Which inverter to choose ?
When it comes to choosing a solar inverter for your photovoltaic installation, several factors must be considered to optimize your system’s performance and efficiency. Selecting a solar panel inverter depends primarily on the size of the installation and your specific needs. A solar panel inverter converts the direct current (DC) generated by the panels into alternating current (AC), which can be used to power your electrical devices.
Among the most popular options, solar panel inverters from brands such as SMA and I'M SOLAR stand out for their features and advantages. Whether you opt for a traditional solar panel inverter or a hybrid solar inverter, each solution offers benefits depending on your specific needs, the size of your installation, and your budget. To help you make the best choice, we invite you to check out our comparison between the SMA SUNNY BOY SB 3.0 and the I'M SOLAR HPK3000. This comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both brands to guide you in your decision.
Comparison between SMA and I'M SOLAR
SMA SUNNY BOY SB 3.0
inverter
I'M SOLAR HPK-3000
inverter




Advantages of SMA inverter
Advantages of I'M SOLAR inverter
With its two independent inputs, the SMA inverter allows installing panels on two different roofs, optimizing energy production in shading or different orientation situations.
The SMA ShadeFix technology adjusts the voltage in the solar panels to optimize production even in case of partial shading, avoiding the need for optimizers or microinverters.
You can monitor your installation's performance in real time via the Sunny Portal, allowing easy and efficient management of production and consumption.
Ideal for residential self-consumption with energy storage. The SMA inverter can be easily connected to lithium batteries to optimize energy management.
The IM SOLAR HPK-3000 offers higher efficiency than the SMA Sunny Boy, maximizing your system's effectiveness and minimizing energy losses.
Its wide MPPT voltage range allows for greater flexibility in solar panel selection, ensuring optimal performance in various installation conditions.
At a more affordable price than the SMA Sunny Boy, it represents a cost-effective option without compromising performance and advanced features.
Like Solax Power, I'M SOLAR comes with a 10-year warranty and a robust construction, ensuring long-term reliability.
Disadvantages of SMA inverter
Disadvantages of I'M SOLAR inverter
Although efficient, the SMA inverter's efficiency is slightly lower than that of some other inverters on the market, particularly IM SOLAR.
The cost of the SMA Sunny Boy inverter is often higher compared to similar models, making the IM SOLAR option more competitive for budget-conscious installations.
Although efficient, the IM SOLAR does not have advanced shading management technology like SMA ShadeFix, which may require the use of optimizers in shaded installations.
Although compatible with the IM SOLAR app, it may be slightly less integrated into complex energy storage systems compared to the SMA inverter.
How does a solar inverter work?
A solar inverter is a key component in a photovoltaic system because it transforms the energy produced by your solar panels into a form of electricity that you can use at home. Here’s how it works, step by step:
1. Energy production: Solar panels capture energy from the sun in the form of direct current (DC).
2. Current conversion: The inverter takes this direct current and converts it into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used by most household appliances.
3. Efficiency optimization: The inverter continuously adjusts electricity production based on sunlight conditions and energy demand, ensuring optimal performance.
4. Protection and monitoring: It also provides safety functions, such as shutting down in case of failure, and allows system performance monitoring via an app or online interface.
In summary, the inverter is the central element that makes solar energy directly usable for your daily needs while maximizing system efficiency.
Why choose I'M SOLAR HPK-3000?
The IM SOLAR HPK3000 inverter is the ideal solution for maximizing the production of your photovoltaic system while optimizing your investment. Unlike an SMA inverter, it offers an exceptional efficiency of 99.5%, ensuring ultra-efficient energy conversion. Thanks to its wide MPPT range (80-480V), it perfectly adapts to various types of solar panels and guarantees stable production, even in variable conditions.
Equipped with advanced connectivity (Ethernet/WiFi), this grid inverter allows real-time monitoring of your installation, making it easier to track and optimize your self-consumption. Moreover, with a 10-year warranty, the IM SOLAR HPK3000 combines performance, reliability, and affordability, positioning itself as a more economical and efficient alternative to SMA inverter models.
How to buy it from us ?
#1 - I select from our list
You are on the product page. On this page, you will find the price and delivery time. Click on "add to cart" to place your order on our online store.
#2 - I confirm my order
Select the desired quantity. Add it to your cart. Create your account on I'M Solar. Click on "my cart". In step 3 of your cart, you can select your payment method. You can choose PayPal, credit card, Klarna, or bank transfer.
#3 - I receive my order
After confirming your order, our logistics team will prepare it. Once shipped, you will receive a tracking number for your order. Please check upon receipt. Start the installation.
What is the maximum input power?
At I'M SOLAR, we design our solar inverters to offer great installation flexibility. The HPK-3000 inverter allows you to connect up to 3000W of solar panels in input, with a maximum input capacity of 4500W under ideal conditions. This means you can connect panels with higher power without compromising the efficiency of your system.
I'M SOLAR photovoltaic panels are defined with standardized nominal power (at 25°C and 1000W/m² of solar radiation), conditions typically occurring on cool and sunny days, like in May or October. Outside these periods, panels are often warmer or less exposed to the sun, which can reduce energy production. However, even in these conditions, the 3kW single-phase hybrid inverter can still handle an input power of 4500W without degrading its long-term performance.
It's important to note that a misconception exists about thinking that a higher input power could harm the inverter's performance. This idea is incorrect. Our inverters are specifically designed to handle maximum loads and guarantee optimal efficiency throughout their lifespan.
Discover our complete range of connected I'M Solar inverters.
Connect your 3000W inverter
Order directly on our site from your manufacturer I'M SOLAR at the best price and complete your installation yourself.
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- Manage my home with the I'M SOLAR app
- Lower your electricity bills
How to connect an inverter ?
We manufacture our devices to make them as accessible as possible for everyone. Whether you are an individual or a solar professional (solar panel distributor, solar inverter reseller), these solar products are suitable for all. We provide installation videos, installation manuals, and most importantly, configuration manuals to make the installation process as easy as possible.
Ensuring a proper installation guarantees the best long-term performance of our photovoltaic products. That's why they have been designed with the term "Plug'n Play" in mind. You open the box, unpack the inverter, and install it. It works seamlessly for the next 20 years without any issues.
What is the warranty duration?
A warranty is made to not be used. That’s our observation. That’s why we design our 3000W solar panel inverters with the highest quality manufacturing in our factories. Their lifespan ranges between 15 and 20 years (depending on usage conditions).
By using transformerless microinverters, we avoid premature aging over time. No mechanical parts are in motion, so there’s no risk of breakage. Designing our products with this philosophy ensures the best long-term performance.
We currently offer a 10-year warranty on any defects. This means that within this period, if you encounter a defect, error message, alarm, or flashing LED, we take care of everything. It is important to ensure that you’ve performed a full check-up of your solar installation beforehand. Key steps include:
- Measure the voltage and current of the solar panels
- Check the connection to the inverter’s grounding
- Ensure that the electrical protections are active
- Verify that the photovoltaic panels are correctly connected
- Check that the solar connectors are properly plugged in
- Restart the inverter
A checklist is available in the inverter setup manual, where you can find the actions to take based on the defect.
If, despite following this procedure, you cannot resolve the issue with the inverter, you can contact us to schedule an appointment with a technician. Through our app, we can intervene remotely to fix the issue, correct the defect, and we will replace the unit free of charge, covering transport fees in case of an unresolved failure.

#1 - Use our simulator to get a photovoltaic inverter
Our simulator allows you, in just 3 clicks, to get a photovoltaic inverter immediately and for free. You can set up a photovoltaic solar panel installation that is easy to install and at the direct manufacturer price.

#2 - Choose the one that suits you
Choose from our solutions: micro-inverter, standard inverter, or hybrid inverter. You can also sort based on price and efficiency.

#3 - Have your solar inverter installed if you don't know how
If you don't want to install it yourself, although it's easy to do, you can ask our WORKEE installer network to do it for you. This option is available in our simulator if they are available in your area.