One of the most common things that everybody asks when contemplating a battery storage system is:"How much does a storage inverter cost?"
It's a great question—but not a simple one. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, based on things like just how strong the inverter is, where it will be deployed, and what features it includes.
Before you start throwing numbers around, it's a good idea to establish some basics first. That way, when you're shopping around at options, everything will become clearer.
Home systems are less powerful and less costly.
Commercial or industrial systems use more power, so they cost more.
For home, something in the range of 3 to 10 kilowatts is usual.
Businesses can need 30kW, 100kW, or more.
Most homes operate on single-phase power.
Factories and big buildings usually have three-phase.
Some inverters do automatically switch between grid and off-grid mode, but those cost more.
This assists in managing when you charge or discharge your batteries—such as avoiding peak electricity prices.
Some inverters include a simple EMS as a built-in function, while others require an external controller.
Exported models tend to need more certifications, and they can affect the price.
Once you have all those sorted out, it's easier to obtain the price ranges.
For a home solar + battery setup, you'll likely want an inverter of 3kW to 10kW.
Local/Chinese brands (like GoodWe, Growatt, Deye, etc.):
You're going to pay $400 to $2,000 USD.
Pretty affordable, and many models now come with basic smart features.
International brands (like SMA, Fronius, Victron):
These usually cost between \$1,500 and \$4,000 USD,and are known for stability, quality, and full certifications.
For businesses, factories, or EV charging stations, you’ll need a bigger setup—say, 30kW to 250kW.
Mainland China brands (like Sungrow, SOFAR, Kehua):
You're in the range of $3,000 to $20,000 USD,
based on size and features.
High-end international brands (e.g., ABB, Siemens, Huawei foreign models):
Those can range from $10,000 to $35,000 USD or more,
especially if you need advanced grid features or certifications.
You might have seen those enormous metal containers for energy storage—they're basically on-the-move power plants with batteries, cooling, safety features, and large inverters inside.
The inverters used here are known as PCS (Power Conversion Systems), and they usually come in 500kW or higher capacity.
A single PCS unit can be priced at $30,000 to $70,000 USD or more,
based on specifications and installation.
And remember, that's just the inverter part.
These systems also need batteries, liquid cooling, fire suppression, EMS, and more.
They're usually sold as complete, custom-built systems.
| Use Case | Power Range | Price Estimate (USD) | EMS Included? | ||||
| Home Storage System | 3kW to 10kW | $400 to $4,000 | Some models include basic EMS | ||||
| Business/Commercial | 30kW to 250kW | $3,000 to $35,000+ | Depends on the model | ||||
| Large Container Units | 500kW to 2MW+ | $30,000 to $70,000+ | EMS sold separately or integrated into full system | ||||
If you’re just looking for something for your home, start by understanding your actual power needs—you don’t need to go all-out with the most expensive option.
If you’re working on a project for a business or large-scale installation, then it makes sense to talk to manufacturers or suppliers directly. Many of them offer customized solutions or can build a full package for your needs.
And hey—if you'd like help figuring out what kind of inverter you'll require, just give me the lowdown on what you need. I'd be happy to help you choose the right power size, features, or even recommend brands.
When you're ready, let me know!
