Clenergy review

Clenergy - Inverter Reviews

2.9

Based on 48 ratings

Finn's Clenergy Inverters Review & Verdict

Finn Peacock has been a Chartered Electrical Engineer since 1998, and is ex-CSIRO

Clenergy was quite a well-known inverter brand in Australia years ago, but judging by the reviews below, from about 2016 onwards in particular, their SPH inverters had reliability issues that were amplified by warranty problems.

As for their newish TNK-branded hybrid inverters, we haven't heard much about them—probably because they are only compatible with TNK batteries.

Clenergy Inverters: Pros & Cons

  • Australian company (manufactures in China)
  • SPH inverter reliability and warranty issues.
  • Hybrid inverters (TNK) only compatible with TNK battery.

About Clenergy

Clenergy was founded in 2007 in Melbourne, Victoria, and still has an office there today - but its products are manufactured in China. 

Clenergy Australian Contact Details

Address: Unit 1, Level 1, 10 Duerdin Street, Clayton VIC 3068
Phone: 03 9239 8088
Email: [email protected]
Website

Company Info

After its founding in 2007, Clenergy set up manufacturing in Xiamen, China and developed an inverter series that was launched in Australia in 2008. It exited the solar inverter game some years ago (our memories are fuzzy on exactly when) to focus on making racking and tracking systems.

But in recent years Clenergy has expanded again, into cable management, home batteries and hybrid inverters - the latter two under the TNK brand. It has also waded into the portable battery and solar panel scene under the Jeri brand.

As well as an office in Australia and manufacturing in China, the company has offices in Japan, Germany, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Korea and Vietnam.

SPH Series Inverters - Discontinued

Clenergy’s original residential string inverters were the SolarPowerHouse (SPH) series, which were available in capacities of 1.5 kW to 6 kW and offered conversion efficiencies of 94% - 96%. They had dimensions from 362mm x 312mm x 131mm to 515 mm x 464 mm x 142 mm depending on the model and weighed from 14kg to 27kg.

The SPH had an operating temperatures range of -25 to 55ºC and an ingress rating of IP65.

TNK Hybrid Inverters - Current

These days, Clenergy's inverter offerings only consist of single phase hybrid inverters under a newish brand, TNK. These are available in 5kW and 6kW output capacities and are approved by Australia's Clean Energy Council at the time of updating this page in early 2025. These hybrid inverters can handle 160% oversizing of a PV array and feature integrated blackout protection with built-in EPS.

Both TNK inverters have dimensions of 405 x 480 x 205 mm and weigh 24.2kg. Their operating temperature range is −25°C – +60°C, they have natural convection cooling and an ingress rating of IP66 making them suitable for installation outdoors.

The only batteries these inverters are compatible with is the TNK LV10.

Warranty Information

Clenergy SPH inverters came with a 5-year product warranty that could be extended to 10 years. But the standard warranty reportedly didn't cover labor or freight costs. It's a bit of a moot point now, with all these inverters out of warranty. If your Clenergy SPH inverter has given up the ghost, it's not worth repairing - pick up some tips on choosing a good solar inverter, along with recommendations on brands to consider.

The newer TNK hybrid inverters are accompanied by a 10-year product warranty. The warranty states costs of removal, installation and freight are not covered by Clenergy unless otherwise agreed by the company, and freight definitely isn't if the customer's premises are more than 50 kilometres from the nearest Clenergy authorised service agent.

Clenergy has no solar inverters in our database

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Clenergy Reviews (48)

Show Most Relevant reviews from All time

  • 5 star 5
  • 4 star 18
  • 3 star 5
  • 2 star 6
  • 1 star 14

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Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

As above, have now had it on for 12 mths. Have not had a bill during that time, and have just received a chq from ergon for over $700! As far as answer on service question, we have not had to call them so cant judge.

Panel Brand

Kaneka

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Initially the inverter, although working well, produced very strong radio interference in the AM band, meaning that some stations could not be listened to in about half of the house. Eventually the inverter was replaced by Clenergy, and the new one, although producing some interference, was acceptable.


Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

The only time we have had the inverter recalibrate is when there has been interruptions to supply due to work in our area. Otherwise the system appears stable - for someone who knows nothing about what should be happening - and if the blue light is on we are happy and it appears to be working well.

Panel Brand

Suntech

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

CEEG (Shanghai) Solar Science and Technology (Other)

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

The only frustrating things about this inverter are:
1. I can't read the figures off the LCD after the panels have finished charging for the day. I read the power generated figure, and save the data in a spreadsheet (along with 2 items of data from my smart meter - the total exported for the day, and the total used for the day.)
2. No WIFI connection / IP address, so I can't remotely read the power generated figures. I called the company re this (because it is supposedly an 'option' however it is still not available as of August 2012.

Panel Brand

Suntech

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Seraphim

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

A very disappointing experience! I have had 2 Clenergy SPH30 inverter failures in under 10 years. When I raised the issue with Origin (my installer), they failed to return my call on two occasions and were totally arrogant in their approach; just saying it was out of manufacturers warranty. I don't believe the solar system supplied by Origin was value for money and doubt if it was ever economic given I'm quoted $1500 for a replacement inverter. From what I can see on the net an inverter should last 10 years.... I've averaged less than 5! I suspect this should be covered by Australian consumer law as I think I've been sold a lemon.

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

We bought a 3kw solar system about 10 years ago when they were still quite expensive. We had the clenergy inverter which lasted about 4 years then it needed replacing, then the new one they installed lasted not even a year. I never bothered replacing it again as it was such a hassle.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Purchased system from Origion, has failed 3 times $600 for replacement reconditioned unit, don't do it, buy a suitable replacement from elsewhere.

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Yes awful is appropriate description without swearing I guess? Failed twice no warranty now. I can't afford a new inverter. Rubbish.. I purchased from origin being a reputable company

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

We moved house 7yrs ago and put in a 3kw system with Sharp ERS. Since then, they have put in 4 inverters under warranty because they literally kept blowing up....the first time in hubby's face ???? Warranty units have only been refurbished which I was never happy about.
Anyway, 2yrs down the track since the last one was installed it's shit itself 2 days ago.....and we have no warranty.

If I could I'd give Clenergy 0 out of 5 stars. Same for the company who installed the POS which we worked very hard for to buy. They palmed us off directly to Clenergy for all the issues we had and never took responsibility for supplying a crap product.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Inverter has failed 4 times . Now out of warranty. Terrible product

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

We have our 3rd SPH20 inverter in 7 years but the warrenty does not reset when they replace a faulty one very poor warrenty and now this ones stuffed

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Clenergy SPH15 first installed in 2013. This one lasted 2 years then GFCI Fault and had to be replaced. That one lasted only one year before the same fault meant another replacement. Crikeys! Not too flash these inverters. Now, just today, again, it has failed. Same fault. So that's 4 inverters in 5 years. That's awful in my opinion.

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

A terrible Inverter, Unreliable. 2 replacements in last 4 years. Out of warranty. When I check the repair companies they tell me there are no parts available to repair SPH-15 system. That there has been a rash of failures in Gold coast in the last 3 weeks. 30-04-2018. repairers told me it was prone to failure. They believed it was a faulty design.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

In the past 5 years I have had 3 Clenergy Inverters as each one has basically just switched itself off and gone blank. I was under warranty until 2 weeks ago when the third inverter “died”. Origin Energy have told me that they no longer use that brand and because I am now out of warranty and have had so many issues in the past they are prepared to install a Zever inverter at cost price. I have agreed as my warranty will start again but I believe it is only a 5 year warranty as before. Hopefully this brand will live up to expectations!

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Ground check issue after 3 yrs, system was replaced but another issue after 3 yrs. Can no longer get a replacement as it is out of 5 yrs warranty. I dont think this junk is good for the environment at all.. Australian government should be more stricter in approving junk products into australian households

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

2 relay failures in 6 years not happy. Out of warranty now so changing brand,

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Initially they installed my inverter under my electricity box when after about 6 months they rang to tell me it was in the wrong spot and put it in a totally different place. Now it has totally died only two weeks after the 5 year warranty ran out. Only lasted 5 years!

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

First one replaced under warranty 6 months after origin installed system. Second one just out of warranty and is now not working, with the same problem " ground fault" showing on screen. $180 for origin to fault find and another $800 to replace. 1.5 kw system feeds into grid and "saves" me around $350 a year. I'll be fitting something more reliable myself!

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Had system installed by EnergyAware in March 2011 and was happy with system until now. The Clenergy SPH30 inverter has now failed, outside the 5 year warranty. Should last more than 6 years before failing. So while I would recommend EnergyAware, who are providing support to me (and are easy to contact and respond to queries), I am not happy with Clenergy or their product, and would not recommend them. In addition, Clenergy provided a document that implied I had a 10 year warranty, but the warranty was actually only for 5 years - misleading.

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Origin fitted unit failed 3 times in the 5 year warranty period replaced with repaired units each time now out of warranty 4 months went again.

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

I have replaced one clenergy inverter under warranty and now that one needs to be replaced after 2 years of service. Avoid clenergy inverters. A neighbor of mine has had to replace his clenergy inverter twice as well. VERY POOR RELIABILITY. Original systems were installed by Origin energy in 2011.

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

second unit packed up in five years and two month! Do not buy this inverter!

System Cost

$10,000 to $15,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Shuts down often, reboots. Exploded 2 month out of warranty, Origin not interested. Clenergy not interested. Fair trading to be looking into this item.

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

I had a Clenergy SPH15 installed about 4-5 years ago as a 1.5KW pay over 2 year package thru Origin Energy and, whilst I am not unhappy about the savings, I am already on my third (warranty replaced) invertor and am concerned about what the cost will be if/when the current invertor turns its toes up out of warranty. In both failure cases it took nearly 2 months for warranty action.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Very rarely goes over 1.5 on very sunny North Queensland . Third unit now gone faulty in less than 5 years.

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

I have had Solar since May 2011, The SPH15 was replaced within the first year, waited 2 months for replacement from Origin. Failed again Dec 2014, replaced within 2 weeks.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Awaiting info from Modern no paperwork supplied for panels (Other)

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

The installers wanted to install my inverter in the sun facing north all day. I asked them to install it in the shade as that was what I'd read was best for inverters. It was installed in the shade and has been happily working.

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Suntech

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Conergy

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

No noise at all unlike the neighbours.

Panel Brand

Conergy

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Trina

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

DelSolar

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

ET Solar

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

able to see performance during the day. also able to see how much power has been made over a period of time

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

not sure (Other)

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

The only thing personally I would like is a way to remotely view the inverter readout which is not an option with this inverter, but I know other inverters do allow a remote unit to be located in the house, but I gather that would be subject any relevant price increase and whether after extra cost it is still worth it.

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Panel Brand

DelSolar

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

My inverter malfunctioned and it took me over a month to get it replaced under warrantee

Panel Brand

Not sure (Other)

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

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