If you already own a Sungrow inverter and are considering adding a battery or upgrading your existing system, there’s a new incentive that might make the decision easier. In 2025, Sungrow has launched a national Trade-In Program that allows eligible Australian homeowners to receive a credit when upgrading to a new Sungrow hybrid inverter and battery system.
This is not a cashback offer. Instead, it works through a voucher-based system, where the trade-in credit is applied via an accredited solar company and passed through the nominated Sungrow distributor. The result: a lower total system cost when switching to Sungrow’s newest generation of hybrid inverters and modular batteries.
Why does this matter?
- Many older systems are inverter-only, without battery compatibility
- More households now want solar plus battery with backup power
- The trade-in program can be stacked with federal and state battery rebates, reducing your out-of-pocket costs
- Sungrow’s new hybrid inverters are smarter, battery-ready, and better integrated with monitoring and remote support
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how the trade-in works, who’s eligible, what to expect from the upgrade, and whether it’s a smart move for your home in 2025.
Who Is Sungrow and Are Their Inverters Any Good?
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. is one of the largest and most respected clean energy technology companies in the world. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in China, Sungrow has delivered more than 340 gigawatts of installed capacity across 150+ countries, making it a global leader in solar inverter technology.
In Australia, Sungrow is a well-established name in both the residential and commercial solar space. The company has been active in the local market for over a decade and is known for delivering reliable, affordable inverters backed by Australian-based support and warranty services.
Their inverters are:
- CEC-approved for use in Australia
- Widely supported by installers nationwide
- Known for high efficiency and battery compatibility
- Backed by a standard 10-year warranty on most models
- Frequently integrated with their iSolarCloud monitoring app
Sungrow’s newer models especially their hybrid inverters are designed to work seamlessly with battery storage systems like the SBR battery series, enabling solar self-consumption, time-of-use optimisation, and backup power in the event of an outage.
So, are Sungrow inverters any good?
For most Australian homeowners, the answer is yes. While not as premium-priced as brands like Fronius, Sungrow consistently delivers excellent value for money, particularly for those looking to combine solar, battery storage, and smart monitoring in one complete system.
How the Sungrow Trade-In Program Works
The Sungrow Trade-In Program is designed to help existing customers upgrade their old solar inverter to a new Sungrow hybrid inverter and battery system through an accredited solar company. It provides a credit via voucher, applied during the upgrade process, and managed entirely by the installer and distributor — not Sungrow directly.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: You (the Homeowner) Contact an Installer
- You reach out to an accredited solar company and request a quote to upgrade your existing Sungrow inverter to a new hybrid system with a battery.
- The installer will check if your current inverter is eligible for trade-in.
- You’ll receive a quote that includes the upgrade and outlines the value of the trade-in credit.
- You’ll need to give written authorisation for the installer to proceed on your behalf.
Step 2: The Installer Manages the Trade-In Process
- The solar company confirms eligibility, submits the application, and coordinates everything with the distributor and Sungrow.
- Once approved, Sungrow issues a pre-approved voucher code tied to your case.
- After the new system is installed and operational, the installer returns your old inverter and submits final paperwork to activate the voucher.
- The trade-in value is then applied through the nominated Sungrow distributor as a credit on the installer’s invoice not as a cash rebate to you directly.
Step 3: Trade-In Credit Is Settled via Distributor
- The voucher credit is redeemed only through a Registered Sungrow Distributor.
- Sungrow issues the credit note to the distributor, who settles the trade-in value as part of the job’s billing.
- The process is handled behind the scenes so your total quote should reflect the value of the trade-in already applied.
Important Notes
- Only one inverter can be traded in per site.
- The upgrade must include a Sungrow hybrid inverter plus an eligible battery (minimum SBR096 or SBH200).
- The old inverter must be returned in relatively good condition.
- The program cannot be combined with other Sungrow promotions.
- Trade-in vouchers are only valid after the new system is fully installed and signed off.
This structure keeps the process simple for the homeowner — the installer handles everything. Your main responsibility is to choose a qualified solar company, authorise the trade-in, and review your quote carefully to understand the total value you’re receiving.
Eligibility and What’s Included in the Upgrade
Who’s Eligible for the Sungrow Inverter Trade-In?
To be eligible for the Sungrow Trade-In Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- You own an eligible Sungrow inverter listed in the official trade-in table (see below).
- You are upgrading to a Sungrow Hybrid Inverter plus either:
- A Sungrow SBR battery (minimum 9.6 kWh / SBR096), or
- A Sungrow SBH200 battery
- The upgrade takes place at the same property where the original inverter was installed.
- You work through a Sungrow-accredited solar company, who manages the trade-in process on your behalf.
- Your old inverter is returned in relatively good condition.
- You sign written authorization for the installer to submit and manage the trade-in on your behalf.
This program is only valid for one inverter per site, and cannot be combined with other Sungrow promotions.
What’s Included in the Upgrade Package?
Your Sungrow system upgrade will typically include:
- A new hybrid inverter, most commonly the SH5.0RS or SH10.0RS
- A modular Sungrow SBR battery (9.6–25.6 kWh), depending on your needs
- All mounting hardware and communications equipment
- System installation and testing by a licensed solar installer
- Sungrow’s standard 10-year warranty
- Support for connecting to the Sungrow app (iSolarCloud)
- Trade-in credit applied as part of your total system quote
- The Federal Battery Rebate, if your home and battery are eligible
Note: Pricing is offered as a complete system package, not per module or component. This simplifies quoting and ensures compliance with rebate program requirements.
How Much Do Sungrow Upgrades Cost?
Upgrade pricing can vary depending on your installer, battery size, and site specifics. Below is a general guide:
| System Size | Included | Typical Installed Price | Trade-In Credit1 | Est. Federal Rebate2 | Estimated Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.6 kWh | SH5.0RS + SBR096 | $12,000 – $14,000 | $1,000 – $1,300 | ~$3,400 | $7,300 – $9,600 |
| 12.8 kWh | SH5.0RS + SBR128 | $15,000 – $17,000 | $1,000 – $1,300 | ~$4,700 | $9,000 – $11,300 |
| 16.0 kWh | SH10.0RS + SBR160 | $17,000 – $19,000 | $1,300 – $1,500 | ~$5,950 | $9,600 – $12,200 |
These are typical installed prices. Actual quotes may vary by region, site condition, and installer network.
Eligible Sungrow Inverter Models and Trade-In Values
If you’re considering a trade-in, the first step is confirming whether your existing Sungrow inverter qualifies. Below is the full list of eligible models and their associated trade-in values, as outlined by Sungrow in the official 2025 program terms.
Note: Trade-in values are exclusive of GST and subject to change at Sungrow’s discretion. Values are only redeemable through a Registered Sungrow Distributor once all requirements are met.
Sungrow Trade-In Value Table (2025)
| Model | Trade-In Value (excl. GST) | Model | Trade-In Value (excl. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG2K-S | $500 | SG5KTL-MT | $900 |
| SG2K5-S | $550 | SG10KTL-MT | $1,000 |
| SG3K-S | $600 | SG15KTL-M | $1,100 |
| SG3K-D | $650 | SG20KTL-M | $1,200 |
| SG5K-D | $800 | SH5K-20 | $1,050 |
| SG8K-D | $1,000 | SH5K-30 | $1,100 |
| SG2.0RS-S | $650 | SG5.0RT | $1,300 |
| SG3.0RS | $750 | SG7.0RT | $1,350 |
| SG5.0RS | $1,000 | SG8.0RT | $1,400 |
| SG5.0RS-ADA | $1,100 | SG10RT | $1,500 |
| SG8.0RS | $1,300 | SG15RT | $1,600 |
| SG10RS | $1,500 | SG20RT | $1,700 |
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
- The trade-in value is applied as a voucher, not a cash refund.
- It’s redeemed by your installer or distributor and applied to your overall system cost.
- You’ll see the trade-in credit reflected in your total quote not as a separate line item.
- Each site is eligible for one trade-in only.
Who Handles What? Roles of the Homeowner, Installer and Sungrow
The Sungrow Trade-In Program is designed to minimise complexity for homeowners while clearly defining the responsibilities of each party involved. Below is a breakdown of who does what throughout the process.
You (the Homeowner)
- Initiate the process by contacting a Sungrow-accredited solar installer.
- Review and approve the system upgrade quote, including trade-in value.
- Provide written consent for the installer to manage the trade-in on your behalf.
- Assist with the return of your old inverter if required.
You do not need to communicate directly with Sungrow the solar company handles everything on your behalf.
Solar Company / Installer
- Confirm that your existing Sungrow inverter is eligible for trade-in.
- Submit the trade-in application to Sungrow or via a reseller
- Install the new Sungrow hybrid inverter and battery system.
- Collect and return the trade-in inverter.
- Redeem the voucher via their nominated Sungrow distributor.
Solar Reseller (if involved)
- Coordinates logistics between the installer and distributor.
- May submit the trade-in application and documentation.
- Supplies Sungrow products to the installer.
- Returns the old inverter and facilitates voucher redemption if authorized.
- Settles trade-in value arrangements with the installer as pre-agreed.
Registered Sungrow Distributor
- Supplies Sungrow products at scale to installers and resellers.
- Validates and redeems voucher codes from Sungrow.
- Applies trade-in credits to the installer or reseller’s invoice.
- Cannot combine this program with any other Sungrow promotional offer.
Sungrow
- Reviews trade-in applications and confirms eligibility.
- Issues pre-approved voucher codes to the installer or reseller.
- Activates voucher codes only after installation and return requirements are fulfilled.
- Issues credit notes directly to the nominated registered distributor.
- May revoke vouchers if documentation is incomplete or submitted late.
Terms, Conditions and Limitations You Should Know
Like any structured rebate or incentive program, the Sungrow Trade-In offer includes key terms and conditions that you and your installer must meet for the credit to be applied.
Below are the most important rules to understand before committing to an upgrade:
1. Your Upgrade Must Include a Battery
To qualify for a trade-in, your system must include:
- A new Sungrow hybrid inverter
- An eligible battery: either a Sungrow SBR096 (minimum 9.6 kWh) or an SBH200 model
Without the battery, the trade-in credit cannot be activated.
2. One Trade-In per Site
Only one Sungrow inverter can be traded in per residential property. The upgrade must occur at the same site where the original inverter was installed.
3. Trade-In Vouchers Are Not Paid to You Directly
The trade-in value is issued in the form of a voucher, which:
- Is applied via your solar company’s nominated Sungrow registered distributor
- Is only redeemable after installation is complete and documentation is submitted
- Is not a direct payment or rebate to the homeowner
4. The Old Inverter Must Be in Usable Condition
Returned inverters must be in relatively good physical and working condition. Severely damaged or non-returned units may void the credit.
5. Can’t Be Combined with Other Sungrow Offers
This trade-in program cannot be used in conjunction with other Sungrow promotions (such as cashback offers, price support, or bundled rebates).
6. Vouchers Are Site-Specific and Time-Sensitive
- The voucher is tied to a specific upgrade case and property
- It can only be used for the matching job submitted
- Incomplete or delayed documentation may lead to cancellation of the voucher
7. Sungrow May Amend the Program at Any Time
As stated in the official Terms and Conditions, Sungrow reserves the right to update, revoke, or change the program without prior notice. Your installer will have the most current information at the time of quoting.
Pros and Cons of Upgrading Through the Trade-In Program
The Sungrow Trade-In Program offers real value for eligible homeowners — but like any upgrade, it’s worth weighing the benefits against potential limitations. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right move for your home.
✅ Pros
- 1. Reduces the Cost of a Battery-Ready Upgrade
Trade-in credits (up to $1,700 excl. GST) lower your total install price, and can be combined with federal and some state battery rebates to maximize savings.
- 2. Unlocks Battery Compatibility
Most older Sungrow inverters are solar-only. Upgrading to a hybrid model allows you to add battery storage and backup power, improving energy independence.
- 3. Seamless Process Managed by the Installer
There’s no manual paperwork or rebate claims for the homeowner. Your installer handles the application, voucher redemption, and logistics.
- 4. Extended Value from a Trusted Brand
Upgrading keeps you within the Sungrow ecosystem — known for reliability, Australian support, and competitive warranties.
- 5. Potential App and Monitoring Improvements
Newer hybrid models offer improved app control and integration with the iSolarCloud platform for live tracking and performance insights.
⚠️ Cons (Revised)
- 1. You Must Add a Battery
The program only applies when upgrading to a hybrid inverter plus an eligible battery — so it’s not suitable for solar-only users.
- 2. No Direct Payout
The trade-in is a voucher applied through your installer, not a cash rebate or refund.
- 3. Can't Combine with Other Sungrow Promotions
If you’re using another Sungrow incentive or discount, you may not be eligible for the trade-in offer.
FAQs About the Sungrow Trade-In Program
No only existing Sungrow-branded inverters installed at a residential property in Australia are eligible. The specific trade-in value depends on your inverter model. You can find the full list of approved models and values in Section 5 above.
No. The credit is issued as a voucher that is redeemed by your installer through a registered Sungrow distributor. It reduces your final system cost, but you won’t receive the credit as a direct payment.
Yes. The upgrade must include:
- A Sungrow hybrid inverter
- At least one eligible Sungrow battery, such as the SBR096 (9.6 kWh)
If you’re not planning to install a battery, you won’t be eligible for the trade-in credit.
No. The trade-in program cannot be used in combination with other Sungrow promotional offers, cashback deals, or bundled pricing incentives.
Generally, yes as long as it’s in relatively good condition and has not been physically damaged. Installers are required to return the unit to Sungrow as part of the redemption process.
Yes. Age isn’t the key factor eligibility is based on the model of your current Sungrow inverter. Even if your system is several years old, you may still qualify.
Yes. All new Sungrow hybrid inverters and batteries come with a 10-year product warranty, subject to terms and conditions.
The entire upgrade can typically be completed within a few weeks, depending on installer availability. Once installation is complete and paperwork submitted, the voucher is usually processed and applied via the distributor.
Final Verdict Is It Worth Upgrading with the Sungrow Trade-In Offer?
For many Australian homeowners, the Sungrow Inverter Trade-In Program is a smart opportunity to upgrade to a hybrid solar and battery system at a reduced cost — without the hassle of navigating complex rebate paperwork.
By offering up to $1,700 in trade-in credit, Sungrow has made it easier to transition from a basic solar-only system to a more flexible, future-proof setup with battery storage, monitoring, and backup power capability.
What makes this program especially appealing is that:
- It’s managed entirely by your solar installer you don’t have to chase rebate forms
- It stacks with the federal battery rebate, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket cost
- It keeps you in the Sungrow ecosystem, known for solid warranties and Australian-based support
- It’s available even for systems installed several years ago as long as you’re upgrading from an eligible Sungrow model
Final Take
If your current inverter is eligible and you’re considering adding a battery or upgrading your solar system the Sungrow Trade-In Program is absolutely worth exploring.
It’s ideal for:
- Homeowners who want to add a battery and backup power
- Existing Sungrow users ready to modernize their setup
- Anyone looking to get more out of government rebates without overpaying
Your next step? Contact a qualified Sungrow-accredited installer for a formal quote and eligibility check.
