Samil Power review

Samil Power - Inverter Reviews

3.8

Based on 108 ratings

Finn's Samil Power Inverters Review & Verdict

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

Samil Power inverters turned out to be cheap and nasty, leaving Australian owners in the lurch after the company mysteriously exited from Australia (and everywhere else), taking warranty and tech support with them. This highlights the importance of choosing an inverter brand wisely.

Samil Power Inverters: Pros & Cons

  • Too cheap
  • Company no longer operating

About Samil Power

Samil Power Co. Ltd. was established in 2008 as part of Samil Group. Their headquarters, main manufacturing as well as marketing offices were located in China, but other offices were located in Germany, Italy, France and Australia. Samil Power manufactured solar inverters for both residential and commercial applications.

Samil's Sneaky Exit From Australia

Around late 2015 Samil Power inverter owners started having issues with tech and warranty support, which worsened in 2016. There were a number of reports the company simply wasn't answering calls, or making commitments and not following up. 

But it wasn't until May 2018 Australia's Clean Energy Council removed Samil Power Wuxi Co. Ltd from its approved inverter list, as the company had not responded to the CEC’s request for information on sales and outstanding warranty claims. Better late than never, but still - the warning flags were there for a long time prior.

Samil Power Inverter Warranties

Some Samil Power inverters had a ten-year warranty, which was pretty generous at the time. But a warranty is only good if the company hangs around to honour it. There may be still a few of these devices about the place with warranty left. If you have one of them, you'll need to contact the installer if you have a problem as they are responsible for warranty claims.

But if your installer has also disappeared, I'm afraid you're out of luck. Unless you can find someone to repair it (and it will cost you), the only (and better) alternative is to buy a new inverter. But before you do, check out my guide to buying solar inverters, which among other things lists brands I trust not to pull a Samil Power-type trick.

Samil Power has no solar inverters in our database

Filter by:

Price 
Inverter Size 
Phase type 

Load more inverters Collapse inverters table

 

Samil Power Reviews (108)

Show Most Relevant reviews from All time

  • 5 star 28
  • 4 star 54
  • 3 star 13
  • 2 star 4
  • 1 star 9

View Timeline

Great inverter for the age never had a fault but needs to be replaced for a new system because the panels are damaged.
They have left australia before the warranty went though.

Was initially installed with 4kw of panels and had a extra kw added later.

System Cost

$15,000 to $20,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Power Saving Centre
So far we have had no issues. The 4KW (16 panels) system has been in use since Sept '15 and they are working as they should. However it is important to realise that 4KWs does not mean 4KW of power made every hour. At full capacity they are lucky to produce 3KWs and the sunnier the day the less likely they are to reach full capacity., best days are those that are slightly hazy. The energy supplier will still charge at least $1 a day for connection to them.

Panel Brand

Renesola

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

4kW

Installed By

Mark Group Regional VIC
We chose a WiFi option so that we can a) monitor its performance remotely and b) any faults or problems can be sorted by the manufacturer, remotely. It was installed and paid for on the 19/12/2014.
We had to replace our faulty router/modem, having to resynch all components using WiFi to link with the new modem. I resynced my printer, tablets, phones and FetchTV. However unable to synch inverter. I contacted Brett from Green and Gold Solar for assistance, as the original synching was a drama and he had to come and initialize the Inverter using his computer. This is where the frustration started. My initial phone call in mid August (now late October) it took some time before I could actually advise Brett of issue. After many phone calls, emails and text messages, repeating the same thing over and over, I was finally contacted by 'Service Agent' Brett had passed my request to. He explained he had been given my contact details to sort my problem and that service fee is $160.00.More below.

Panel Brand

Munsterland Solar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

1kW

Installed By

Green and Gold Solar Australia
Has never had a problem within the first twelve months. We obviously have no comparisons to make with other brands, but the Samil Power unit does everything required of it.

Panel Brand

Suntellite (Other)

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

4kW

Installed By

Affordable Solar Tasmania
Easy-to-read Monitoring of System performance hour by hour.
Easy to detect faults and trace reasons why.

Panel Brand

Solariver

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Sunny Solar Cairns
Our solar system has been installed for 2 years now. Have had no problems to date with the inverter. Easy Menu to scroll down through to see how much energy has been generated on a daily basis and talso gives a total to date reading.

Panel Brand

SunEarth

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

SolarMyHome

Panel Brand

Eoplly

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Mark Group Melbourne
1 x Samil SolarRiver 3300TL 3.5 kW Transformerless Inverter

Panel Brand

XH Solar (Other)

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Nicholls Solar QLD

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Y Solar
The original inverter failed at almost twelve months to the day. The unit would switch itself off and if I noticed the blank 'window' I would restart it. My installer was advised of this and the inverter supplier I believe, wanted to blame the electricity supplier and have me, at my cost, the reliability of the voltage supply verified, because the supplier suspected surges were causing the failure. I resisted that. After four more days of switching itself off being reported to my installer, the inverter supplier agreed to replace my unit under its warranty terms. My installer came out within a couple of hours of obtaining the advice from the inverter supplier and next day carried out the change-over in about fifteen minutes.The replacement is working fine, especially as I am approaching the higher generation time.

Panel Brand

CEEG

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Electrical One
Had some problems with the Geoprotek initally was replaced but okay now. Could have been
a end of line problem.
Samil installed 4-9-2012 is working good

Panel Brand

8 Ulica 250w & 8 XH 250w Panels (Other)

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Nicholls Solar QLD
In the 3rd month it started to throw the switch in the fuse box. Told Solahart about the problem late on a Friday and they fixed it 3 days later on the Monday while I was at work. Never had a problem since.

Panel Brand

NESL

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Solahart
The inverter has suffered 2 glitches, reporting failures. rnThe unit needed to be re-set, which is a simple procedure to do myself.rnWhile the fault was active the inverter stopped recording PV output.

Panel Brand

Ulica

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Nicholls Solar QLD

Panel Brand

Eoplly

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Mark Group Melbourne
Relay fault after 8 years and got luck, to find a Handyman for repair on Gumtree. Cost 200 for both relays.

System Cost

$0 to $2,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Solar 2000
We had SolarPanelOptions install a 3Kw solar system, with a Samil Solar River 5200TL inverter, in 2014.

It has operated well, and only recently displayed a "No Utility" fault.

SPO sent a technician, who replaced a connector, which had been incorrectly installed, and it's operating again. They said Samil has ceased operations, so if our inverter stops working, to give them a call and they'd come and replace it with another brand.

Apparently, they've had quite a few customers whoseSamil Solar River inverters have failed.

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Solar Panel Options
Relay fault after 7 years so had to replace inverter.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Mark Group Melbourne

Panel Brand

Canadian Solar Inc

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Red Giant Solar NSW
After four years of installation has had a relay fault and requires replacement is no longer supported as manufacturer is no longer in business

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Australian Solar Designs NSW
My inverter failed one week prior to the 5 year warranty expiring.the company don't answer the phone or email. It was recommended by Solar My Home which I haven't been able to contact either and the installer hasn't answered messages. Inverter is showing No Utility.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

SolarMyHome
Failed three times in the last 6 years. First two times replaced under warranty but now Samil can no longer be contacted in Australia. Deal with this company at your peril! Extended warranty not worth the paper it’s written on.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Inverter Review Supplier Name Withheld

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Mark Group Australia NSW
Bought my solar system in 2011 and 6 years later the inverter has stopped working, the read out is unreadable, they sent an installer to look at it, relay fault, not fixable they say, need a new Inverter at a cost of $900.00 (which I don't have), Not happy at all

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Inverter Review Supplier Name Withheld
Installed in October 2012 and has performed without faults since then.

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Mark Group Regional VIC
Dont buy this brand and especially anything from Samil Power. Warranty issues and replacement issues. They wont honour my warranty. Service desk ,well, if they answer good luck. Emails ,well ,about the same only if they do they simply jack you around until you go away. Cheap and nasty!

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Inverter Review Supplier Name Withheld
inverter works OK but be very careful about the warranty service. If the original supplier/installer has folded then any warranty work will be at your expense. If they are still going you may still be up for the payment of replacement as they may be one of the installers that aren't being paid for warranty work so aren't keen to do it unless you come up with the coin. Yes they will give you an invoice and yes you can send it in to Samil but thats where it ends. Good luck. I will be changing to another inverter when this Samil thing stops.

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Inverter Review Supplier Name Withheld
Since installing my Samil inverter 4 years ago I have had to have it replaced after 2 years and now it's not working again and no one seems to be answering their Lidcombe office No. DON'T BUY A SAMIL INVERTER!!!!

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Platinum Solar
Samil inverter faulty and lasted 3 years. Similar Samil inverter faults have been known throughout WA. Seeking claim under Samil warranty was useless and therefore consider twice before purchasing a Samil inverter as they seem unreliable and any attempts to replace or fix the fault by Samil was not responded to appropriately or adequately.

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

True Solar
I think if I had my time again I would have invested in micro inverters as you do see the effect of part shading on one panel effecting the performance of the others in the morning and the afternoon.

Panel Brand

Trina

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

All Green Environmental Solutions
Has not worked since installation in September 2014. Contacted Samil and Energy Australia. Energy Australia told me that I shouldn't expect a reduction in my electricity costs just because I have solar installed - isn't that the whole point? Samil tried to fix remotely, did not work, but no follow up. Finally in September, Energy Australia agreed to replace under warranty, am still waiting.

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Energy Australia
Adequate for the 4kw System

Panel Brand

Jinko Solar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

4kW

Installed By

Energy Australia
No issues with it at all. A silent work horse.

Panel Brand

Trina

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Australian Solar Designs NSW

Panel Brand

German Solar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Nicholls Solar NSW

Panel Brand

Trina

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Australian Solar Designs NSW
Follow up warranty service is poor and you have to keep chasing them, the panel display goes streaky, when the weather is wet, I have reported the fault to Mark group, but still have not been out to look at it, the solar circuit breaker trips out every now and again, I am not sure if it is our instant hot water service, apart from this the whole system is good and out put is good even when it is cloudy

Panel Brand

Renesola

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Mark Group Australia NSW
inverter swapped under warranty 8 months ago. Samil great to deal with according to installer.

Panel Brand

Cant remeber (Other)

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Energy Base

Panel Brand

Topsolar

System Cost

$10,000 to $15,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Solar Sunwerx
The electrician mounted it on the front veranda as this position was the least amount of work for him. It makes a high pitched squeal during daylight hours. It is annoying as people attempt to sit here. I tried to explain to Keith Meskell but the money had been paid. Moreover, on two occasions the electrical contractor left his business paper work behind and I had to priority post it to him. This man would be out of his depth in a car park puddle. Get in get out using the least fastest method. Very ordinary trade work!!

Panel Brand

German Solar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

4kW

Installed By

Electriq Pty Ltd
Installed April 2012
All seems to be good

Panel Brand

Qcells

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Nicholls Solar NSW

Panel Brand

Eoplly

System Cost

$10,000 to $15,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Mark Group Melbourne

Panel Brand

Topsun

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Solar Sunwerx
No problems to date with either of our two inverters

Panel Brand

Topsolar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

4kW

Installed By

Solar Sunwerx
At odd times it gives an inaccurate read on the amount of electricity generated for the day. The total monthly electricity generate chart does not record.

Panel Brand

Renesola

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

GreenB Group
Seems to be working OK

Panel Brand

Topsolar

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Solar Sunwerx
We have had no problems or concerns with the inverter.

Panel Brand

Eoplly

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Mark Group Melbourne

Panel Brand

LG

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

2kW

Installed By

Mannix Solar
Hassle free.

Panel Brand

Conergy Solar Module GmbH and KG

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Mark Group Brisbane
Other than so far no problems, everything is working as it should.

Panel Brand

Eoplly

System Cost

$6,000 to $10,000

System Size

4kW

Installed By

Mark Group Melbourne

Panel Brand

Eoplly

System Cost

$3,000 to $6,000

System Size

3kW

Installed By

Mark Group Brisbane

Panel Brand

ET Solar

System Cost

Under $3000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

Blu Sky Solar
Load more reviews
X
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: