This GoodWe inverter review is performed independently by Solar Choice and has no affiliation with GoodWe.
Overview of GoodWe – Company History
Jiangsu GoodWe Power Supply Technology Co Ltd, founded in 2010 in Suzhou, China, quickly made a mark in the solar energy industry. Just two years later, in 2012, they expanded to Australia, opening a Melbourne office. GoodWe excels in creating inverters for various applications, including residential, commercial, and energy storage, offering a wide range from 0.7kW to 250kW.
GoodWe’s impressive growth saw it expanding its reach internationally, with over 1200 employees in 15 countries by 2019. That year, GoodWe achieved a global distribution of its inverters to over 100 countries, contributing significantly to a 15GW PV installation capacity worldwide.
2019 was particularly monumental for GoodWe. They were recognized as the top storage hybrid inverter supplier and ranked in the top 5 for single-phase string inverters globally by Wood Mackenzie, a leading energy research firm. The following year, 2020, marked further accolades. GoodWe received the Top Brand PV seal in Australia from EUPD Research for the second consecutive year. Additionally, in February 2020, GoodWe made history as the first non-European inverter manufacturer to earn the VDE-AR-N 4110-2018 certificate from TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service. This success was topped off with their listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in September 2020.
GoodWe’s industry excellence led to a pivotal partnership with General Electric (GE), who awarded them an exclusive licensing contract for global sales, solidifying GoodWe’s position as a solar inverter industry leader.
A Brief Rundown on GoodWe Inverters
A solar system’s inverter converts the DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity compatible with the grid. There are typically two types of inverters used: string inverters and micro-inverters.
String inverters (such as most of GoodWe’s product range) have traditionally been the standard in the solar industry. They send the power produced by solar panels to a central inverter that changes it from DC electricity to the usable AC electricity that powers homes. Goodwe also specialises in hybrid string inverters which provide the ability to charge a battery as well as use solar power immediately as its created.
Micro-inverters, generally a more expensive solution, provide a small inverter for each solar panel that is installed. This means that each panel operates individually which creates more visibility over performance and can offer some advantages in partly shaded conditions.
GoodWe Inverters Review – Points of Difference
Range of Hybrid Inverter Options
GoodWe offers the market’s broadest range of storage inverters. Their lineup includes single-phase low-voltage hybrid solutions (ES, EM), single-phase AC coupled retrofit solutions (SBP), single-phase high-voltage hybrids (EH), and three-phase high-voltage hybrids (ET). This variety makes GoodWe an ideal choice for installations requiring hybrid inverters or for those planning future battery installations.
Multiple MPP Trackers
Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPTs) determine how many roof orientations a string inverter can handle. Panels on the same MPPT with different tilts will perform as well as the least efficient panel, affecting daily output. GoodWe inverters, offering more MPPTs than competitors across various sizes, are a popular choice. Their MS series is the only single-phase inverter with 3 MPPTs in the Australian market. This makes GoodWe MS ideal for installing panels on multiple orientations, like North, West, and East sides of a house, without resorting to costlier micro-inverter or power optimiser solutions.
DC Oversizing
DC oversizing means installing solar panels with greater capacity than the inverter’s output potential. While it may appear to waste power, considering efficiency losses and the fact that solar panels rarely reach their maximum wattage, oversizing by 33% is cost-effective and allowed by the Clean Energy Council’s guidelines. Oversizing beyond 33% benefits those with a battery, as it enables storing excess DC energy.
Goodwe’s Inverter Range
| The XS Series is GoodWe’s smallest available inverter about the size of an A4 piece of paper and only weighs 5.2kg. It’s a Single-Phase string inverter with 1 MPPT available in sizes ranging from 0.7-3kW. It offers 33% DC oversizing and up to a max efficiency of 97.6%. |  |
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The DNS Series is one of Goodwe’s most popular models with residential customers as their most cost effective option for 6kW systems. The single phase inverter has options rated from 3kW to 5kW and features a maximum efficiency of 97.8%. The inverter has 2 MPPTs and has a quiet operation with its fanless design. |
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The EH Series from GoodWe stands out for its exceptional capacity and broad MPPT voltage range, enhanced by a 33% DC oversizing capability. This series is unique in GoodWe’s portfolio as it’s exclusively designed for residential use and is their only Hybrid Inverter range. |
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| The MS Series is GoodWe’s industry-leading 3 MPPT’s single-phase model available in 5-10kW sizes. It is a small but powerful inverter, weighing up to 22.5kg and offering as much as 100% DC oversizing. |  |
| The MT Series is focused on commercial applications with 3-phase models up to 80kW in capacity. These inverters feature 4 MPPTs and can oversize DC input by as much as 50%. |  |
How Much Does GoodWe Inverter’s Cost?
GoodWe inverters are manufactured in China and have reached a significant scale of production meaning they can offer cost-effective prices.
Indicative pricing
| GoodWe Inverter Model | Indicative Price Range |
| GoodWe XS Series 3KW Inverter | $500 to $600 |
| GoodWe DNS Series 5KW Inverter | $600 to $800 |
| GoodWe MS Series 10kW Inverter | $1,250 to $1,400 |
Remember, inverter costs usually account for only 10-20% of your total system expense. Therefore, investing in a high-quality inverter is often worthwhile for significantly enhancing the efficiency and performance of your Solar Power project.
Compare quotes from up to 7 installers in your area now.
GoodWe Inverter Review – Efficiency
An important aspect of getting the most value out of a solar inverter is choosing an appropriately sized inverter to optimise the solar panel system efficiency. To read about the importance of inverter sizing and system efficiency click here.
Residential inverter efficiency standards are generally 95 to 98 per cent, GoodWe inverters meet these standards. The least efficient GoodWe inverter is the NS Series 1kW which still records a 96.5% max efficiency. Asides from this one inverter all GoodWe inverters have at least 97% max efficiency.
Several GoodWe models have over a 98% max efficiency, one of these models is the SDT Series 10kW. This Three-Phase Dual-MPTT string inverter has a 98.3% max efficiency, making it one of the industry’s more efficient inverters.
GoodWe Inverter Review – Warranties
In Australia, all CEC-approved GoodWe inverters come with a standard 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. For the DNS and MS series, Goodwe offers an additional 5 years where they will replace the ‘parts-only’. In years 5 to 10 the customers would receive the replacement parts for free, but would still be required to pay for delivery, all labour costs and any taxes/duties.
In 2019 Goodwe launched an online warranty extension service. Customers can conveniently extend their warranty periods up to 25 years depending on the model of the inverter, simply by entering the serial number via their online portal and following the prompts. This needs to be done within 6 months for inverters above 25kW in capacity and within 2 years if below 25kW in capacity
The Limitations of Goodwe’s Inverters
GoodWe inverters underperform compared to micro-inverters or power optimisers in partially shaded conditions. If your roof has shading from trees on the North, East, or West sides, it’s advisable to weigh the pros and cons of alternatives with Solar Choice.
GoodWe’s 5-year full warranty, while competitive, is shorter than many newer 10-year warranties offered by growing Chinese companies in Australia. However, the true value of a warranty depends on the issuing company’s credibility and the ease of the claim process. In these aspects, GoodWe stands out as a promising option.
A Full Range of GoodWe Inverters Available in Australia
The majority of GoodWe’s Inverters are approved by the Clean Energy Council for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which is Australia’s home solar rebate program.
The following GoodWe Inverter Series & sizes are CEC approved:
- GoodWe XS Series 0.7-3kW
- GoodWe DNS Series 3-5kW
- GoodWe EH Series 3.6-6kW
- GoodWe SDT Series 5-10, 15 & (DT) 20kW
- GoodWe SDT G2 Series 4-6kW
- GoodWe MS Series 5-10kW
- Goodwe SMT Series 25-36 kw
- Goodwe MT Series 50-80 kw
- Storage Inverters including ES, EM, SBP, EH, ET series
Goodwe Solar Inverters Pros and Cons
Pros
- Goodwe have one of the biggest ranges of inverters including hybrid options catering to almost every possible installation type
- Goodwe’s MS series features 3 MPPTs which makes them ideal for installations where panels are being installed on 3 different orientations
- Over 10 years trading history in the Australian market
Cons
- The 5 years full warranty with an additional 5 years ‘parts only’ is not as beneficial as a full 10 year warranty which is offered by some other solar inverter manufacturers
Comparison of Common Residential GoodWe Inverters
| GoodWe XS Series 3kW | GoodWe DNS Series 5kW | GoodWe MS Series 10kW | |
| Rated AC Power Output | 3,000W | 4,999W | 10,000W |
| Maximum Continuous Output Current | 14.3A | 21.7A | 45.5A |
| Maximum DC Power | 3,900W | 6,650W | 13,500W |
| Number of MPPTs | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Maximum Inverter Efficiency | 97.6% | 97.8% | 97.7% |
| Dimensions | 295 x 230 x 113 mm | 354 x 433 x 147 mm | 511 x 415 x 175 mm |
| Weight | 5.8kg | 13kg | 22.5kg |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -25°C to 60°C | -25°C to 60°C | -25°C to 60°C |
| Made in | China | China | China |
So, Should I Buy GoodWe inverters?
In some cases, GoodWe may be the only string inverter option that can be used for houses with multiple roof aspects.
Technically speaking, GoodWe’s inverters are able to offer similar characteristics to some of the premium options in the market.
We consider GoodWe to be one of the Chinese inverter manufacturers with a better reputation with a good history in the Australian residential solar market. Their inverters are price more competitively that the European or micro-inverter options so can offer some savings for customers looking to maximise value under a particular budget.
Example of a GoodWe Commercial Solar Project
In March 2020 the largest solar power plant in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil commenced operation. The plant is located on two campuses of the state’s largest university, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo (UFES).
The power plant will generate approximately 7.7 million kWh of electricity a year. This will reduce the largest campus’s electricity consumption by almost 50% and reduce the university’s total power consumption by 30%. Due to the system’s size, the initial investment will be paid back in less than 5 years.
The inverters used in this power plant system are from the GoodWe MT Series. This commercial inverter is ideal for large-scale roof and power plants. The MT Series comes in 50-80kW sizes, it is a three-phase string inverter with 4 MPPT’s that can achieve a max efficiency of 98.8%.
Read more product reviews from Solar Choice
Since 2008 our knowledge and sophisticated software has allowed over 300,000 Australian households and businesses to make a well-informed choice on their solar & battery installer.
This GoodWe inverter review is performed independently by Solar Choice and has no affiliation with GoodWe.
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Reviews from Australians who have installed Goodwe Inverters
Yes, we are happy with the Goodwe inverter. The monitoring app works well enough for what you need.
Goodwe
My wifi doesn't seem to be strong enough for the inverter to connect and the app to work. Nexa have been helpful but I think I need to call the app people, as suggested. In saying that, I am not tech savvy, so it could be just me.
Working well
I have become aware that the inverter is not compatible with batteries if I decide to get them in time. This is hear say and apologies if its incorrect.
It was recommended
Inverter is performing as advertised. No problems at this stage (touch wood). App not being used at this stage
Adequate
Idin't have a choice of brand just panels and inverter Chinese
Easy to use and the app makes it simple to see how much you are generating.
Still trying to get on app. Will call for assistance
The unit is working well and we have had no issues so far. They come highly recommended, and again 3 of the 4 installers were using this brand.
Very neat and tidy system not obtrusive like the last one very compact
Suggest by amazing solar
Inverter works, just not happy we were charged triple what we should have been
Working well
HAPPY WITH ALL ASPECTS OF PERFORMANCE
Very happy with the inverter. Looks neat and tidy and is doing it's job well.
good looking inverter that dosent make too much noise.
Hasn’t let me down yet and I have wifi connected to this so I can check while I’m out or when I’m inside to see how well it’s going, love this feature
good monitoring app with all details on your finger tips
Excellent monitoring systm is what we could xpect.
Works fine
I went with goodwe as inverters only have a 10 year warranty and thought maybe I want to get a battery down the track? I have had no problems with the inverter itself but a few issues with the app. I don't actually like goodwe home kit app but not stressed as I have SOlAR ANALYTICS installed and that's an awesome app. Highly recommend getting this installed with your panels.
Yes happy with the Goodwe inverter and the provided software. Goodwe chosen for realibility and price when compared with the more expensive inverters in the market.
Happy with the inverter. WiFi Smart is excellent choice to keep a constant monitor on the output. Also the choice to add a Battery in future is a great choice.
So far so good .
No problems so far !
App is easy to use and undemanding.
Solar inverter blew up on 6 January 2024
No issues
Has not missed a beat.
Has faults. Repeatedly shuts downs and reboots. Has had configuration and firmware updates but is still not 100%.
Works well , has wifi so I can check any time to how much sonar is being produced minute by minute, daily overall and monthly.
Would have got a larger one in retrospect. All going well
EXCELENT
we are happy with the inverter - no issues or problems so far and the app is easy to read
The inverter has functioned okay. HOWEVER - check that the settings are correct for your location/Australia. The solar installer was unable to change the settings, so we had to go to Goodwe after proving to them the output was sub-par. We did not get full value of solar panels for about 2 years. We went to the Ombudsman, but they only investigated Horizon Power and not installation/Goodwe. This took up a lot of time before we could prove to Goodwe there was a problem after the Ombudsmen provided a report.
Being nearly 5 years of having it I haven't had any faults or problems Apart from when I changed WiFi Services, but having the instructions on the front of the Inverter Unit made it easy
Initially we were going to install Fronius but changed at the last minute to a 15kw Goodwe unit which performed as required so far. a little difficult to link to the wi fi system
have no knowledge of the brand was recommended by the Solor company
Tidy looking unit. App is basic but does enough for me.
Seems fine and well installed
Seems to be fine their app is pretty terrible though.
Went with a reputable brand
Performing as expected
Very happy with the brand
As with the panels, no problems. Good service overall.
The GW 6000-ES-20 inverter is performing to the expected level.
Three separate MPs inputs mean we optimise the panels, monitoring is good
Hopefully GoodWe get new inverter sorted quickly and once new inverter is installed and set up that it all operates to satisfaction.
It seems that is working.i haven't connected to the wifi yet.
See above
Great inverter shows us what we are drawing in at any given time
Really pleased with our inverter, it helps us know how much we are pulling in at anytime
I went with what was recommended
10 year guarantee Very compact
Works flawlessly
Works a treat
It met the solar system objectives
The original invert 5kw Growatt installed in 2012 failed in 2020 2 years after upgrade from 3kw of panels to 5kw in 2018.
Too early to comment
Best inverter
Excellent
Simple inverter and does the job. My panels are wired in string configuration so no fancy options here.
Easy to operate , and ready for future battery
All good at this stage. Does make a buzzing noise. Again did search online for the best value and performance and Goodwe was on top 5 list.
It has failed after 1 month
So far good
nil comment
Grea system
Seems to work and app works
So far so good, it's working perfectly.
Didn't need to install one
Competitive price, and high quality.warranty good.popular worldwide brand.
I like the app.
Why I chose the. 10kW Goodwe inverter was for similar reasons to why I chose the Jinko panels. I.e. very popular, widely used, well priced & furthermore, the Jinko - Goodwe combination is also a very popular & widely used panel-inverter combo. The key deciding factor for me choosing the Goodwe inverter was my AC Input is only 240VAC single phase, not 3-phase, & though there are also other popular & very decent brand inverters to choose from such as Fronius, Sungrow, etc., Goodwe offered a single phase, 10kW, 3xMPPT inverter. Most other brands only offered the above in 3-phase or only 2xMPPT in a single phase. This would mean I would need 2 x 5kW, 2xMPPT inverters from Sungrow for example, which also limited the panel distribution & layout that would yield the best results for my multiple single & double-storey roof configuration. The Goodwe was therefore a no brainer for my circumstance.
product seems good
all seems to be working well and am happy with results.
Goodwe have a pretty easy app to set up and ease. Have to connect it to your home wi-fi first.
no problems or issues as yet
appears to be as described
Yet to be installed
Does the job and has monitoring of energy consumed via the internet.
Good inverter
Eazy to manage
5 star
20kW inverter is VERY noisy (over 60dB measured). Do not install indoors, or where people work.
Told good mid spec inverter working fine at this stage only early days.
Great!
Great value. Very happy with its performance thus far.
Goodwe online and phone app to monitor usage is really good.
As above
Easy, efficient
Again only just installed
Model 8500-MS with 8.5kW output and 97.7% efficiency and a 10 year warranty. Has WiFi and remote internet access with great access showing updated figures every 5 minutes.
Great - only small quibble is that the SEMS Portal software sometimes fails to provide accurate graphs ( shows zero load for the whole day ) if the remote serve does not get all the scheduled meter readings.
I have a Goodwe Inverter & an Alpha Inverter. They're working really well. Quite small & compact. Very neat looking. The apps for the 2 inverters are really good!
Good brand.
Fine
Goodwe haven't responded to my request for an explanation of the bizarre graph either.
Seems to recording same as monitoring is
Looks good so far, am awaiting my first bill
Software is very easy to use.
Again..lets see how it lasts
The inverter seems to be working well. The mobile app lets me track when and how much power is being generated so that I can run my larger appliances during these times.
I had some trouble getting the monitoring onto my iPhone but now everything is great.
Had good reviews and with head office interstate in case warranty is needed
Easy to use
easy to set up and use built in wifi monitoring, switches on with little sun and continues till all light gone. no issues at all
again, whilst no account has been rendered yet, there's been no problem with the operation of the system to date.
The panels themselves are working well, but there is a communication fault in the Goodwe Inverter which 6 months after I reported it has still not been rectified NW Solar Power. I have had to put WA Consumer Protection on to them to force them to take action to rectify the fault.
Excellent
Good price and warranty
good
Good so far.
