Comparing micro inverters vs string inverters plus other inverter types updated may 29 2020.
Micro inverter vs string inverter.
Microinverters string inverters and string inverters with dc optimizers oh my.
String inverters are the simplest and lowest cost option.
With a string inverter if one panel is compromised the other panels can only perform as well as the lowest performing panel.
A system is only as reliable as its weakest link and the string inverter is the weakest link in any dc optimizer system.
So the answer to the question of which inverter is best.
Microinverters reduce system complexity and are easier to design and install.
With micro inverters as each panel has its own inverter only the compromised panels are effected the others can work normally.
Here are the two head to head.
Inverters fall into two basic types string and micro inverters.
1 each panel working individually vs the weakest link principle.
In our previous article about how solar inverters work we introduced you to string inverters microinverters power optimizers and hybrid inverters.
However with the introduction of dual micro inverters and technological advancement in manufacturing integrated micro inverters in solar panels the cost difference is continually reducing.
The installed system will be more easily expanded with a micro inverter solution.
Before making a decision it s important to understand the key differences between the two inverters and the pros and cons of each.
Micro invert or string inverter is rather dependable on custom specific circumstances.
There is one large inverter installed on your home next to your utility meter.
Source where it is all converted.
The trade off for the convenience of using a micro inverter vs.
Deciding between micro inverters or a standard string inverter is a major decision and can have a significant impact on the overall return on investment for your solar system.
All these types of systems convert the dc electricity your solar panels make into ac electricity.
When using a string inverter all the energy your solar panels create travels to a single.
We re here to break down some key differences for you in a way you won t need an engineering degree to understand.
With all the solar technologies out there and not a lot of straightforward information deciding on the right solar option can be confusing.
Microinverters last updated 7 16 2020 if you are considering a solar panel system for your home one of the key decisions you need to make is the type of inverter to install.
Dc optimizers are a more complicated string inverter system.
With micro inverter panels it is the only the shaded ones that are affected while the rest of the system keeps performing.
Once you scale into larger scale systems string inverters with or without optimizers are more cost effective than micro inverter systems.
With a string inverter if one or two panels get shaded it can affect the entire string by as much as half of its total performance.
