SolaX Power review

SolaX Power - Inverter Reviews

4.2

Based on 274 ratings

Finn's SolaX Power Inverters Review & Verdict

Finn Peacock has been a Chartered Electrical Engineer since 1998, and is ex-CSIRO

Avoid. I'm not a fan of their support, hardware or software. If you want a cheap solar inverter, get a Goodwe.

SolaX Power Inverters: Pros & Cons

  • Cheap
  • 3 phase available
  • Cheap
  • Rubbish reputation amongst many installers I trust
  • Tangled up with LG Battery recall
  • Poor support (in our limited experience of them)

About SolaX Power

SolaX Customer Service: 1300 476 529

SolaX Power is a Chinese manufacturer that produces:

  • Single and 3 phase solar inverters
  • Hybrid inverters
  • Home batteries

Their products are aimed towards the budget conscious.

Most SolaX inverters have a warranty of 10 or 12 years. But if their hybrid inverters are used off-grid they must be professionally inspected annually or their warranty will only last a single year.

The SolaX home battery warranty is 10 years, but the SolaX site has no information on how much capacity loss they can suffer before they will be replaced under warranty. If this makes you jump to the conclusion that SolaX batteries don't lose capacity, I'd say you're being overly optimistic.

At SolarQuotes we listen to installers we trust about the reliability of products and the level of customer service companies provide. Based on the limited information we've received so far, we do not currently include SolaX inverters or batteries among the products we recommend.

Australian Office

SolaX Power has an Australian office in Springvale, Melbourne. Thanks to Google Maps I know its exact location. But judging by their map of office locations, SolaX is a little fuzzy on where it, or any other location, really is.

SolaX Production

In 2022 SolaX opened a new factory and dramatically increased their potential production capacity. They say the new facility will let them to build up to 22 gigawatts (GW) of inverter capacity per year and up to 7.4 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery capacity per year.

You can read about the new factory here or you can check out the phrases I extracted verbatim from the SolaX website:

The new SolaX factory occupies a total area of around 100,000 sqm (30,341 sqm now in operation).

...a production capacity of 30GW (8.76 million annual units) in Inverter (600% increase) and 7.4GWh (7.3 million annual units) in Battery (400% increase).

...the AGV robots that shuttle through the factory are particularly eye-catching and intelligent.

The world is handing together on a sustainable path.

The factory is located in Hangzhou, a city of 12 million located 160km southwest of Shanghai.

Company History

SolaX was established in 2012. I'm almost completely certain it's not true there's a capital "X" at the end of their name because the company was founded by pirates who wanted "X" to mark the spot. Specifically, the spot where the name ends.

In 2013 they developed their first hybrid inverter and in 2014 they began selling in Australia. They now have over 2,000 employees around the world but I'm guessing most of them work at their factory in Hangzhou.

SolaX says they ensure all their suppliers meet ethical business standards, including on human rights and labour. So slavery would be right out.

SolaX Single Phase Inverters

SolaX has four different series of single-phase inverters. One that stands out is their X-1 MINI, as the smallest version has just 0.6 kilowatts (KW) of capacity. So if you're looking for a very small string inverter, SolaX is an option.

3-Phase Inverters

SolaX 3-phase inverters range from a small 3kW all the way up to 150kW, which is a size suitable for a large commercial solar installation.

Hybrid Inverters

SolaX produces a range of single-phase and 3-phase hybrid inverters or, as they call them, energy inverters. These can be used with compatible batteries, such as ones made by SolaX

Their single-phase hybrid inverters range from 3kW to 6kW while the 3-phase ones start at 3kW and go up to 30kW.

SolaX Batteries

SolaX produces multiple battery systems, but currently only sells one type in Australia -- the SolaX Triple Power battery. This is a modular battery that has two versions:

  • The Triple Power: 1-4 modules each with 5.1kWh usable storage
  • The Triple Power 3: 1-4 modules each with 2.8kWh usable storage

As up to 4 modules can be used, when new, this gives the larger one up to 20.7kWh of usable storage and the smaller one up to 12.3kWh of usable storage.

The larger Triple Power battery has an operating temperature range of 0°C to 55°C. This is the ambient or air temperature. The upper limit is exceptionally high for a lithium battery, making it suitable for hot climates. However, the lower limit of 0°C is also higher than most. This usually won't be a problem in Australia but could be an issue in some locations.

Unfortunately, the datasheet for the smaller Triple Power 3 battery does not give its full load operating temperature range. It only gives its operating range of -30°C to 50°C. While this looks like an excellent range, it only applies if it's used with the SolaX hybrid G4 inverter. What the range is without that specific inverter is not given. The exceptionally low operating temperature is due to it having a heating system.

Both the large and small versions are higher voltage batteries. These have more flexibility than low voltage batteries in where they can be located.

You can check out the technical details of the SolaX Triple Power battery and compare it to others using the SolarQuotes Battery Comparison Table.

Battery Recall

SolaX batteries sold in Australia from April 2017 to July 2018 were subject to an urgent recall because the South Korean made LG Energy batteries inside were at risk of catching fire. This problem has been resolved and the chance of a similar future recall should be low. Unfortunately, recalls like this are a possibility for all lithium batteries.

Warranties

If you'd like to examine it, here's a link to the Australian SolaX warranty.

There are two SolaX inverters that only have 5-year warranties:

  • SolaX X3-PRO-G2 inverters of 17-30kW capacity
  • SolaX X3-FORTH commercial inverters of 80-150kW capacity

All their other solar inverters have either 10 or 12-year warranties.

SolaX hybrid inverters have 10-year warranties but, if they are used off-grid, the warranties require you to pay for a professional inspection every year. Unless you are planning to have your system annually inspected anyway, this makes them a poor choice for off-grid use.

SolaX batteries have a warranty of 10 years but no information is given on the SolaX site on how much capacity they're permitted to lose before they will be replaced under warranty. Unless they've added magic pixie dust to the manufacturing process, capacity loss in LFP batteries is unavoidable. I know SolaX is aware it happens because they mention it on one of their hybrid inverter datasheets, but their actual battery datasheets and manuals have nothing.

I definitely recommend getting, in writing, just how much deterioration their batteries will be permitted to suffer before they will be replaced under warranty, along with how this will be measured.

The SolaX warranty says it covers labour. By my understanding of Australian Consumer Guarantees, that has to be covered anyway, but it's always good when they put it in the warranty because it means you're not likely to have to fight to get it.

But the warranty also says it won't cover lost generation when Australian Consumer Guarantees appear to say you can claim for that loss.

Making A Warranty Claim

If you have a problem with a SolaX inverter or battery, your first step should be to contact the business that installed it. They took your money in return for a properly functioning product and they have an obligation to see that's what you received.

If your installer is no longer around, then you can contact SolaX directly:

  • SolaX service hotline: 1300 476 529

They can also be emailed at this address:

My Recommendation

SolaX products are priced relatively low, so you may want to try them for that reason. But I don't recommend it. Based on the information we have at this time on their reliability and level of customer support, we don't include SolaX among either the solar inverters or batteries we recommend.

If you do have a SolaX inverter or battery and want to leave a review, we'll be glad to have the extra information.

Reviewers report paying:
$3,391 - $12,000

For a

solar system with a
SolaX Power inverter

Depending on hardware choice and installation difficulty

SolaX Power has no solar inverters in our database

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SolaX Power Reviews (274)

Show Most Relevant reviews from All time

  • 5 star 141
  • 4 star 94
  • 3 star 15
  • 2 star 8
  • 1 star 16

View Timeline

It didn't work it broke to early and we had to wait for the replacement.

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

An incentive was offered by Stored Solar for this review. Learn more here.

System Cost

$15,000 to $20,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Lasted 2 years. 10 year warranty

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

9kW

Installed By

The actual solar system was pre-existing and I have had no issues with it ever.

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Good invertor.. the app is a welcome add on. Had a warranty issue and was quickly resolved by solax. Would recommend

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

6kW

Installed By

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

10 years warnty luckily as it has failed after 3 years.

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

5kW

Installed By

1 X SolaX Power X1-8.0-T-N 8000W

Panel Brand

Seraphim

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

System Size

5kW

Installed By

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Beautiful looking and smart application for monitor

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

25 x 415w Qcell DUO solar panels

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

You can judge the quality standards by dealing with them, recently I got some issues and they straight away come forward to help it out.
I am very satisfied with them.

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

System Size

5kW

Installed By

The SolaX power X1-5.0-T inverter has operated flawlessly since installation on 20-11-19 and there has been two software updates.

Panel Brand

Seraphim

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Tindo Solar

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Initial teething problems after 2 months meant the inverter had to be replaced as it shutdown periodically and had to be rebooted. No issues with Cool or Cozy replacing it on the second check of the issue.

Panel Brand

Tindo Solar

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

LG

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

The Solax Inverter has ran to my knowledge flawelessly for 3 years. It's underperforming now but I feel thats because of the inferior quality solar panels provided by EuroSolar.

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6kW

Installed By

Inverter seems fine but system isn’t outputting 5kw so hard to know until repairs are complete. I love the wireless connection ect

Panel Brand

Suntech

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

I don't know much about inverters, but it seems to working fine so far. Generating up to 25KwH a day.

Panel Brand

CSUN

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

There have been 2 occasions where it 'tripped Out', and showed a "Grid power lost', which I believe happens when the grid exceeds 250 + volts ??
No biggie.
Early on, the Readout, wasn't showing the lower half of the Letters and Numbers on screen, but Noel Jago came and fixed it promptly.

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

More than 6kW

Installed By

It has been working very well no trouble! It is fixed neatly to the house side wall, and has cover from the sun. It has easy read out so that even I can understand it. I am very pleased so far.

Panel Brand

Zhongli Talesun Solar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

The only problem with the two inverters are sometimes that they stay in waiting mode . This is random to both inverters . Sometimes one will wait and another time the other will wait , I have never seen both in waiting mode together . This mostly happens in the morning either one or the other waits but not both . When the inverter is in waiting mode it will stay like that all day unless I perform a shut down / restart . I moniter both inverters every day via the internet and if needed ring one of the girls to do a '" reset" if I am not home . Rarely one or the other has gone into waiting mode during the day after a few hours of run time . If there has been a power cut this can also happen . Cheers .

Panel Brand

Phono

System Cost

$10,000 to $15,000

System Size

More than 6kW

Installed By

Didn't work for months due to powerline voltage incompatibility. Works fine now after powercor fixed the lines, but had no idea what was wrong, solar company was no help whatsoever with this issue. "Not their problem ".

Panel Brand

Black Max

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Jinko Solar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

So far so good
It is wifi enabled so with free app you have access to real time as well as history information, which is quite interesting

Panel Brand

SunPower

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

The inverter has been pro forming very well with no problems. The web portal is well set up is a great monitoring system. It keeps the batteries charged as well as regulate the power usage in the house using the grid power as last resort. The service and support from True North has been really good. Great group of people to deal with.

Panel Brand

CSUN

System Cost

$10,000 to $15,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

From a consumer perspective it is very difficult to get the data to determine how efficiently your inverter is operating. If it doesn't fail, and you are getting around 70% of the nominal KW rating of the system purchased generated then you are probably achieving reality.

Panel Brand

Jinko Solar

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

LONGi Solar

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

9kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Akcome (Other)

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Trina

System Cost

$15,000 to $20,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

LONGi Solar

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

The inverted has worked well and reliably over the past 5 years. Never had a problem with it.
Good idea to get it checked whenever the solar panels are being cleaned and checked.

Panel Brand

Flex

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

I don't know

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Astronergy

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Talesun Solar

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

LONGi Solar

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Have had no problems with SolaX inverter and seem to be functioning to what it was designed for.

Panel Brand

Trina

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

LONGi Solar

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

CSUN

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

I don't know

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

An incentive was offered by Arise Solar for this review. Learn more here.

Panel Brand

Suntech

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

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