Which inverter for a balcony power plant? - Information & recommendations

Why is the right inverter so important for your balcony power plant?

An inverter is the heart of a balcony power plant. It plays a crucial role, converting the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) so that it can be used in the household or fed into the public grid. Without an inverter, the generated electricity would be unusable for common household appliances.

An efficient balcony solar inverter not only increases the performance of your mini PV system, but can also significantly reduce your electricity bill . Optimal energy conversion allows for higher yields, enabling you to directly consume more of the self-generated electricity. Therefore, choosing the right model significantly impacts your savings and the profitability of your system .

What types of inverters are there?

There are various types of inverters, each with different advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. For balcony power plants , micro-inverters and string inverters are particularly relevant. Here's a closer look at these two technologies:

• Micro-inverters:

  • Each inverter is connected directly to a solar module, so that the performance of each module is individually optimized.

  • Advantage: Even if one module produces less power due to shading or soiling, the overall system remains efficient.

  • Recommended for balcony power plants , as they allow for flexible expansion and maximize feed-in to the home grid.

• String inverters:

  • Several solar modules are connected in series and use a common inverter.

  • Disadvantage: The total output depends on the weakest module in the PV system. If a module is shaded, the overall output of the system decreases.

  • Better suited for larger PV systems , as they offer high efficiency under optimal conditions.

Micro-inverters are the best choice for balcony power plants because they operate individually, enable higher energy yields and are easy to expand.

Differences between 400 watt, 800 watt inverters and larger models

Choosing the right inverter depends on the permissible feed-in power, the number of modules, and the desired energy savings . Here's an overview of the different models:

• 400 Watt Inverter ( Hoymiles HMS-400W-2T )

  • Ideal for mini solar systems with only one module.

  • Offers a cost-effective solution for beginners or households with low energy needs.

  • Ideal for balconies with limited space.

• 800 Watt Inverter HMS 800W 2t ( Hoymiles HMS-800W-2T )

  • From 2024, Germany will allow the feed-in of up to 800 watts , which will enable significantly higher self-consumption of electricity .

  • Offers an optimal solution for households that want to further reduce their electricity costs.

  • Perfect for two high-performance solar modules up to 400 watts with high efficiency.

• 1600 Watt Inverter ( Hoymiles HMS-1600-4T )

  • Designed for greater demands, balcony power plants with up to four solar modules .

  • Future-proof, should the legal feed-in limits continue to rise .

  • Ideal for households with high self-consumption or for expanding existing systems.

Hoymiles – The best inverters for your balcony power plant

Why Hoymiles?

Hoymiles is one of the world's leading manufacturers of microinverters , offering exceptionally high quality and reliability. Their inverters are known for their high efficiency, long lifespan, and easy integration into existing systems.

Repeatedly test winner in various inverter tests

Hoymiles inverters consistently achieve first place compared to other inverters.

Hoymiles inverters impress with top-notch features:

• A high efficiency of up to 96.7% , resulting in maximum power output.
• Simple plug-and-play installation , ideal for balcony power plants.
• Durability and robustness , with a guarantee of up to 25 years.
• Flexible scalability , in case you want to expand your balcony power plant.

What you should pay attention to when buying a balcony power plant inverter

Before choosing an inverter, you should consider the following factors:

• Value for money: Cheaper models often have lower efficiency. Hoymiles offers an excellent price-performance ratio.
• Efficiency: A high-quality inverter should have an efficiency of at least 95% to optimally convert the generated energy.
• Warranty & Reliability: A long manufacturer's warranty indicates quality and durability.
• Connection options: The inverter should be compatible with your home electrical system.

Buy the best Hoymiles models for your balcony power plant at MOE:

1. Hoymiles HMS-400W-2T – Ideal for small balcony power plants with only one module.
2. Hoymiles HMS-800W-2T – Perfect for modern 600 watt and 800 watt systems.
3. Hoymiles HMS-1600-4T – Maximum performance for four modules and maximum self-consumption.

All models are particularly efficient, easy to install and offer long-lasting performance for your balcony power plant.

Try it for 30 days!

If you still find our products indispensable in your life after 30 days , simply send them back.

How much do our inverters cost?

Depending on the model, the price ranges from €119.00 to €239.00. The cost also varies depending on the performance level you are targeting.

How do you find the best inverter for your balcony power plant?

At first glance, choosing the right inverter for your balcony power plant might seem a bit complicated. The crucial factor is the power output , i.e., how many watts your balcony power plant produces. The appropriate inverter must be selected accordingly.

Important: A smaller inverter can also be used at higher power outputs . For example, the Hoymiles-400 can easily be combined with the MoeCell Large (450W). Why? The specified wattage is the maximum value under optimal sunlight . This means that with a smaller inverter, only 50W are lost. This small loss only occurs under strong sunlight and is hardly noticeable in practice.

Things get particularly interesting if you want to orient your MoeCell systems differently . It's crucial that solar panels with different orientations each have their own input on the inverter . Otherwise, the less well-positioned panels can reduce the output of the better-oriented ones, thus lowering the overall performance – resulting in energy loss.

Two examples :

1. You plan to install four MoeCell systems – two facing east and two facing west . In this case, you can easily use the Hoymiles 800 , as it has two inputs and can connect two MoeCell systems to each input. The identical orientation of two systems per input ensures no energy loss .
2. However, if you orient three MoeCell systems to the east and only one to the west , the Hoymiles 800 reaches its limits, as we cannot connect three systems to a single input. In such cases, we recommend the Hoymiles 1600, which offers four separate inputs , allowing you to isolate the three east-facing systems from the west-facing one. With the Hoymiles 1600, you can install up to eight MoeCell systems in four different orientations without any energy loss .

Generally speaking: If your total power output exceeds 800W , the inverter will automatically limit production to the legally permitted 800W – without any additional effort on your part.

The best place to mount your inverter

Proper placement is crucial for your inverter to function optimally. Here are some important factors to consider during installation:

• Mount in a weatherproof location: The inverter should be protected from direct sunlight, rain, and moisture. A spot on a house wall or under a balcony is ideal.
• Good air circulation: Inverters generate heat. Good ventilation prevents overheating and increases efficiency.
• Short cable runs: The shorter the cables between solar modules and inverter , the lower the energy losses.
• Easy accessibility: If maintenance work is necessary, the inverter should be easily accessible.

Anyone looking for a future-proof solution should opt for a Hoymiles inverter to benefit from maximum efficiency and ease of use.

👉 Now Select the right inverter and start saving immediately!