When you’re designing a solar power system, one of the many decisions that you’ll need to make is choosing between string inverters and microinverters. Both options perform the same basic job—converting DC power from your panels into usable AC power—but they do so in slightly different ways. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you choose the right inverter for your home, roof layout, and energy goals.
How String Inverters Work
String inverters group multiple solar panels into “strings” that feed electricity down the line and into a single central inverter. This inverter is usually mounted on a wall near the main electrical panel and handles the conversion process for the entire array.
Benefits of String Inverters
String inverters have been the industry standard for decades and are widely supported by pretty much every brand, so it’s a trusted piece of technology. They are more affordable up front because you only need a single inverter for the whole system. That central device also makes maintenance easier, and repairs can be less expensive as well.
Drawbacks of String Inverters
On the downside, string inverters are more sensitive to shading than microinverters; shade on even one panel can reduce output for the entire string of solar panels. Additionally, if your roof has panels on multiple surfaces, string inverters can’t optimize every panel the way a microinverter can. It’s also worth noting that string inverters provide system-wide performance data, so if you’re hoping for detailed information about the performance of each panel, you’ll want microinverters instead.
How Microinverters Work
Microinverters are installed directly on each solar panel. Instead of relying on a single, central inverter for conversion, the conversion process happens at the panel level, then sends the electricity on to your main panel.
Benefits of Microinverters
The biggest benefit of microinverters is that they minimize the impact of shading, dirt, and debris on your solar output; obstructions on one panel won’t affect the rest of your array, helping you maintain higher efficiency overall. You can also track that efficiency at the panel level, making it easier to identify issues early. Additionally, microinverters work better on complex roof designs with multiple panel angles, as they can optimize every panel throughout the day.
Drawbacks of Microinverters
Of course, there are drawbacks to microinverters—the largest of which is the higher upfront cost. Because you need a microinverter on each panel, you can expect to pay much more than you’d pay for a single inverter. Multiple components also means more potential points of failure, so maintenance and repairs can be more complicated.
Now that you’ve explored the pros and cons of microinverters and string inverters, you can make a more informed decision about which is right for your Phono solar panelsand system as a whole.
