Inverters

Alpha ESS SMILE-S5

5 kW · best for solar, battery and backup in one system

4.6Fair#59 of 59 inverter series we rank · EnergyUpgrade Score out of 10

Type: All-in-one
Phase: Single phase
Efficiency: 96.7%

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Why it scores 4.6.

Each part comes from the datasheet with a published rule; anything not stated scores zero.

How we rate inverters

Efficiency
2.3 · 30%
Every point of efficiency is solar you keep, every day for 10+ years.
Rule: Maximum efficiency on the datasheet: 96% scores 0, 99% scores 10.
MPPTs for split roofs
5.0 · 20%
Each MPPT runs one roof face independently, so east and west panels don't drag each other down.
Rule: Number of MPPT trackers: 1 scores 0, 2 scores 5, 3 or more scores 10.
Heat tolerance
Not stated · 20%
Inverters on hot walls throttle or fail early. A higher operating limit means more headroom.
Rule: Highest operating temperature: 45°C scores 0, 60°C scores 10.
Room for more panels
10.0 · 15%
How much panel capacity the inverter accepts, so you can oversize for winter and cloudy days.
Rule: Maximum PV input divided by rated AC output: 1.2x scores 0, 1.5x or more scores 10. Rebate rules allow panels up to 133% of the inverter, so more than 150% adds little.
Weather sealing
9.0 · 15%
Most Australian inverters live outdoors.
Rule: IP66 or better scores 10, IP65 9, IP55 4, lower 0.

Full specifications.

6 approved models · Australian datasheet

Sizes: 5 kW
Type: All-in-one
Phase: Single phase
Takes a battery: Yes
Maximum efficiency: 96.7%
Panel headroom (max PV ÷ rated AC): 160%
MPPT trackers: 2
Backup output: 5000 VA (UPS, 230 V, 21.7 A)
IP rating: IP65
Weight: 115 kg
Warranty (as printed): 10 Years Product Warranty
Compatible batteries: SMILE-BAT-5P (5.04 kWh, 48 V LFP, 1 ~ 5 in parallel)

About the brand

Alpha ESS inverters

Capable hybrid systems at a low price, with a local office. Owner feedback on support is mixed, and it doesn't feature in installer votes or the installation rankings.

Read the Alpha ESS review

6.3

Brand rating#8 of 9 brands for inverters