Huawei, Sungrow Top WoodMac’s 2025 Inverter Scorecard

• WoodMac crowns Huawei, Sungrow; top inverter makers double down on ESG, 20‑year warranties and global plants as a 2025–26 reset favors service, software and diversified demand.

Wood Mackenzie’s H1-2025 scorecard ranks Huawei (93.9) and Sungrow (93.7) No. 1 and 2, followed by SMA, Fronius, Ginlong/Solis, GoodWe, SolarEdge, TMEIC, Aiswei/Solplanet and Enphase. Covering 23 makers and 90% of 2024 shipments, it weights ESG execution, service and supply-chain strength; all top-10 offer 20‑year warranties, eight invest >6% in R&D.

Regional manufacturing is widening; four leaders produce across China, Europe, India, the U.S., Southeast Asia and Israel, aiding local-content rules and grid-forming rollout. WoodMac expects a 2025–26 contraction as inventories normalize; winners will lean on diversified demand, service-led revenue and software. Buyers should prioritize reliability, warranties and supply backups.

Which inverter makers top WoodMac’s 2025 scorecard, and how should buyers respond?

• Top-ranked makers: Huawei (No. 1) and Sungrow (No. 2), followed by SMA, Fronius, Ginlong/Solis, GoodWe, SolarEdge, TMEIC, Aiswei/Solplanet and Enphase
  
• What sets leaders apart: strong execution on sustainability and governance, robust after‑sales/service networks, diversified manufacturing footprints, and sustained R&D intensity

Buyer checklist:

• Prioritize field reliability data, long warranties (20+ years where applicable), and proven service SLAs with local spares
• Require grid-support functionality (grid-forming, ride-through, fast frequency response), cybersecurity credentials, and safe design (arc-fault, rapid shutdown)
  
• Ensure software maturity: high-uptime monitoring, open APIs, secure OTA updates, and EMS/DERMS compatibility
  
• Validate compliance with evolving codes and interconnection standards (e.g., UL 1741 SB/IEEE 1547, IEEE 2800, EU NC RfG, India CEA)
  
• De-risk supply: qualify at least two vendors per segment, diversify country-of-origin to meet local-content and trade rules, and secure spare-parts frameworks
  
• Align with financiers: choose models on lender-approved lists and scrutinize vendor balance-sheet strength
  
• Optimize TCO: weigh efficiency at operating conditions, clipping strategy, thermal design, and O&M bundles over headline CAPEX

Segment guidance:

• Utility-scale: favor high-current, 1500V string or modular central platforms with grid-forming roadmaps and skid-integrated serviceability
• C&I: seek shade-tolerant MPPT density, rapid shutdown compliance, and aggregator-friendly APIs
  
• Residential: consider hybrid inverters with certified battery ecosystems, backup power, EV-charger integration, and tariff-optimization software
  
• Procurement timing and risk:
  
• Expect near-term demand digestion; negotiate but avoid overstocking, and lock price/lead-time with flexible delivery windows
• Build inventory buffers for critical spares and firmware rollback plans to mitigate update risks