SunGoldPower SGS-12K18MAX
A grid-interactive 12 kW whole-home hybrid with UL 1741 SB listing, for homeowners who want to sell solar and back up the house.
SunGoldPower $2,990$2,990
The SunGoldPower SGS-12K18MAX is the better hybrid solar inverter overall, rated 4.0 to 3.4. The SunGoldPower SGS-12K18MAX leads on features and solar input. The SunGoldPower FR12K-B wins on value. The SunGoldPower FR12K-B costs $1,200 less ($1,790 vs $2,990).
SunGoldPower FR12K-B
A lot of split-phase power for the money for off-grid homes. Buyers who need UL-listed gear should look at the SPH10048P.
Amazon SunGoldPower $1,790$1,790
Prices were last checked October 23, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the SunGoldPower SGS-12K18MAX for features (UL 1741 listed, Wi-Fi app, parallel stacking, grid sell-back, generator input, battery communication vs Wi-Fi add-on, parallel stacking, generator input, battery communication; not UL 1741 listed) and solar input (18,000 W of panels, 550 V max, 2 MPPTs vs 13,200 W of panels, 500 V max, 2 MPPTs).
- Choose the SunGoldPower FR12K-B for value ($149 per kW of continuous output vs $249 per kW of continuous output).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 120/240 V split-phase hybrid solar inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | SunGoldPower SGS-12K18MAX | SunGoldPower FR12K-B |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 90 $249 per kW of continuous output | 100 $149 per kW of continuous output |
| Solar input 20% | 68 18,000 W of panels, 550 V max, 2 MPPTs | 48 13,200 W of panels, 500 V max, 2 MPPTs |
| Efficiency 20% | 48 100 W idle | 38 92% peak efficiency |
| Features 15% | 100 UL 1741 listed, Wi-Fi app, parallel stacking, grid sell-back, generator input, battery communication | 45 Wi-Fi add-on, parallel stacking, generator input, battery communication; not UL 1741 listed |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| SunGoldPower SGS-12K18MAX | SunGoldPower FR12K-B | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Output voltage | 120/240 V split-phase | 120/240 V split-phase |
| Continuous output | 12,000 W | 12,000 W |
| Surge | 18,000 W | 24,000 W |
| Peak efficiency | - | 92% |
| Max efficiency | 97.5% | - |
| CEC efficiency | 96.5% | - |
| Idle draw | 100 W | - |
| Transfer time | - | 10 ms |
| Parallel units | Up to 6 units | Up to 6 units |
| Solar | ||
| Max PV power | 18,000 W | 13,200 W |
| Max PV voltage (Voc) | 550 V | 500 V |
| MPPT range | 125 to 450 V | 125 to 425 V |
| MPPT trackers | 2 | 2 |
| PV current per tracker | 32 A | 22 A |
| Runs without battery | - | Yes |
| Battery and grid | ||
| Battery voltage | 48 V | 48 V |
| Battery types | Lithium, lead-acid, user-defined | Lithium, lead-acid, user-defined |
| Max charge current | 240 A | 200 A |
| AC charge current | 200 A | 120 A |
| Battery communication | Yes | Yes |
| Grid sell-back | Yes | No |
| Generator input | Yes | Yes |
| UL 1741 | UL 1741 SB | No |
| Build | ||
| App monitoring | Included | Optional add-on |
| Enclosure | IP65 | IP20 |
| Dimensions | 840 x 440 x 260 mm | 28.7 x 19.1 x 6.7 in |
| Weight | 105.8 lb | 61.7 lb |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |
| Released | 2025-09 | 2026-01 |