring and shade tolerance. Best for partial-shade roofs or split-orientation arrays. £800-£1,200 premium over string/hybrid on a typical 8-12 panel installation — worth it where shade is severe; rarely worth it on south-facing unshaded new-build roofs.
Inverter sizing for FHS-spec arrays
Inverter capacity is typically sized at 80-110% of the PV DC capacity. The slight undersize ("oversize-PV") approach (e.g. 3 kW inverter on 3.4 kWp array) is standard UK practice — exploits the fact that the array rarely operates at full nameplate output, so the inverter doesn\'t need to be capable of the peak DC power.
| House type | Array kWp | Inverter (no battery plan) | Inverter (with battery plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-bed semi | 3.4 | 3 kW string | 5 kW hybrid |
| 3-bed detached | 4.0 | 3.6 kW string | 5 kW hybrid |
| 4-bed detached | 5.2 | 5 kW string | 6 kW hybrid |
| 5-bed executive | 7.6 | 6 kW string | 8-10 kW hybrid |
If you\'re planning EV charging at >7 kW or significant ASHP loading concurrent with PV generation, specify a 1.2-1.5× oversized inverter to support the higher peak load.
For inverter sizing on your specific plot, use the FHS PV calculator. For a fixed-price PV + inverter package quote, request a consultation.