Pros and Cons of String Inverters vs. Microinverters

Solar panels create direct current (DC) electricity that must be transformed into alternating current (AC) electricity for use inside your home or business. Solar inverters help complete this process by converting DC electricity into AC electricity. However, more than one type of solar inverter is available to solar panel owners.

Innovations in inverter technology have steadily grown as solar panels become more popular, allowing homeowners and businesses to maximize the power they gain from their solar panel systems. String inverters and microinverters are two types of solar inverters. Continue reading to understand the benefits, drawbacks and distinctions of the two to determine which may work best for your home or business.

What Are String Inverters?

A string inverter is attached to a series circuit that typically connects to a string of individual solar panels, called a solar array. A string inverter consists of a standalone box usually installed by your solar provider around your electricity meter and primary service panel. String inverters systems typically only involve one or two inverters, but the number depends on the overall size of the solar panel system.

String inverters are typically used with solar panel systems that see full sun exposure. Remembering that string inverters convert solar energy using the lowest-performing panel is essential. Ensuring all your panels have similar output is critical to get the most from your solar panel system.

Pros of String Inverters

String inverters have many distinct benefits, including:

• Reduced costs: Compared to other types of inverters, string inverters are one of the most affordable on the market. These inverters require fewer labor hours for installation, and the unit is less expensive than different types of microinverters, which helps you reduce your overall costs.
• Easier troubleshooting: One of the primary benefits of string inverters is that you usually only need one to convert DC electricity to AC electricity efficiently. String inverters are easy to troubleshoot, making it easier to get your solar system running again.
• Low risk of wiring troubles: String inverters have fewer connections, making the system less likely to be wired incorrectly. This ease of installation reduces the need for repairs due to faulty installation.

Cons of String Inverters

While string inverters have significant benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider before deciding which inverter you prefer.

• Shorter life spans: Unlike microinverters, string inverters have shorter life spans, usually around eight to 12 years.
• Challenging system expansion: String inverters perform the best when operating near their peak capacity. If you need to expand your solar system, you will have to route these new panels to another string inverter, which adds additional costs and complexity.
• Reduced efficiency in partial shade: String inverters require a wired series of solar panels. If one of your panels has reduced output, all your solar panels will be affected similarly. Therefore, if any of your panels are shaded throughout the day, you may experience reduced efficiency overall.
• Challenges with system monitoring: If you use a string inverter, you may be unable to monitor individual panels because no components are equipped for each panel. While you can look at the total energy production of your solar panels, you will not be able to determine any individual panel performance problems.

What Are Microinverters?

Microinverters work in a parallel circuit, where they maximize the electricity production passed on the lowest-performing panel. Microinverters are smaller than string inverters, typically around the size of an internet router, and are equipped to the back of each panel. Normally, you will have just as many microinverters as solar panels.

Microinverters make the most of each panel’s solar production, transforming as much power as possible and helping you get the most out of your solar panel system. 

Pros of Microinverters

Microinverters have many benefits, including:

• Longer life spans: Microinverters have a longer life span than string inverters, typically around 25 years.
• Simple expansion: If you decide to expand your solar system, microinverters make it easier, as you can easily add new panels without worrying about purchasing or installing new inverters. You can also install solar panels one at a time if you are not sure how much you want to expand.
• Individual panel monitoring: Because microinverters are equipped with individual panels, you can monitor panels individually, which is significantly different from string inverters, where you can only monitor the entire system.
• Increased electricity: Microinverters allow you to yield more electricity from your solar system. Microinverters allow you to convert electricity based on individual panels, improving your overall energy generation.
• Quick shutdown capabilities: If you need to shut down your solar system for any reason, microinverters allow you to turn it off quickly.

Cons of Microinverters

Microinverters have many benefits, and they are ideal for solar systems that face different orientations or are partially shaded. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before making a final decision.

• Cost: Microinverters are more expensive than string inverters, which can be a drawback for some homeowners or business owners. However, microinverters can help you maximize the power of your solar system if your panels are not oriented to receive full sunlight.
• Maintenance requirements: Microinverters can be challenging to perform maintenance on, especially compared to string inverters. If one of your microinverters malfunctions or fails, it can be difficult to determine which one is experiencing a problem. Replacing microinverters is also more difficult. Microinverter maintenance requires your solar installer to get on your roof and unbolt solar modules to replace the microinverters. 
• Hardware requirements: Microinverters are fixed to every solar panel, significantly increasing the amount of hardware in your solar system. Microinverters can also attract lightning, which can be a significant challenge if you have wooden roofing materials and live in a storm-prone location.

Which Inverter Is Best for Your Solar System?

Choosing between string vs. microinverters will depend on the constraints of your project. If you can install your solar panels so they have consistent, full sun, string inverters may be the best choice. However, if parts of your solar system will be shaded throughout the day, you are better off choosing microinverters. 

You will also want to consider if you want to expand your solar panel system, as microinverters are easier to work with when adding solar panels. Your budget will likely also come into play, so you will need to weigh the benefits and disadvantages to determine what system you can afford and which would help you generate the most energy savings.

Your solar installer can also help you find the best solar inverter for your home or business. Your solar installer will have the best recommendations based on your solar panel orientation, budget and individual needs.

Contact 8MSolar for All Your Solar Needs

If you are unsure which solar inverter to pick, 8MSolar can help. We are leaders in North Carolina solar, utilizing our in-house team of solar professionals and engineers to help you maximize your solar installation. We have thousands of residential and commercial projects under our belt and have the knowledge and expertise to help you find premium solar solutions.

We also offer a 25- to 30-year warranty on our panels and a Lifetime Workmanship & Roof Penetrations warranty to give you peace of mind about your new solar installation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the right inverter and our various services.

This content was originally published here.