- 1Afore is a budget to mid-range Chinese manufacturer offering string inverters, hybrid storage inverters, and batteries at prices 20-40% below premium brands.
- 2The HNS series string inverters (1-10kW) offer up to 98.2% efficiency, while AF hybrid inverters reach 98.5% with UPS backup under 10ms.
- 3Main consideration is the 5-year standard warranty – half the 10-year coverage now offered by competitors like GoodWe and Sungrow.
- 4Afore has UK subsidiary presence and G98/G99 certification, but brand recognition and installer experience remain limited compared to established competitors.
Afore is a Chinese solar inverter manufacturer that has been steadily building its presence in the UK market since establishing a local subsidiary. The company offers a comprehensive range of products including single-phase and three-phase string inverters, hybrid storage inverters in both low-voltage and high-voltage configurations, and battery storage systems. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in PV inverter research, development, and manufacturing, Afore has installed products across Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Americas.
Founded in September 2010 in Shanghai, Afore positions itself as a budget to mid-range inverter brand competing on price whilst offering features comparable to more established competitors. The company’s products have achieved G98 and G99 certification for the UK market, along with CE, VDE, and IEC certifications. Afore operates a UK subsidiary (Afore UK Ltd) and works with distributors such as Absolute Solar to supply installers across Britain.
This review examines Afore’s complete product range available in the UK, including the HNS series string inverters, AF series hybrid storage inverters, and compatible battery options. We assess specifications, efficiency ratings, monitoring capabilities, warranty terms, and overall value proposition for UK homeowners considering Afore as an alternative to premium inverter brands.
Why People Choose It
- Significantly lower cost – 20-40% cheaper than premium brands like Fronius or SMA
- Comprehensive hybrid range with both low-voltage and high-voltage options
- Wide third-party battery compatibility (Pylontech, BYD, Dyness)
- Fast UPS switchover under 10ms for backup power
- Generator support with remote start capability
- UK subsidiary provides local company presence
Considerations
- Only 5-year warranty vs 10 years from Sungrow, GoodWe, others
- Limited UK brand recognition – fewer experienced installers
- Some user reports of difficulty reaching technical support
- Solarman monitoring app receives mixed reviews
- Check current MCS certification status for SEG eligibility
- Less proven long-term track record in UK market
SolarLove Rating
Based on performance, value, reliability, and support
AF6K-SL (6kW Hybrid LV)
- Sweet spot capacity for most UK homes with battery storage
- Works with popular 48V batteries (Pylontech, Dyness, Pytes)
- Under 10ms UPS switchover keeps essentials running in outages
- 120A max charge current for fast battery charging
- Significant savings vs equivalent Fox ESS or Solis systems
- Generator support with remote start for off-grid flexibility
Company Background
Afore was established in Shanghai’s photovoltaic high-tech centre with a focus on research, development, production, and marketing of solar PV inverters. The company claims its first-generation string inverter was used in China’s first residential PV project in Shanghai. By 2014, Afore’s annual production capacity had reached 1 GW, and the company had begun exporting to Australia and Europe.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Founded in Shanghai; first PV string inverter launched |
| 2014 | Annual capacity reached 1 GW; expanded exports to Europe and Australia |
| 2017 | Named Top 10 Residential PV Inverter Brand in China |
| 2018 | First hybrid storage inverters launched (3-5 kW) |
| 2024-25 | Expanded hybrid range to 50 kW; all-in-one storage systems introduced |
Product Range Overview
| Category | Series | Power Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single-phase string | HNS Series | 1 – 10 kW |
| Three-phase string | BNT Series | 3 – 60 kW |
| Single-phase hybrid (LV) | AF-SL, AF-SLP Series | 3 – 12 kW |
| Single-phase hybrid (HV) | AF-DH Series | 3 – 9.6 kW |
| Three-phase hybrid (HV) | AF-TH Series | 3 – 50 kW |
| AC coupled | AF-AC Series | 1 – 6 kW |
HNS Series String Inverters
The Afore HNS series represents the company’s grid-tied string inverter range for residential installations. Available from 1 kW to 10 kW in single-phase configurations, these inverters feature anodised aluminium unibody housings designed for durability and effective heat dissipation. The HNS series is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to premium string inverter brands, offering high efficiency and integrated Wi-Fi monitoring at competitive prices.
HNS Specifications
| Model | HNS3000TL | HNS5000TL | HNS6000TL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max DC power | 4,050 W | 6,750 W | 8,100 W |
| Max DC voltage | 600 V | 600 V | 600 V |
| MPPT range | 90-520 V | 90-520 V | 90-520 V |
| No. of MPPTs | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Rated AC power | 3,000 W | 5,000 W | 6,000 W |
| Max efficiency | 97.8% | 98.0% | 98.2% |
| Weight | 10 kg | 10 kg | 10 kg |
Key Features
| Housing | Anodised aluminium unibody with high-pressure moulding |
| Bifacial support | Compatible with bifacial solar modules |
| IV curve scanning | Intelligent diagnostic function |
| DC oversizing | Up to 1.5 times rated power |
| Operating temperature | -25°C to +60°C |
| Protection rating | IP65 (outdoor suitable) |
AF Series Hybrid Inverters
Low Voltage Series (AF-SL and AF-SLP)
The AF low voltage hybrid inverter series is designed for residential battery storage applications using 48V lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. These inverters combine solar MPPT charging, battery management, and grid connection in a single unit with UPS backup functionality. The switch time of less than 10ms ensures essential loads remain powered during grid outages.
| Model | AF4K-SL | AF5K-SL | AF6K-SL | AF10K-SLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max PV input | 6,000 W | 7,500 W | 9,000 W | 15,000 W |
| Max PV voltage | 550 V | 550 V | 550 V | 550 V |
| Rated output | 4,000 W | 5,000 W | 6,000 W | 10,000 W |
| Max charge current | 120 A | 120 A | 120 A | 240 A |
| UPS switch time | <10 ms | <10 ms | <10 ms | <10 ms |
| Weight | 20.5 kg | 20.5 kg | 20.5 kg | 28 kg |
High Voltage Three-Phase (AF-TH)
The AF-TH series represents Afore’s flagship three-phase hybrid inverter range, designed for larger residential and commercial applications. With power ratings from 3 kW to 50 kW and high-voltage battery compatibility (150-800V), these inverters support substantial energy storage systems. The use of silicon carbide (SiC) technology in some models enables charge and discharge efficiency exceeding 98%.
| Model | AF5K-TH | AF10K-TH | AF20K-TH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max PV input | 7,500 W | 15,000 W | 27,000 W |
| Battery voltage | 150-800 V | 150-800 V | 150-800 V |
| Rated output | 5,000 W | 10,000 W | 20,000 W |
| Max efficiency | 98.0% | 98.1% | 98.5% |
| Generator support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery Compatibility
Afore maintains an official approved battery list specifying compatible brands and models for use with their storage inverters. Only batteries on this list are supported for warranty purposes. The approved list includes many popular battery brands available in the UK market.
| Brand | Compatible Models | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pylontech | US2000, US3000C, US5000, Force-H2 | LV and HV |
| BYD | HVS, HVM, HVL series | HV |
| Dyness | Tower series | LV |
| Pytes | V5, V5a | LV |
| Afore | LV Wall, LV Rack, HV Stack | LV and HV |
Monitoring: Solarman Platform
Afore inverters use the Solarman monitoring platform for remote system monitoring and management. The Solarman Smart app and web portal provide real-time data on energy generation, consumption, battery status, and grid interaction. All Afore inverters come with an integrated Wi-Fi module as standard, with Ethernet and GPRS options available.
| Platform | Solarman (IGEN Tech) |
| App name | Solarman Smart (iOS, Android) |
| Real-time data | Production, consumption, battery, grid |
| Historical data | Day, week, month, year, custom periods |
| Firmware updates | Remote OTA updates supported |
| Data export | CSV reports available |
The Solarman app receives mixed reviews from users. Some report reliable performance, while others experience connectivity issues or delayed data. Afore also operates its own branded portal (home.aforenergy.com) as an alternative interface.
Pricing
| Product | Typical UK Price |
|---|---|
| HNS3000TL (3kW string) | £300 – £450 |
| HNS5000TL (5kW string) | £400 – £550 |
| HNS6000TL (6kW string) | £450 – £600 |
| AF5K-SL (5kW hybrid LV) | £700 – £950 |
| AF6K-SL (6kW hybrid LV) | £800 – £1,050 |
| AF10K-SLP (10kW hybrid LV) | £1,100 – £1,400 |
| AF10K-TH (10kW hybrid HV 3-phase) | £1,400 – £1,800 |
Prices are indicative trade prices excluding VAT and installation. Afore positions itself at the budget end of the market, typically 20-40% lower than established brands such as Sungrow, GoodWe, or Fox ESS.
Warranty and Support
| Inverter warranty | 5 years from installation |
| Maximum period | 5.5 years from delivery date |
| Extended warranty | Available (contact distributor) |
| UK subsidiary | Afore UK Ltd |
| UK distributor | Absolute Solar and others |
Warranty comparison: Afore’s 5-year warranty is shorter than the 10-year coverage now standard from competitors including Sungrow, GoodWe, and Huawei. For a 25+ year solar system lifespan, this is a notable consideration.
UK Certifications
| Certification | Details |
|---|---|
| G98 | Fit and notify for systems up to 3.68 kW |
| G99 | Full application for systems above 3.68 kW |
| CE | European conformity |
| IEC 62109 | Safety for power converters |
Comparison with Alternatives
| Aspect | Afore | Solis | GoodWe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 | 2005 | 2010 |
| Max efficiency | 98.8% | 98.4% | 98.4% |
| Standard warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Monitoring | Solarman | Solis Cloud | SEMS Portal |
| UK presence | Subsidiary | Distributor | Distributor |
| Price positioning | Budget | Budget | Budget-mid |
Summary
Afore represents a viable budget option for UK homeowners seeking solar and battery storage at lower upfront costs than premium European or established Asian brands. The company’s comprehensive product range, including string inverters, hybrid inverters in both low and high-voltage configurations, and compatible batteries, provides flexibility for various installation requirements. The G98 and G99 certifications confirm grid compliance for the UK market.
The primary considerations are the relatively short 5-year warranty compared to the 10-year coverage now standard from competitors such as Sungrow, GoodWe, and Fox ESS, and the more limited brand recognition and installer experience in the UK. For homeowners prioritising long-term peace of mind, the shorter warranty period may be a deciding factor. However, for those comfortable with a less established brand and seeking to maximise budget efficiency, Afore offers genuine value with specifications competitive with more expensive alternatives.
Before choosing Afore, UK homeowners should verify current MCS certification status for SEG eligibility and ensure their chosen installer has experience with the brand and access to appropriate support channels.
Compare Afore with other budget options in our best solar inverters guide. For system costs, see our solar panel costs guide.
