AlphaESS, SMILE-M5-S-INV
AlphaESS SMILE-M5-S
Single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter with 2 MPPTs and 10 kW PV input, built to stack with AlphaESS 5 kWh battery modules (5 to 30 kWh).
- AC output
- 5 kW
- Max PV input
- 10 kW
- MPPT trackers
- 2
- Warranty
- 10 yrs
Our read of the datasheet
The SMILE-M5-S is a 5 kW single-phase hybrid, a size that suits many homes with a 6.6 kW array. AlphaESS allows up to 10 kW of PV, 200% of the AC rating, so there is room to add panels later, although output above 5 kW AC is limited by the inverter.
Two MPPTs, each taking one string at up to 16 A, cover a roof split across two faces. The inverter stacks with AlphaESS 5 kWh LFP modules, from one module (5 kWh) to six (30 kWh), with battery charge and discharge capped at 5 kW.
The datasheet lists UPS-type backup but gives no backup power rating and no efficiency figures, and it is marked preliminary. Ask the installer for the final datasheet and how the backup circuits will be wired. AlphaESS states a 10-year warranty.
We have not tested this inverter. This summary follows from the manufacturer's published specifications, checked 23 September 2026.
Strengths
- Accepts up to 10 kW of PV on a 5 kW AC rating
- Two MPPTs for a two-face roof
- Stacks with 1 to 6 AlphaESS 5 kWh modules (5 to 30 kWh)
- 10-year warranty stated on the datasheet
Things to check
- Datasheet is marked preliminary and omits efficiency and backup power ratings
- Battery charge and discharge capped at 5 kW
- One string per MPPT
Specifications
- Type
- Hybrid
- Rated AC output
- 5 kW
- Phases
- Single-phase
- MPPT trackers
- 2
- Max PV input
- 10 kW
- Backup
- UPS-type backup listed; backup power rating not stated
- Compatible batteries
- AlphaESS SMILE-M-BAT-5P modules, 1 to 6 in parallel (5 to 30 kWh)
- Warranty
- 10 years
- IP rating
- IP65
- Weight
- 19.5 kg
Compare with
All invertersBLUETTI
BLUETTI EP760
Single-phase 7.6 kW hybrid inverter with 3 MPPTs, built to run with 2 to 8 BLUETTI B500 battery packs (9.9 to 39.68 kWh).
- AC output
- 7.6 kW
- Max PV input
- 15.2 kW
- MPPT trackers
- 3
EcoFlow
EcoFlow PowerOcean 5 kW Single-Phase
Single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter with 2 MPPTs and 11 kW PV input, paired with EcoFlow 5.1 kWh LFP packs up to 20.4 kWh.
- AC output
- 5 kW
- Max PV input
- 11 kW
- MPPT trackers
- 2
Enphase
Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter
Microinverter rated at 380 VA (384 VA maximum) per panel, accepting up to 505 W DC input, with a 25-year limited warranty.
- AC output
- 0.38 kW
- Max PV input
- 0.51 kW
- MPPT trackers
- 1