Micro Inverter Vs String Inverter Cost

There are microinverter systems and string inverter systems.

Micro inverter vs string inverter cost.

When using a string inverter all the energy your solar panels create travels to a single. Source where it is all converted. This type of inverter is really a cross between string inverters and micro inverters. String inverters vs micro inverters vs dc optimisers so which inverter should you go for.

Price again they are getting close but a micro inverter system will add about 20 30 more to the cost of a solar power system compared to one using a. Comparing micro inverters vs string inverters plus other inverter types updated may 29 2020 in our previous article about how solar inverters work we introduced you to string inverters microinverters power optimizers and hybrid inverters. There is one large inverter installed on your home next to your utility meter. A system is only as reliable as its weakest link and the string inverter is the weakest link in any dc optimizer system.

The trade off for the convenience of using a micro inverter vs. Once you scale into larger scale systems string inverters with or without optimizers are more cost effective than micro inverter systems. String inverters are the simplest and lowest cost option. Inverters fall into two basic types string and micro inverters.

Microinverters reduce system complexity and are easier to design and install. String inverter is that micro inverters are the most expensive option on a cost per watt basis. We have an updated version of this article here. Micro inverters vs string inverter which is the best choice for you.

In the event that an individual inverter fails it will likely cost more to replace a microinverter or a power optimizer on a roof than it will to replace a string inverter on a wall at ground level given the need for roof access. If you have an unshaded roof that faces just one or two directions then a conventional string inverter system is a good choice. Dc optimizers are a more complicated string inverter system. However this cost is coming down as the technology is more widely accepted.

The cost is further marginalized when the benefit of no dc wiring in the system is taken into account. Although they are getting close micro inverters have not yet reached the same efficiency levels of series string inverters so they can t convert as much solar energy into electrical energy. Cost typically the micro inverter solutions are 5 to 25 higher than string inverters.