Your inverter is the brain of your solar energy system! Whether you’re installing residential or commercial solar panels, choosing the right inverter is a crucial step in the design process.
There are two primary options: microinverters and string inverters. At Cascadia Solar, we’ve worked with both. Here’s some key info that you should know before making your decision.
How Solar Inverters Work
Before we get into the details, it’s important to understand how solar inverters work.
All solar inverters have the same basic function. They convert the direct current (DC) electricity your solar panels generate into alternating current (AC) electricity that your outlets and appliances can use.
Here’s a basic overview of the process:
- DC Electricity Generation – Your solar panels absorb sunlight and generate DC electricity.
- DC to AC Conversion – The DC electricity is fed into your inverter, which converts it into AC electricity.
- AC Distribution – Your inverter sends the AC electricity to your electrical panel, which distributes it to your outlets and appliances.
The Difference Between Microinverters & String Inverters
At Cascadia Solar, we’ve been designing and installing solar systems across the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas since 2008. We’ve installed hundreds of systems and have worked with both string inverters and microinverters. Here’s a list of some basic differences between the two:
Microinverters
Microinverters convert DC to AC electricity at the panel level. In a microinverter system, every panel has its own small inverter, which is installed directly underneath the solar module on your roof panel.
String Inverters
String inverters handle the electricity conversion for an entire group (or string) of solar panels. The DC electricity from every panel in the string is sent to one central inverter, which bulk converts it into AC electricity. They can be installed inside or outside, and are mounted on a wall, typically near your electrical panel.
Module-Level Power Electronics Performance Is Linked Across Panels
The main argument against string inverters is that they’re connected, so if one panel is shaded, it will affect the entire string, reducing your system’s output. However, today’s string inverters utilize Module Level Power Electronics, which allow each module to act independently of one another. That means partial shading isn’t an issue like it used to be a decade ago.
Benefits of Microinverters
When we talk about microinverters, the biggest player in the residential US market is Enphase. Enphase is a US company with a long track record of producing high-quality products that continue to stand the test of time.
Quality and Durability
As we mentioned, the inverter system is the brain AND the workhorse of your solar system. Enphase microinverters are built to withstand the harsh conditions of being mounted on a roof. We’ve noticed a lower equipment failure rate with these systems, which means customers are producing power more consistently for longer.
No Single Point of Failure
One of the biggest benefits of a microinverter system is that if a single microinverter goes down, the rest of your solar array will continue to produce power. This is the opposite of a string inverter system, where there is a single point of failure, and if the inverter stops working, your entire system will go dark. This can be a huge benefit that insulates customers from supply chain issues that can lead to a delay in getting a warranty replacement inverter.
Benefits of String Inverters
Lower Installation Costs
String inverters are generally more affordable than microinverters, which can save you some money on your installation. The most popular string inverter system that we sell is SolarEdge, which tends to have a lower price point than microinverter systems. For customers who are after the most cost-effective system, a string inverter system is a good option.
Easier Maintenance
Maintenance is always easier on the ground than it is on your roof. If your inverter fails, it will be faster and more affordable to replace a single, wall-mounted inverter than it will be to get up on your roof and rework an entire microinverter system.
Better Protected
The inverter is the most advanced piece of technology in your solar setup. In microinverter systems, that tech lives on your roof, where it’s exposed to heat, cold, and weather. A string inverter, on the other hand, is installed inside, typically in a garage or utility space, where it’s shielded from the elements and can last longer as a result.
In a SolarEdge string inverter system, each solar module has a DC optimizer installed on the roof, which optimizes the current and voltage output based on temperature and light conditions. DC Optimizers allow string inverter systems to benefit from the same module-level optimization that microinverters do, solving most of the production issues that used to be deal breakers at a partially shaded site.
Learn More About Your Solar Inverter Options with a Free Consultation
If you’re wondering what type of inverter is right for your home or building, we’re happy to walk you through your options and help you choose the right fit. We’ll handle the design and installation complexities for you, drawing on decades of electrical expertise to ensure your system is built right, performs well, and stands the test of time.
We’re certified Enphase and SolarEdge installers, which means we have the right tools, training, and experience installing both of these types of systems. This also means our customers get the benefit of extended manufacturer warranties and peace of mind that we will be there to help you with any issues in the future.
