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Posted by Richard Szabo September 12th 2024

Expert Guide: Fronius Review and Ratings

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Fronius offers renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses across 60 countries. Headquartered in Austria, the global solar technology company provides energy storage units, solar batteries, software monitoring applications and inverters.
This Canstar Blue article examines whether Fronius solar batteries and inverters are worthwhile investments.

Fronius Inverters

Fronius Inverter

Fronius provides a variety of inverters with capacities of between 1.5 and 27 kilowatts (kW) for all types of solar systems, including the average family home or a large-scale commercial system. Below is a list of Fronius inverters that are available for residential use.

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Fronius Galvo

The Fronius Galvo is ideal for smaller household solar systems.

Inverter Max input current Nominal input voltage Max PV generator power Degree of protection Weight Dimensions (HxWxD) Ambient temperature range
Fronius Galvo 1.5-1 13.3A 260V 3.0 kW peak IP 65 16.4kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 50°C
Fronius Galvo 2.0-1 17.8A 260V 4.0 kW peak IP 65 16.8kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 50°C
Fronius Galvo 2.5-1 16.6A 330V 5.0 kW peak IP 65 16.8kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 50°C
Fronius Galvo 3.0-1 19.8A 330V 6.0 kW peak IP 65 16.8kg 650mm x 430 mm x 200mm -25°C to 50°C
Fronius Galvo 3.1-1 20.7A 330V 6.2 kW peak IP 65 16.8kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 50°C

Source: Fronius, September 2024.

Fronius Primo

The Fronius Primo is a single-phase inverter that ranges in size from 3 to 8.2 kW systems.

Inverter Max input current Nominal input voltage Max PV generator power Degree of protection Weight Dimensions (HxWxD) Ambient temperature range
Fronius Primo 3.0-1 12/12A 710V 4.5 kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C
Fronius Primo 3.5-1 12/12A 710V 5.3 kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C
Fronius Primo 3.6-1 12/12A 710V 5.5 kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C
Fronius Primo 4.0-1 12/12A 710V 6.0 kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430 mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C
Fronius Primo 4.6-1 12/12A 710V 6.9 kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C
Fronius Primo 5.0-1 18/18A 710V 7.5kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C
Fronius Primo 6.0-1 18/18A 710V 9.0kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C
Fronius Primo 8.2-1 18/18A 710V 12.3kW peak IP 65 21.5kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -40°C to 55°C

Source: Fronius, September 2024.

Fronius Symo

The Fronius Symo battery is available in 3 to 20kW systems.

Inverter Max input current Nominal input voltage Max PV generator power Degree of protection Weight Dimensions (HxWxD) Ambient temperature range
Fronius Symo 3.0-3-M 16/16A 595V 6.0kW peak IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 3.0-3-S 16A 595V 6.0kW peak IP 65 16kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 3.7-3-M 16/16A 595V 7.4kW peak IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 3.7-3-S 16A 595V 7.4kW peak IP 65 16kg 650mm x 430 mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 4.5-3-M 16/16A 595V 9.0kW peak IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 4.5-3-S 16A 595V 9.0kW peak IP 65 16kg

 

650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 5.0-3-M 16/16A 595V 10.0kW peak IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 6.0-3-M 16/16A 595V 12.0kW peak IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo 7.0-3-M 16/16A 595V 14.0kW peak IP 65 21.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C

Source: Fronius, September 2024.

Fronius Symo Hybrid

The Fronius Symo Hybrid is touted to be a ‘sun storage solution’, consisting of a battery charging system, battery inverter, hybrid inverter, controller and system monitoring tool.

System Max input current Nominal input voltage Max PV input power Degree of protection Weight Dimensions (HxWxD) Ambient temperature range
Fronius Symo Hybrid 3.0-3-S 1 x 16A 595V 5,000W IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo Hybrid 4.0-3-S 1 x 16A 595V 6,500W IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C
Fronius Symo Hybrid 5.0-3-S 1 x 16A 595V 8,000W IP 65 19.9kg 650mm x 430mm x 200mm -25°C to 60°C

Source: Fronius, September 2024.

The Symo Hybrid is also compatible with the LG Chem RESU battery, while Fronius also supplies a surge protection device that is suitable for LG Chem batteries.

Fronius Storage Units

Fronius Storage Batteries

Fronius has a variety of battery storage units for those wanting to store excess energy generated from their photovoltaic systems (PV).

Fronius Solar Battery

The Fronius Solar Battery is a lithium-iron phosphate battery with a storage capacity of 3.6 to 9.6 kWh.

Battery Usable capacity Voltage range Nominal charging power Degree of protection Weigh Dimensions (HxWxD) Ambient temperature range
Fronius Solar Battery 4.5 3,600Wh 120 – 170V 2,400W IP 20 91kg 960mm x 570mm x 610mm 5°C to 35°C
Fronius Solar Battery 6.0 4,800Wh 160 – 230V 3,200W IP 20 108kg 960mm x 570mm x 610mm 5°C to 35°C
Fronius Solar Battery 7.5 6,000Wh 200 – 290V 4,000W IP 20 125kg 960mm x 570mm x 610mm 5°C to 35°C
Fronius Solar Battery 9.0 7,200Wh 240 – 345V 4,800W IP 20 142kg 960mm x 570mm x 610mm 5°C to 35°C
Fronius Solar Battery 10.5 8,400Wh 280 – 400V 5,600W IP 20 159kg 960mm x 570mm x 610mm 5°C to 35°C
Fronius Solar Battery 12.0 9,600Wh 320 – 460V 6,400W IP 20 176kg 960mm x 570mm x 610mm 5°C to 35°C

Source: Fronius, September 2024.

Compare solar plans

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Fronius System Monitoring Hardware and Software

Fronius System Monitoring Hardware and Software

Another standout feature that Fronius provides is an array of solar monitoring solutions – both in hardware and software form. These are designed to track a PV system’s performance which can help customers identify whether they are receiving the maximum value from their solar system.

The Fronius website promises that hardware is “quick to install and software is intuitive to use.”

What is a Fronius Smart Meter?

The Fronius Smart Meter is a device that allows customers to record how much energy their solar system produces, as well as how much energy their household uses and exports back to the electricity grid. The smart meter can be wall mounted indoors or outdoors, weighs 310 grams and measures 140mm x 38mm x 85mm.

What is Fronius Solar.web?

Fronius Solar.web is software that transmits smart meter data. Customers can log into the free Fronius Solar.web monitoring platform through the online portal or via the app. Both have multiple functions that measure overall solar system performance.

Fronius Prices

Cost of Fronius Systems

Fronius system costs will depend on which product suits your household solar needs. A Fronius Primo inverter can cost between $1,400 and $7,600. These prices do not factor in installation costs, which is why comparing quotes from local suppliers can be worthwhile.

A Fronius solar battery for residential use can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on which model. This price range excludes installation costs. Do your own research and estimate your long-term return on investment. Certified Fronius installers can provide accurate quotations for your household. Check out the most competitive solar feed-in tariffs in your area to ensure you receive the most from your solar system.

Additionally, customers can purchase the Fronius Energy Package, which includes a solar battery, hybrid inverter and smart meter.

Should I invest in a Fronius solar storage unit?

Consider the hefty upfront costs which can easily set you back thousands of dollars when shopping around for a battery, inverter or solar system. Fronius is considered to have some of the best solar inverters in Australia and might deliver a return on your investment over the long term, provided you’ve done your homework.

Investing in solar can help lower annual electricity bills through relying less on the electricity grid. Savings will vary depending on how many panels your home has, the size or output of your system, as well as your household energy usage needs.

Before making major financial decisions assess which energy storage system is required to power your home. Given the range of solar products and technology offered by Fronius, you may find a battery or inverter that is unavailable with other brands.

If you’re adamant about going solar, ensure your current electricity plan offers higher feed-in tariffs and other sign-up incentives. You can compare plans in your area by heading to our free electricity comparison tool through the link below.