Single-Phase vs Three-Phase: Which System Do You Need?

One of the first things that decides which solar-and-storage system you can install is whether your premises runs on single-phase or three-phase power. It is a quick thing to check and it determines the inverter you need. Here is what it means and how to tell.

What the difference is

Single-phase power delivers electricity over one live conductor and suits ordinary household loads. Three-phase delivers it over three, which carries more power more smoothly and is used where loads are larger or need balancing, such as big air-conditioning, lifts, pumps, motors and most businesses.

How to tell which you have

Look at your main incoming breaker or your CEB bill. A single live wire into a single-pole main switch is single-phase. Three live wires into a three-pole main is three-phase. Larger homes, villas, hotels and factories are usually three-phase. If you are not certain, we confirm it on the site visit.

The system must match

The hybrid inverter has to match your supply. A single-phase premises needs a single-phase hybrid inverter (typically 5-12 kW for homes); a three-phase premises needs a three-phase one (typically 10-20 kW). You cannot run a three-phase system on a single-phase supply, and moving from single- to three-phase is a separate utility upgrade.

Which should you choose?

It is not really a choice, it follows your supply and load. Most ordinary homes are single-phase and are well served by a compact single-phase all-in-one system. Large homes, villas and businesses with heavy or three-phase loads need a three-phase system, and our all-in-one ESS range covers both, single-phase from 6 kW and three-phase to 20 kW.

Not sure? Let the tool decide

You do not need to work this out alone. Our build-my-system tool asks a couple of questions and points you to the right configuration, and a consultant confirms your phase and sizing on the quotation.