Fronius GEN24 vs Sungrow SH hybrid inverter Perth: which is right for your system?

When Perth buyers ask about solar + battery systems, the two most common hybrid inverter options are Fronius GEN24 and Sungrow SH. Both are DC-coupled hybrids that manage panels and batteries in one unit. Here's how to choose between them.

Products being compared

Fronius Primo GEN24 (single-phase): Fronius's current single-phase hybrid. Available 3–10kW. The GEN24 is the successor to the Fronius Primo and is hybrid-ready from day one — battery can be added at installation or later.

Sungrow SH (single-phase hybrid): Sungrow's single-phase hybrid range (SH3RS, SH4RS, SH5RS, SH6RS, SH8RS, SH10RS). The SH is Sungrow's hybrid line and is distinct from their SG string inverter range.

Specification comparison

| Spec | Fronius Primo GEN24 5kW | Sungrow SH5RS | |---|---|---| | Max output | 5kW | 5kW | | MPPT channels | 2 | 2 | | Peak efficiency | 97.5% | 98.4% | | Battery compatibility | BYD HVM/HVS (primarily) | Sungrow SBR (only) | | Backup power | Yes (via Fronius Ohmpilot option) | Yes | | Three-phase option | Fronius Symo GEN24 | Sungrow SH8/10/15/25KRT | | Monitoring | Fronius Solar.web | Sungrow iSolarCloud | | Base warranty | 5 years | 5 years | | Extended warranty | 10 years | 10 years |

Battery ecosystem: the defining difference

This is the most significant practical difference between the two.

Sungrow SH is locked to Sungrow SBR: The Sungrow SH hybrid inverter is designed to work with Sungrow SBR batteries only. The SBR uses a proprietary Sungrow BMS protocol — third-party batteries cannot be paired. The benefit is that the SH + SBR combination is tight, well-tested, and typically the sharpest-priced solar + battery option in Perth. The constraint is that you are permanently locked to Sungrow batteries for any future expansion.

Fronius GEN24 primarily pairs with BYD: The GEN24's primary validated DC-coupled battery pairing in Australia is BYD HVM/HVS. Fronius also publishes compatibility with some other high-voltage LFP batteries. The GEN24 + BYD HVM combination is well-validated in Perth by Fronius-authorised installers. While less battery-choice flexibility than some inverters, BYD is a leading global battery manufacturer and the pairing is technically strong.

Summary: Sungrow SH + SBR is one-brand integrated. GEN24 + BYD HVM is a two-brand pairing that Fronius authorises and supports. Both are closed ecosystems in practice.

Efficiency

Sungrow SH5RS claims 98.4% peak efficiency vs Fronius GEN24's 97.5% peak. In real Perth conditions (temperature, partial load), the difference in annual yield is small — typically under 1% — and unlikely to be the deciding factor.

Backup during grid outages

Fronius GEN24: Supports backup operation during grid outages. The GEN24 can form a local grid using the battery, and solar can continue charging the battery during the outage. The GEN24 also offers compatibility with the Fronius Ohmpilot load controller for diverting excess solar to a hot water element during the day.

Sungrow SH: Also supports backup operation. The SH can power a backup output circuit from the SBR battery during a grid outage, and solar generation can continue during the outage. Sungrow's implementation requires the backup circuit to be pre-wired (a subboard for backup loads).

Both support meaningful grid-outage backup, but the specific implementation details (backup circuit capacity, maximum backup power, configuration requirements) vary by model and installation. Confirm backup requirements with your installer before signing.

Monitoring

Fronius Solar.web: Widely regarded as one of the better monitoring platforms in the Perth market. Provides generation, consumption, battery, and export data with clean visualisation. Also allows energy tariff setup for cost analysis. Installers and owners both rate Solar.web positively.

Sungrow iSolarCloud: Sungrow's monitoring platform — functional and improving. Provides similar data (generation, battery, consumption, export, self-sufficiency). Mobile app available. Some users find the interface less polished than Solar.web, but the data quality is comparable.

Perth installer depth

Sungrow SH benefits from Sungrow's dominant Perth installer network — the widest of any brand in Western Australia. If a fault occurs, finding a Sungrow-experienced technician in Perth is straightforward.

Fronius GEN24 has a well-established Perth installer base, though smaller than Sungrow's. Fronius-authorised installers in Perth have typically undergone Fronius factory training. The warranty claim pathway through Fronius Australia is considered reliable.

Perth pricing

| System (6.6kW solar + battery) | Approximate Perth installed price | |---|---| | 6.6kW + Sungrow SH5RS + 9.6kWh SBR | $12,000–$16,000 | | 6.6kW + Fronius GEN24 5kW + BYD HVM 8.28kWh | $13,500–$17,500 |

Sungrow SH + SBR is typically $1,000–$2,000 cheaper than the Fronius + BYD combination at equivalent capacity, reflecting Sungrow's scale and integrated ecosystem.

Which to choose

Choose Sungrow SH + SBR when:

• Price is a primary consideration (typically cheaper than GEN24 + BYD)
• You're comfortable with the Sungrow battery ecosystem (no third-party battery option)
• Your installer has Sungrow SH service experience and SBR battery stock
• You want the deepest Perth installer network for long-term service

Choose Fronius GEN24 + BYD HVM when:

• Your installer is Fronius-authorised and recommends the GEN24
• Fronius Solar.web monitoring is a priority
• You prefer the Fronius brand's European reputation for quality
• BYD's battery capacity options (8.28–16.56kWh HVM range) suit your needs

Fronius GEN24 and Sungrow SH are both strong hybrid choices for Perth. Sungrow SH + SBR is typically cheaper and benefits from the widest installer network; Fronius GEN24 + BYD offers Solar.web monitoring and Fronius's engineering reputation. Get quotes for both and compare the total system cost — the inverter choice should follow the installer's expertise and service relationship, not brand preference alone.