Fronius Primo Solar Inverter Series
Made By Fronius
The Fronius Primo series, developed by the solar arm of the Austrian firm Fronius, is a compact grid-tied inverter designed for residential and small commercial settings.
What is the Fronius Primo Solar Inverter Series
The Fronius Primo is a high-quality single-phase, transformerless solar inverter series designed for residential and small-scale commercial markets by the Austrian company Fronius Solar Energy. Renowned for their durability and reliability, Fronius Primo inverters are widely recognized as a premier choice of string solar inverters globally. Spanning power categories from 3.8 kW to 15.0 kW, Fronius Primo models offer a high efficiency of up to 97.0% and a maximum voltage of 680V.
Key features of the Fronius Primo series include SnapINverter technology, which simplifies installation and maintenance, dual powerpoint trackers for maximum energy harvest, a high input voltage limit, smart connectivity for monitoring and control, advanced monitoring for real-time performance tracking, fan-forced active cooling for efficient heat dissipation, an integrated DC isolator for safety, and smart shade mitigation for improved energy production in shaded conditions.
There are several key advantages when it comes to Fronius Primo inverters. One major advantage is their high efficiency of up to 97.0%, which ensures that a greater percentage of the electricity generated by the solar panels is converted into usable energy. Due to their transformerless design, Fronius Primo boxes are lightweight and compact, making them easy to install and suitable for a variety of mounting options. Whilst the main downside of the Fronius Primo is the high upfront cost, its durability and reliability make it a cost-effective choice over the long term.
Fronius Primo inverters typically cost between $1,800 to $7,000 depending on the model and power output capacity.The Fronius Primo comes with a 5-year standard warranty, which is able to be extended for another 5 years. Support for any maintenance, fault or repair issues is available through Fronius’ extensive service network.
What is the History of Fronius?
Fronius International GmbH is an Austrian photovoltaic manufacturer based in Pettenbach, Upper Austria. Fronius was founded in Austria in 1945 by Günter Fronius as a small welding business. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to include welding technology, battery charging systems, and eventually solar electronics. In the 1990s, Fronius entered the solar energy market, focusing on high-quality inverters for photovoltaic systems. Today, Fronius is a global leader in welding technology and solar electronics, known for its innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainability. They produce the Fronius Primo series, which is one of the most widely used inverters on the market today.
What are the Key Features of the Fronius Primo?
The 8 main features of the Fronius Primo are listed below.
- Dual Powerpoint Tracking: Fronius Primo inverters feature dual maximum power point tracking (MPPT), allowing them to optimize power production by adjusting to the optimal operating point of the solar panels, even when panels are installed at different orientations or have varying shading conditions.
- High Input Voltage Limit: Fronius Primo inverters have a high input voltage limit of up to 600 volts, allowing them to handle high-voltage PV arrays. This results in greater design flexibility and efficiency in system installation.
- Smart Connectivity and Advanced Monitoring: Fronius Primo inverters come equipped with smart connectivity features, including built-in Wi-Fi and apps. The Fronius Solar.start app simplifies inverter configuration, while the Fronius Solar.web app allows for detailed system monitoring
- Fan-Forced Active Cooling: Fronius Primo inverters are designed with fan-forced active cooling to ensure optimal operating temperatures, even in high-temperature environments. This helps to maintain efficiency and prolong the lifespan of the inverter.
- Integrated DC Isolator: Fronius Primo inverters feature an integrated DC isolator, providing an added layer of safety by allowing for quick and easy isolation of the DC (Direct Current) power supply in case of maintenance or emergencies.
- Smart-Shade Mitigation: Fronius Primo inverters incorporate smart-shade mitigation technology, which adjusts the voltage and current of each solar panel individually, maximizing energy harvest even in shaded conditions.
- SnapINverter Design: The SnapINverter design innovation used within Fronius Primo inverters simplifies both the installation and maintenance processes, allowing for quick, tool-free attachment and detachment of the inverter from the wall bracket. This ease of use not only reduces installation time, but also minimizes downtime during maintenance.
View Fronius Primo Variants
The original Fronius Primo models are standard string inverters, efficient and reliable for residential use, converting solar energy directly for home or grid use. Below are the 9 main models (variants) of the original Fronius Primo series.
Customer Reviews for Fronius Primo
Customers have reviewed the Fronius Primo 1 times via SolarCompare for an average rating of 5.0 stars. View recent customer reviews below:
LG panels and a Fronius for the box inverter. Wanted quality over the cheapest and so far happy with the choice. Sunrun was good!
Is the Fronius Primo a good inverter? Is it worth it?
The Fronius Primo is widely considered an excellent inverter, offering a blend of premium quality, high efficiency, and ease of installation. With a power range of 3.8 to 15.0 kW, a maximum input voltage of 655 V - 690 V, and an energy conversion efficiency of up to 97.0%, Fronius Primo inverters are designed to meet high standards. This reputation is built on solid engineering and a track record of performance in various conditions. SolarCompare has determined that the Fronius Primo is an industry leader when it comes to reliable, high efficiency string inverters.
What are the advantages of the Fronius Primo?
The Fronius Primo offers several key advantages that have made it a widely chosen inverter globally. Three advantages of the Fronius Primo include high conversion efficiency, product reliability, remote monitoring capabilities, and ease of installation.
Below is more information on the five main advantages of Fronius Primo inverters.
- High Conversion Efficiency: Fronius Primo inverters boast an impressive efficiency rate of 98.2%, meaning they are able to generate more electricity with fewer energy losses. The impressive efficiency capability of the Fronius Primo not only justifies its initial higher cost, but also results in long-term savings for homeowners.
- Product Reliability: The Fronius Primo is renowned for its exceptional reliability, ensuring consistent performance and minimal downtime. Designed and built in Austria, Fronius Primo inverters are famous for their robust design and advanced technology, making them capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions and ensuring uninterrupted power generation for your solar system. With a lifespan of 20 years, Fronius inverters offer long-term reliability and peace of mind for your solar investment.
- Remote Monitoring Capabilities: Fronius Primo inverters offer remote monitoring through Fronius Solar.web. This tool provides real-time system data, analysis functions, automatic notifications, remote updates, and access to important system data from your smartphone or computer.
- Ease of Installation: Fronius Primo inverters are known for their user-friendly design and easy installation process. Their lightweight, compact design, and plug-and-play functionality help reduce installation time and costs, making them a popular choice among installers.
What are the disadvantages of the Fronius Primo?
Like most products, Fronius Primo inverters do come with some drawbacks. The three main disadvantages of Fronius Primo inverters are the high upfront cost, operational noise in older models, and compatibility issues during blackouts. Below is more information on the three main disadvantages of Fronius Primo inverters.
- Upfront Cost:: Fronius Primo inverters are on the higher end of the price spectrum. For example, the Primo 6.0-1 model is priced at $1800, and prices rise with models of greater capacity, such as the Primo 8.0-1, listed at around $3000. (Add sentence about how this compares with other brands)
- Operational Noise: Older models of Fronius Primo have drawn complaints from homeowners about noise levels, due to the cooling fans which operate to prevent overheating when the system is at peak capacity. While cooling fans are a standard feature in many inverters to maintain efficiency and protect the system, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of noise disturbance, particularly if the inverter is installed near living spaces or quiet areas.
- Compatibility Issues During Blackouts: A particular technical issue with the Fronius Primo inverter series is its behavior during a blackout. The inverter is designed to stop exporting power to the grid during an outage for safety reasons, a standard procedure known as anti-islanding. However, Primo inverters occasionally output at 53 Hz during these times, which is outside the standard operating frequency for many household appliances and other solar inverters. This sometimes leads to compatibility issues, preventing certain appliances from working during a blackout and hindering the effectiveness of hybrid systems designed to provide backup power.
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Input Performance
With a maximum input voltage range of 655 V - 680V, Fronius inverters handle significant solar arrays, making them suitable for all types of weather. A 3.8kW Fronius Primo inverter can be oversized to 6kW. That means the inverter can cater for up to 6kW of solar panels. Meanwhile the Primo 15.0-1 can be oversized to 18kW. Each inverter has two MPPT connections, allowing for two independent solar strings to be connected to the inverter.
| Maximum DC Input Power | |
| Fronius Primo 15.0-1 | 18000 |
| Fronius Primo 3.8-1 | 6000 |
Output Performance
The Fronius Primo series delivers robust performance across a variety of power categories, ranging from 3.8kW to 15kW, ensuring versatility for different residential and small commercial applications. The Fronius Primo series can be configured to an output voltage of 208V (common in US commercial connections) and 240V (common for residential buildings).
| Rated AC Power | |
| Fronius Primo 15.0-1 | 15000 |
| Fronius Primo 3.8-1 | 3800 |
Efficiency
With a roundtrip efficiency range of 96.7% to 97%, the Fronius Primo has very little power loss. Larger models, such as the 8.2-1 have a slightly higher efficiency of 97%, where as the smaller 3.8-1 model has an efficiency of 96.7%. The CEC efficiency, which takes into consideration the hot climate of California, has awarded the Fronius Primo series an efficiency of 95%-97%.
| Maximum Inverter Efficiency | |
| Fronius Primo 15.0-1 | 96.7 |
| Fronius Primo 3.8-1 | 96.7% |
Dimensions
The 3.8 - 8.2 inverter model has a height of 627mm (24.6”) a width of 430mm (16.9”) and a depth of 205mm (8”). This smaller inverter model (3.8 - 8.2) weighs 21.45kg or 47.28 lb. The larger inverter models, with an output range of 10.0-15.0KW, are 723mm (28.5") in height, 520mm (20.5") in width and 226mm (8.9") in depth and has a weight of 37.4 kg (82.5 lbs). Because of its light weight, it can be securely wall mounted internally or externally
| Dimensions (LxWxD mm) | Weight | |
| Fronius Primo 15.0-1 | 723 x 520 x 226 | 37.4 |
| Fronius Primo 3.8-1 | 627 x 430 x 205 | 21.45 |
Operation
The Fronius Primo is a versatile solar panel inverter, able to operate at temperatures ranging from -40 - 131°F (-40 - 55°C) and an altitude of and can operate at an altitude of 13,123 ft (4000m). The inverter is cooled with a variable speed fan to prevent overheating.
The standard Fronius Primo series is not battery compatible, however the Gen24 Plus model is a hybrid inverter capable of sending and receiving power from a DC solar battery, and a good alternative if your home is looking for a hybrid inverter. The Fronius Primo inverter series features an integrated DC isolator for simplified installation and maintenance, and a rapid dc shutdown feature which keeps your solar array de-energized in the case of an emergency.
The Dynamic Peak Manager, integrated into the inverter, optimizes the output of a photovoltaic system even in shaded conditions. The Fronius Primo offers advanced monitoring through Solar.web, allowing remote tracking of energy production and system performance. It provides detailed insights into energy consumption, optimizing solar usage. Compatibility with third-party solutions enhances flexibility and usability.
Warranty
Fronius offers a warranty framework that begins with a basic 5-year coverage, with the possibility to extend it to a total of 10 years by registering the product, aligning with typical industry standards. There is an option to pay for an additional 5-10 years of coverage. This coverage ensures peace of mind and protection against potential defects or malfunctions during the warranty period. However, it's worth noting that the lifespan and warranty terms are not as impressive as those offered by some competitors.
Certification
The Fronius Primo inverters meet US grid connection requirements through certifications like UL 1741-2010 Second Edition. This particular certification is crucial for integration into the U.S. power grids, ensuring that the inverters comply with safety standards that allow for seamless connection and operation.
Fronius Primo series has been awarded certifications such as UL1998, which covers aspects like Arc Fault Circuit Interruption (AFCI), Rapid Shutdown Module Unit (RCMU), and isolation monitoring. These functions are critical for preventing electrical fires and ensuring safe operation in the event of a fault or system compromise.
How much do Fronius Primo inverters cost?
Fronius Primo inverters typically cost between $1,800 to $7,000, which is relatively costly for a solar inverter. For example, the 6.0-1 model averages around $1,800, while higher capacity models like the Primo 8.0-1 reaches up to $3,000.
Comparatively, SMA solar inverters are somewhat more budget-friendly, with prices ranging from approximately $700 to $2,600. Specific models like the SMA Sunny Boy 5KW Inverter cost between $1,700 to $2,000, while the SMA Tripower 10KW Inverter ranges from $2,800 to $3,500. The larger SMA Tripower 25kW Inverter is priced between $4,500 to $5,000.
Installation costs for solar panel inverters vary greatly depending on the system size and installation difficulty. In general, a range between $2,000 and $10,00 is normal for systems ranging from 3.3kW to 8.2kW. While it's possible to go for a do-it-yourself installation, that
Where are Fronius Primo solar inverters made?
The Fronius Primo inverters are primarily designed and made in Austria. There are occasional instances of Fronius products, solutions and digital tools being produced in wider Europe. Despite being manufactured in Europe, Fronius has headquarters in other countries. Fronius USA has set up shop in Portage, Indiana, serving as the company's American headquarters. In the States, Fronius Primo has a robust distribution network including suppliers like CED Greentech, ensuring that their inverters are readily available from coast to coast.
What is the customer feedback for Fronius Primo inverters?
Customer feedback for Fronius Primo inverters is generally positive. Users appreciate the reliability and performance, noting the ease of monitoring energy production and usage through the app. However, some Fronius Primo customers have mentioned issues with connectivity and customer service responsiveness. There are occasional mentions of noise from the inverter, particularly the cooling fan of older models, but many find this to be a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits. Overall, most customers seem satisfied with their Fronius Primo inverters, valuing their efficiency and the security of a long-term warranty. Maintaining or repairing requires a significant amount of technical understanding of electrical systems, which is why it’s always advisable to refer issues to professional installers and maintenance technicians.
How does Fronius Primo compare to solar inverter series from other brands?
The Fronius Primo stands out amongst competitor brands for its high efficiency rate of 97.0%, which is only surpassed by SolarEdge at 99.2%. The integration of Fronius’ unique SnapINverter technology, which simplifies mounting and installation. While competitively priced for most inverters, Fronius Primo’s latest, high-end models are costlier than all other brands except Enphase. In terms of performance, SolarEdge offers higher efficiency and a longer warranty, making it a strong competitor, especially for those valuing long-term reliability and performance under varied light conditions.
Are Fronius Primo solar inverters single-phase or three-phase?
Fronius Primo inverters are single-phase. In the context of solar inverters, the distinction between "single-phase" and "three-phase" refers to the type of electrical output they provide. Single-phase inverters convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that is compatible with the electrical wiring of most residential homes, which typically use a single-phase power supply. This means the electricity flows in one single, alternating direction. On the other hand, "three-phase" inverters convert DC into AC that is suitable for commercial or industrial settings, or homes with a three-phase power supply. In this case, the electricity is split into three alternating currents that are offset from each other by one-third of a cycle, which is able to power more demanding electrical systems and is more efficient for large-scale solar installations.
Fronius Primo inverters are single-phase inverters, designed primarily for residential use. Those looking for solar inverters that are 3-phase will have to resort to a different Fronius series, one called Fronius Symo, which is more suitable for applications requiring a higher power output.
Is the Fronius Primo inverter "battery-ready"?
No. As a grid-tied inverter, the original Fronius Primo inverter series is not "battery-ready”. It’s designed to convert solar power for immediate use or export to the grid, rather than connect to battery storage. However, the newer Fronius Primo GEN24 Series is a hybrid inverter, making it battery-ready alternative to the Fronius Primo.
The term "battery-ready" refers to a solar inverter's ability to connect to a battery storage system. This feature allows excess solar energy produced during the day to be stored for use at night or during power outages. Unlike the Fronius Primo, the Fronius Primo GEN24 Series is an example of a "battery-ready" inverter that enables complete energy self-sufficiency by allowing stored energy to be used for electricity, heating, cooling, and e-mobility, even without sunlight.
Can Fronius Primo inverters be used off-grid?
No. The original Fronius Primo inverters are not designed for off-grid applications. Grid-tied inverters, like the original Fronius Primo series, perform the primary function of converting the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in powering appliances and the electrical grid.
Where to install a Fronius Primo solar inverter?
It is recommended to install your Fronius Primo solar inverter in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. A cool location, such as inside a garage, is ideal as it helps maintain the inverter at a lower operating temperature, enhancing its performance and lifespan.
Keeping your inverter shaded is crucial, as direct sunlight can cause overheating and negatively impact efficiency. Placing inverters in areas where they won't overheat can improve performance and longevity.
It's important to consider the placement of the inverter in relation to the meter. Installing it closer to the meter reduces the distance electricity needs to travel, resulting in less voltage drop and improved efficiency
What is the lifespan of a Fronius Primo inverter?
The Fronius Primo inverter has an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years, which, while standard for solar inverters, doesn't set it apart for longevity. This timeframe provides many years of service but is somewhat shorter compared to some competitors, such as Enphase, whose inverters last up to (or over, in some cases) 25 years.