2025 Korea Apartment Solar Inverter: Cost, Sizing & Subsidies

Factors Affecting Power Matching

When configuring the power of a solar inverter for a Korean apartment, several factors need to be considered. Firstly, the total power of the photovoltaic modules is crucial. According to industry standards, in areas with average sunlight, the ratio of component power to inverter capacity is usually 1.2:1. For example, if the total power of the photovoltaic modules in an apartment is 6 kW, a 5 kW inverter would be a suitable choice. Secondly, the power demand of the apartment's electrical appliances also affects the inverter size. It is necessary to ensure that the inverter's continuous output power is greater than the maximum total power of the load.

Recommended Inverter Capacities for Different Apartment Sizes

For small sized apartments (less than 80 square meters) with relatively low power consumption, a 3 - 5 kW inverter is usually sufficient. These inverters can meet the daily electricity needs of lighting, small appliances, and sometimes even contribute some excess power to the grid.

Medium sized apartments (80 - 120 square meters) may require a 5 - 8 kW inverter. With more electrical appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, a larger capacity inverter can ensure stable power supply and efficient use of solar energy.

Large sized apartments (more than 120 square meters) or those with high power consuming devices like electric water heaters and floor heating systems may need an 8 - 10 kW inverter or even larger.

Power Capacity

Many mainstream inverters in the Korean market offer a wide range of power capacities. For example, the Huawei SUN2000 series includes models such as SUN2000 - 50KTL - M0 and SUN2000 - 60KTL - M0, which are suitable for larger scale commercial and industrial applications, but can also be used in some high power demand apartment complexes. GoodWe's SMT series 50/60 kW inverters have a maximum efficiency rating of 98.8% and support a maximum current of 30A per MPPT, making them highly efficient in power conversion.

MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)

The number of MPPTs is a critical parameter for solar inverters. Units with more MPPT channels can better adapt to photovoltaic modules installed at different orientations or under varying shading conditions.

For example, the Senngen SE 100 - 125KTL - M3 series incorporates 9 - channel MPPT intelligent tracking technology. This advanced system effectively minimizes the impact of shadow coverage on energy production, ensuring consistent and stable power output even when parts of the solar array are shaded.

Protection Functions

High-quality inverters usually have different protection functions. For instance, the GoodWe SMT series inverters can be equipped with an optional AFCI function. This function can detect DC arcing within a distance of up to 200 meters and shut down the circuit within 500 milliseconds, ensuring the safety of the whole system.

Moreover, the Senngen SE series has built-in AC/DC secondary surge protection. This protection can effectively resist lightning strikes and transient voltages caused by grid fluctuations, helping to keep the inverter and the entire system working properly and safely.

Residential Rooftop Systems

This is the most common application scenario for apartment solar inverters in South Korea. Solar panels are installed on the rooftops of apartments, and the generated DC electricity is converted into AC electricity by the inverter for household use. Excess electricity can be sold to the grid, such as in the Solar City Seoul project, where many apartments have installed solar inverters to achieve energy self sufficiency and economic benefits.

Balcony PV Systems

In recent years, balcony PV systems have become popular in South Korean apartments. Small sized inverters are used to convert the electricity generated by balcony mounted photovoltaic modules. This is a great solution for residents who do not have access to the rooftop, allowing them to also benefit from solar energy.

24 Hour Technical Support

HuiJue offers 24 hour technical support for its solar inverters. Whether it is a technical problem during operation or a question about installation, customers can get in touch with our professional technical team at any time. Our team is trained to quickly diagnose and solve problems to ensure the normal operation of the inverter.

Warranty Period

Our solar inverters come with a standard warranty period. Usually, it is 10 years, during which if there are any quality problems caused by non human factors, we will provide free repair or replacement services.

Localized Service Coverage

We have established a localized service network in South Korea. This means that no matter where the customer is located in South Korea, they can enjoy fast and convenient after sales service. Our local service centers are equipped with professional technicians and spare parts to ensure timely maintenance and repair of the inverters.

Policy Subsidies

The South Korean government has been actively promoting the use of solar energy through various policies. It continues to implement the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism and stimulates investment enthusiasm through means such as the Green Power Purchase System (PPA) and Feed in Tariff (FIT) subsidies. In addition, the government provides up to 50% subsidies for energy storage equipment installation, especially in industrial parks and commercial facilities. In some cities like Seoul, the local government also offers additional subsidies for apartment level solar power installations. For example, Seoul once provided an 80% subsidy for the installation of mini solar panels in apartments, significantly reducing the upfront costs for residents.

Income Cases

In the LG's ESS Home system that is closely connected with photovoltaic inverters, the research by the Seoul National University Energy Research Institute shows that users' average electricity bill spending has gone down by 31%. In a big apartment complex in Ulsan, after a solar photovoltaic system with a capacity of 100 kilowatts and suitable inverters were installed, thanks to the REC mechanism, the investment payback time has been cut to 6 years. These examples tell us that with the help of policies and by using solar inverters in the right way, people living in apartments in South Korea can get big economic benefits and also do something good for the environment at the same time.