Key Points
  • 1Solis is the #1 residential single-phase inverter brand by shipments (Wood Mackenzie 2024) and 3rd largest inverter manufacturer globally with 100+ GW shipped.
  • 299.7% reliability rate with fanless silent operation – first inverter manufacturer to complete independent PVEL reliability testing.
  • 3Excellent battery flexibility – compatible with Pylontech, Dyness, Fox ESS, BYD and other third-party batteries, unlike proprietary systems.
  • 4Budget-friendly pricing at 10-20% less than mid-range brands, though standard 5-year warranty is shorter than GivEnergy (12 years) or Fronius (10 years).

Solis has established itself as one of the most popular inverter brands in the UK market, offering a compelling balance between affordability and performance. Manufactured by Ginlong Technologies, a publicly listed Chinese company founded in 2005, Solis inverters have achieved significant global recognition, ranking as the number one residential single-phase inverter brand by shipments according to Wood Mackenzie in 2024, and holding third position among global inverter manufacturers.

The Solis approach focuses on delivering reliable performance at competitive price points rather than competing directly with premium European brands on cutting-edge features. This strategy has proven successful, with the company achieving over 100 GW of cumulative shipments by 2024 and earning BloombergNEF Tier 1 status. The brand has also been recognised as a Top PV Brand by EUPD Research for nine consecutive years from 2016 to 2024.

This review examines the complete Solis product range available in the UK, including the S6 generation string inverters, the 5G and S6 hybrid inverters for battery storage applications, and the commercial three-phase range. We assess specifications, real-world performance, SolisCloud monitoring capabilities, battery compatibility including Pylontech and other LFP options, warranty terms, and how Solis compares to alternatives like GivEnergy and Sungrow.

Why Choose Solis?

Why People Choose It

  • Competitive pricing (10-20% less than mid-range)
  • 99.7% proven reliability rate
  • Fanless silent operation
  • Wide third-party battery compatibility
  • 100+ GW global scale and BloombergNEF Tier 1
  • Extensive commercial range up to 255kW
  • IP65 rated for outdoor installation
  • First to complete PVEL reliability testing

Considerations

  • 5-year standard warranty (shorter than competitors)
  • Wi-Fi logger sold separately on most models
  • No automatic Octopus tariff integration
  • Support response times can be variable
  • Perceived as budget brand despite quality
  • 8-12 year typical lifespan vs 12-15 for premium
  • Some newer models awaiting G99 certification
  • Chinese manufacturing (some prefer European)

SolarLove Rating

Based on performance, value, reliability, and support

7.8
/10
Value for Money 10/10
Performance 8/10
Reliability 8/10
Features 7/10
Warranty & Support 6/10
UK Availability 8/10
Top Pick

Solis RHI-5G 5kW + Pylontech US3000C 10.6kWh

£2,800 – £3,600 (equipment)
  • 5kW hybrid inverter with dual MPPT
  • Under 20ms backup switchover time
  • Pylontech proven compatibility
  • SolisCloud remote monitoring included
  • 7-inch colour LCD display
  • IP65 for indoor/outdoor installation
  • 97.2% Euro efficiency rating
  • Expandable to 38kWh battery capacity
Solis at a Glance
Parent CompanyGinlong Technologies
Founded2005 (China)
Global Ranking#3 Manufacturer
Cumulative Shipments100+ GW
Max Efficiency97.8%
Standard Warranty5 years
Extended WarrantyUp to 20 years
Reliability Rate99.7%

Company Background

Ginlong Technologies was founded in 2005 in Ningbo, China by Wang Yiming, who had previously studied at Bristol University in the UK. The company focused exclusively on string inverter technology from the outset, a strategy that has enabled deep expertise in this product category. Wang Yiming remains CEO of the company today.

MilestoneYearDetails
Company founded2005Ginlong Technologies established in Ningbo, China
Stock listing2019Listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange (300763.SZ)
15 GW milestone2020Cumulative shipments reached 15 GW
Global #32022Became 3rd largest global inverter manufacturer
100 GW milestone2024100 GW+ cumulative shipments; Wood Mackenzie #1 residential
Tier 1 status2025BloombergNEF Tier 1; 9th consecutive EUPD Top Brand

Manufacturing and Quality

Manufacturing locationNingbo, China (state-of-the-art facilities)
Quality approachAll manufacturing in-house
Third-party testingFirst inverter manufacturer to complete PVEL reliability testing
Failure rateLess than 0.3% (manufacturer stated)
UK service centreYes – technical after-sales support in UK
CertificationsG98/G99 (UK), CE, TUV, IEC 62109

S6 String Inverter Range

The S6 series represents Solis’s latest generation of single-phase string inverters for residential installations. These units feature a compact, lightweight design with fanless passive cooling for silent operation, making them suitable for installation near living areas. The S6 Mini series covers 0.7 to 3.6 kW, while the dual MPPT S6 range extends from 2.5 to 8.0 kW.

SeriesS6-GR1P (Mini and standard)
Power range0.7 kW to 8.0 kW
MPPT trackers1 (Mini) or 2 (standard)
Maximum efficiency96.6% to 97.8%
CoolingFanless (natural convection)
Noise levelLess than 20 dBA
IP ratingIP65
Warranty5 years (extendable)

S6 Dual MPPT Specifications

ModelS6 3.6KS6 5.0KS6 6.0KS6 8.0K
Rated output3.6 kW5.0 kW6.0 kW8.0 kW
Max DC input5.8 kWp8.0 kWp9.6 kWp12.8 kWp
Max input voltage600 V600 V600 V600 V
MPPT range80-500 V80-500 V90-500 V100-500 V
MPPT trackers2222
Max efficiency97.6%97.8%97.8%97.8%

Key String Inverter Features

Fanless designSilent operation with no moving parts for enhanced reliability
IP65 ratingSuitable for indoor and outdoor installation
Integrated DC switchNo external DC isolator required
AFCI protectionArc fault detection reduces fire risk
DRM integratedDemand Response Mode for smart grid compliance
Export power controlCT/Meter 2-in-1 port for flexible export limiting
Bifacial compatibleSupports high-efficiency and bifacial modules

5G Hybrid Inverter Range

The Solis 5G and S6 hybrid inverter range enables battery storage integration for residential systems. These inverters combine PV conversion with battery charging and discharging, offering multiple operating modes including self-consumption optimisation, timed charge/discharge for tariff arbitrage, and backup power during grid outages. The 5G series is the current mainstream range, while S6 hybrids represent the latest generation.

SeriesRHI 5G and S5-EH1P (S6)
Power range3.0 kW to 6.0 kW
MPPT trackers2
Maximum efficiency97.5% to 97.8%
Battery voltage48 V (low voltage)
Backup transfer timeLess than 20 ms
IP ratingIP65
Display7-inch colour LCD

5G Hybrid Inverter Specifications

ModelRHI 3.0KRHI 3.6KRHI 5.0KRHI 6.0K
Rated output3.0 kW3.6 kW5.0 kW6.0 kW
Max PV input4.8 kWp5.7 kWp8.0 kWp9.6 kWp
Max charge/discharge3.0 kW3.6 kW5.0 kW6.0 kW
Backup output3.0 kW3.0 kW5.0 kW6.0 kW
Euro efficiency96.8%96.8%97.2%97.5%
Weight17 kg20.5 kg20.5 kg22 kg

Operating Modes

Self-use modePrioritises solar for self-consumption; excess charges battery then exports
Timed charge/dischargeCharges from grid at off-peak; discharges during peak; ideal for Octopus Go
Feed-in priorityPrioritises grid export; useful for high export tariffs
Backup modeMaintains battery reserve for emergency backup power
Off-grid modeOperates independently from grid (requires minimum 30% SOC)
Peak shavingUses battery to reduce peak demand charges

Three-Phase Hybrid Inverters

The Solis S6 three-phase hybrid range covers residential, commercial and industrial applications, from 5 kW for larger homes up to 125 kW for industrial sites. These high-voltage units support multiple MPPT trackers, fast UPS switchover under 10ms, and can be paralleled for even larger installations.

SegmentPower RangeMPPTsMax PVUPS Transfer
Residential5-10 kW2-415 kWp<10 ms
Small commercial12-20 kW430 kWp<10 ms
Commercial30-50 kW360 kWp<10 ms
Industrial80-125 kW10200 kWp<10 ms

Battery Compatibility

One of Solis’s key advantages is broad third-party battery compatibility. Unlike proprietary systems from GivEnergy or Sungrow, Solis hybrid inverters work with multiple battery brands, giving homeowners flexibility in choice and pricing.

Battery BrandCompatible ModelsMax Capacity
PylontechUS2000C, US3000C, US5000, Force H1/H2/H3Up to 76.8 kWh
DynessA48100, HomeDepot H5B, PowerBox ProVaries by model
Fox ESSECS2900, LV52Varies by model
BYDHVS, HVM (high voltage for 3-phase)Up to 66 kWh
WecoVarious 48V modelsVaries by model

Pylontech Compatibility

US2000C2.4 kWh per module, stackable up to 16 units (38.4 kWh)
US3000C3.55 kWh per module, stackable up to 16 units (56.8 kWh)
US50004.8 kWh per module, stackable up to 16 units (76.8 kWh)
Force H27.1 to 21.3 kWh per tower, parallel capable
CommunicationCAN bus protocol with automatic BMS integration

SolisCloud Monitoring

SolisCloud is Solis’s free monitoring platform, available via web browser and mobile app for iOS and Android. The platform has evolved significantly from the older Ginlong monitoring system and now offers a comprehensive, user-friendly interface for real-time monitoring, historical analysis, and remote control of hybrid inverter settings.

PlatformWeb browser and mobile app (iOS/Android)
CostFree
ConnectionWi-Fi data logger (purchased separately for most models)
Real-time dataYes – generation, consumption, battery status
Historical dataDaily, weekly, monthly, yearly and total
Remote controlYes (hybrid inverters) – adjust modes and charge times
Fault alertsPush notifications for errors
Warranty purchaseBuy extended warranties directly in app

Solis vs Competitors

AspectSolisGivEnergySungrow
Company originChinese (2005)UK (2016)Chinese (1997)
Global ranking#3UK focused#2
Standard warranty5 years12 years10 years
EfficiencyUp to 97.8%Up to 97.6%Up to 98.7%
UK supportService centre; variableUK HQ; excellentGlobal network; good
Tariff integrationManual setupAutomatic OctopusAI Dynamic Tariff
Battery optionsMultiple third-partyGivEnergy onlySungrow only
Price positioningBudgetMid-rangeMid-range

Pricing

ProductOutputTrade Price
S6 Mini 2.5K string2.5 kW£220 – £280
S6 5.0K dual MPPT string5.0 kW£350 – £450
RHI 5G 3.6K hybrid3.6 kW£550 – £700
RHI 5G 5.0K hybrid5.0 kW£650 – £800
RHI 5G 6.0K hybrid6.0 kW£750 – £900
S6 10K three-phase hybrid10 kW£1,200 – £1,500
Wi-Fi data logger£50 – £80
+5 year warranty extension£80 – £150

Who Should Consider Solis

Budget priorityStrong choice – excellent value for money at 10-20% less than competitors
Pylontech battery pairingStrong choice – well-established compatibility and proven combination
Commercial installationStrong choice – extensive three-phase range up to 125kW
Multiple battery brand choiceStrong choice – wide third-party compatibility
Longer standard warrantyConsider GivEnergy (12 years) or Fronius (10 years)
Automatic tariff integrationConsider GivEnergy (Octopus) or Sungrow (Dynamic Tariff)
European manufacturingConsider Fronius or SMA

Summary

Solis – Key Facts
Best forBudget installations, Pylontech pairing, commercial projects
String invertersS6 Mini (0.7-3.6kW), S6 Dual MPPT (2.5-8kW)
Hybrid invertersRHI 5G (3-6kW), S6 three-phase (5-125kW)
Max efficiency97.8%
Warranty5 years standard (extendable to 20 years)
Reliability99.7% (PVEL independently tested)
Battery compatibilityPylontech, Dyness, Fox ESS, BYD, Weco
Market position#1 residential single-phase globally, #3 overall

Solis has earned its position as one of the most popular inverter brands in the UK by delivering reliable performance at competitive prices. The company’s 20-year track record, combined with its scale as the third-largest inverter manufacturer globally, provides reassurance that products and support will remain available for the long term. The stated 99.7% reliability rate and completion of independent PVEL testing demonstrate genuine commitment to quality despite the entry-level pricing.

The main trade-off with Solis is the shorter 5-year standard warranty compared to competitors offering 10 to 12 years as standard. While extended warranties are available up to 20 years, these represent additional costs that narrow the price advantage. The SolisCloud monitoring platform has improved significantly and now offers comprehensive features including remote control of hybrid systems, though some users report that UK technical support response times could be better.

For UK homeowners seeking maximum value, Solis represents an excellent choice, particularly when paired with Pylontech batteries for a proven combination. The fanless design ensures silent operation, and the IP65 rating provides flexibility for indoor or outdoor installation. Commercial buyers benefit from the extensive three-phase range up to 125 kW with features like generator support and fast UPS switchover.

Compare Solis with alternatives in our best solar inverters guide. For typical system costs, see our solar panel costs guide. To estimate savings for your home, try our solar panel calculator.