Solar System

Micro inverter

Microinverters convert the electricity from your solar panels into usable electricity. Unlike centralized string inverters, which are typically responsible for an entire solar panel system, microinverters are installed at the individual solar panel site. Most solar panel systems with microinverters include one microinverter on every panel, but it’s not uncommon for one microinverter to connect to a handful of panels. Microinverters are classified as module-level power electronics (MLPE). Each microinverter operates at the panel site independently of the other inverters in the system. The individual nature of microinverters is advantageous for complicated installations or those with shading. Due to its centralization, traditional string inverter technology operates at the level of the lowest-performing panel. With microinverters, solar panels have their own inverters and will continue performing efficiently even if one panel isn't producing as much electricity as the others. Pros and cons of microinverters Microinverters create flexible solutions for many solar installations, but they might not fit everyone’s unique needs. Top pros and cons of microinverters Pros of microinverters Microinverters are an excellent investment for most solar shoppers, especially if you have a complex roof or one with partial shading. Microinverters operate at the panel level and don't require power optimizers for rapid shutdown compliance and optimization. If something is wrong with one microinverter, only the panel attached to it will shut down instead of the entire system. Diagnosing and fixing issues with microinverters is often quicker than with central string inverters. Microinverters can easily grow with your solar panel system over the years. Let’s say your energy demands increase in the future. You can add more panels with microinverters instead of matching the power output of a central inverter with your new system size. Plus, most microinverters are warranted the same amount of time as the panels they're attached to (typically 25 years), so you can expect them to last longer. Cons of microinverters Microinverters are generally more expensive than string inverters. While you'll likely have better overall system performance with microinverters, it’s important to ensure that the long-term performance benefit outweighs the upfront cost. Microinverters are also located on your roof, making maintenance more difficult (and costly if your warranty doesn’t cover labor). Alternatively, string inverters typically sit more conveniently on the side of your house. Clipping refers to power losses associated with microinverters and is an important consideration when shopping for a solar panel system. Often, the power output rating of your microinverter is lower than that of the panel itself. If your solar panel produces more electricity than its microinverter can convert at a given moment, clipping occurs, and your system can’t take advantage of the full power output of your solar panel.