What’s the deal with Fox ESS inverters?
If you’re considering a quote with a Fox ESS inverter, you’re probably wondering whether they’re any good.
Fox ESS is one of the leading inverter manufacturers in the UK market, so it’s fair to say that they must be doing something right.
But as with all brands and products in solar, they’re not for everyone.
You have to find the system that works best for your specific situation.
Lucky for you, your friendly solar nerds are here to clue you in.
Give us 4 minutes of your time, and we’ll give you a good idea as to whether or not Fox ESS inverters are a good shout for you.
So, is Fox ESS right for you?
Fox ESS were founded in 2019 in China, and they’ve quickly established themselves as a popular choice with UK installers and homeowners.
We’d say they’re an excellent choice if:
You want a cost-effective inverter
Fox ESS inverters are priced lower than many premium brands like SMA, Fronius, or Tesla, but they still offer a solid set of features.
This is because Fox ESS is part of a larger group, Tsingshan Group, so they can take advantage of large-scale manufacturing while keeping costs down.
In fact, a few months back, we had the opportunity to speak with a Fox ESS representative.
They were clear that it’s their actual value proposition to keep prices as low as possible without compromising on crucial quality components.
One example of this is that they use capacitors from the renowned Japanese brand Nippon Chemi-con.
Capacitors are among the most stressed components in an inverter and risk early wear.
In a typical inverter, capacitor costs can represent up to 20% of the price.
By using capacitors from a reliable brand, Fox ESS are securing the longevity of their systems.
Their vertical integration is another key competitive advantage.
The company controls multiple stages of production and supply, from raw materials to final product. This includes lithium mines for battery production. And they manufacture many components internally rather than buying from suppliers.
This gives them better control over quality and costs, and ultimately enables more competitive prices for end customers without compromising product quality.
So, if your priority is cost but you don’t want to compromise too much on quality, these are a good call.
You want a hybrid inverter with flexible battery solutions
Many Fox ESS inverters are hybrid, which means they can handle both the solar power generation part and the battery storage. So, you won’t need to buy a separate battery.
Add to this that their systems have wi-fi or Ethernet remote monitoring built in, so you won’t have to pay for a third-party monitoring system either.
And they have scalable battery options, so you can start small and manageable, and expand capacity later on if you need to.
Based on this, Fox ESS make the minefield of solar that little bit simpler.
You want high-efficiency solar conversion
Fox ESS inverters typically operate at 97-98% efficiency, which means minimal energy loss during conversion and a better return on investment (ROI) over time for you.
This is on a par with Growatt, Solis, and even some premium brands, like Fronius or SMA models.
You want your inverter installed outdoors, and you live in a cold climate
All Fox ESS inverters can be installed outdoors and come with an IP65 rating, which means they are well sealed and protected from dust and water.
They can also operate in cold climates, down to -25°C temperatures. But most Fox ESS batteries must be installed in frost-free conditions.
Another plus when you think about the bitter winters we now get in the UK.
They have a competitive residential inverter range
Fox ESS offers a wide selection of inverters suitable for all types of homes, from small terraced houses to large detached properties. So, it’s highly likely they have an option to fit you.
Their range includes both string inverters for solar-only systems and hybrid inverters for solar + battery installations.
| Model | Type | Phases | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Series | String | Single | Basic string inverter. Ultra-low start-up voltage, compact design. Ideal for small residential installations. 0.7 to 3.3 kW. |
| F Series | String | Single | Suitable for medium residential installations. 3 to 6 kW. |
| G Series | String | Single | For larger residential installations. 7 to 10.5 kW. |
| H1 | Hybrid | Single | Hybrid inverter with built-in battery compatibility. Features remote monitoring and advanced features. 3 to 6 kW. |
| T Series | String | Three | Three-phase string inverter. Optimized for large installations with multiple array orientations. 3 to 25 kW |
| H3 | Hybrid | Three | Basic hybrid inverter. 5 to 15 kW. |
| H3 Smart | Hybrid | Three | Advanced hybrid inverter. 5 to 15 kW. |
There really are a lot of advantages offered by this brand, and their reliability has held up so far.
But before you rush out and place an order, here are some things to bear in mind.
Here’s why Fox ESS inverters might not be the right choice for you.
Fox ESS is a young company, having only been established in 2019. So, if you want an established manufacturer with a long history in the solar energy space, you probably want to look elsewhere.
Then there’s the fact that some people are cautious about overseas brands.
Add to this that if you want to mix batteries and inverters from different brands, depending on the needs of your particular system, Fox ESS can limit you.
And while their quality seems to be holding up, they are still something of a budget option compared to options like Tesla, SMA, or Solaredge.
Warranty & Registration
Then there’s the warranty to consider. Fox ESS comes with a standard 5-year warranty (60 months from installation or 65 months from manufacture date). And this can be extended to 10 years at no cost by registering the product within 36 months of manufacture, and connecting it to the Fox Cloud platform for monitoring.
This isn’t bad by any stretch, although it’s not the best (we’ve seen warranties of 12 and 15 years). And bear in mind that the company reserves the right to either repair the product on-site, at a designated service centre, or provide a replacement product. And labour costs for removing the faulty unit and installing a replacement are not covered under the warranty.
The final word
Fox ESS sits in the mid-range market segment, offering features and reliability comparable to established Chinese manufacturers like Sungrow, Growatt, and GoodWe, but at a more competitive price point.
And while European brands like Fronius and SMA have longer track records and are considered premium options, they typically come at a significantly higher cost.
Let’s recap:
Good stuff:
- Cost-effectiveness – Well-engineered inverters and often sold at lower prices than competitors
- Efficiency – High performance comparable to established brands
- Expandable battery storage (Hybrid models only) – Additional modules can be added later as your needs change
- Remote Monitoring and Display – Many models feature built-in screens for easy monitoring
- Durability – IP65 rated for outdoor installation, operates down to -25°C, which means inverters are protected from dust, water, and work in cold climates
Stuff to pause over:
- Chinese manufacturer – Not everyone is happy to deal with an overseas manufacturer
- Relatively new brand – Founded in 2019, younger than many competitors
- Limited battery options – Only compatible with Fox ESS batteries
- Support is primarily via email – Phone support is largely only available for installers, at the moment anyway
- Warranty – not bad if you register to get the additional 10 years, but still, not the best
So, there you have it. The lowdown on Fox ESS inverters, and whether they might be a good option for your home.
But inverters are just one piece of the solar puzzle
There’s a lot to consider when you’re buying solar panels.
It’s hard to make decisions on specific components without looking at the needs of the whole system and how the different elements interact. (You wouldn’t put mountain bike tyres on a Range Rover, would you?)
First, you need to get clear on the wider picture – your energy needs and the specifics of your home. Then you can zoom in on the finer points and compare products side by side.
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