Microinverter vs String Inverter: Which is Better for Your Solar Power System?

Are you thinking about installing solar panels on your home? If so, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is what type of inverter to use.

When you install solar panels, they produce direct current (DC) electricity. But our homes use alternating current (AC) power. An inverter converts the DC to usable AC.

There are two main types of inverters: microinverters and string inverters. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision.

In this article, we’ll look closer at microinverter vs string inverter. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type, as well as some factors to consider when making your choice.

By the end of this article, you’ll be well-informed about the different types of inverters and be able to choose the right one for your solar power system.

What are Microinverters?

Microinverters are small devices attached to each solar panel. They convert the DC power from that individual panel to AC.

It’s like having a personal inverter for every panel! This allows each panel to operate at max efficiency regardless of conditions.

The benefit of microinverters is that each panel can operate at peak performance regardless of conditions.

For example, if you have a tree that shades one of your solar panels in the afternoon, no problem – the microinverter on that panel will compensate while the other panels keep humming along unaffected.

Top 3 Microinverters

Here is a list of the top three microinverters brands:

Enphase Microinverters

Key benefits include rapid shutdown for worker safety, no single point of failure, maximum power from each module, easy expansion, and remote performance tracking.

Costs vary by model and number of panels, but Enphase microinverters offer advantages for optimized solar production.

• IQ8+ Microinverter (MC4): This is the latest and most advanced microinverter from Enphase.

• IQ8 Microinverter (MC4): The IQ8 microinverter is a less expensive option than the IQ8+ microinverter.

SolarBridge Microinverters

Microinverters improve system reliability by avoiding a single point of failure.

Their flexibility works with diverse panel configurations and shading.

SolarBridge microinverter models:

• Pantheon – Flagship model
• Equinox – Smaller residential model
• Equinox AC Module – Integrated microinverter

AP systems Microinverters

They provide panel-level monitoring to quickly identify and troubleshoot problems.

Made in the USA and backed by 25-year warranties, APsystems microinverters offer reliability plus optimized solar production.

For panel-level performance data and safety features, APsystems microinverters are worth exploring for your solar installation.

APsystems microinverter models:

• QS1 – For residential
• QT2D – For commercial
• DS3D – For dual-string systems

What are String Inverters?

String inverters are central units that connect to multiple panels. A “string” of panels links to one inverter.

So, instead of each panel having its own inverter, like microinverters, several panels share a larger single inverter.

They coordinate the output of the whole string. Think of it as a conductor directing an orchestra.

Top 3 String Inverters

Here is a list of the top three string or central solar inverter brands:

SolarEdge Solar Inverter

SolarEdge makes some of the most efficient and reliable solar inverters available.

Their inverters use power optimizer technology to maximize energy production from each panel, even in shaded areas.

They have very high-efficiency ratings of up to 99% and long 12-year warranties. Modular and scalable, SolarEdge inverters work for systems small and large.

They offer battery storage and backup power features, letting you export excess solar to a battery or power your home during an outage.

SolarEdge is a leading inverter manufacturer with strong customer support backing its products.

Top models for homes include:

• SolarEdge SE7600H: This inverter is designed for homes with up to 7.6 kW of solar panels. It has an efficiency of up to 99% and a warranty of 12 years.
• SolarEdge SE10000H: This inverter is designed for homes with up to 10 kW of solar panels. It has an efficiency of up to 99% and a warranty of 12 years.
• SolarEdge SE13000H: This inverter is designed for homes with up to 13 kW of solar panels. It has an efficiency of up to 99% and a warranty of 12 years.

If you want a high-quality inverter with optimizer technology and battery readiness, SolarEdge is an excellent choice to discuss with solar installers.

SunPower Solar Inverter

Consider sizing, efficiency, warranties, and features when choosing any inverter. And get multiple installer quotes to find the best price.

If you want an efficient, durable inverter backed by SunPower’s solar expertise, their string inverter line is worth exploring.

SunPower inverter options include:

• SPR-3500 [240V] – 3.5kW residential inverter with 95.5% efficiency
• SPR-15000 [480V] – 15kW commercial inverter with 97.5% efficiency
• SPR-E19 [240V] – 320W inverter designed for Equinox panels with 97.5% efficiency

SMA Solar Inverters

With up to 98% efficiency, proven durability, and long warranties, SMA string inverters have a strong reputation in solar.

They are easy to install by qualified electricians and provide remote performance monitoring.

For homeowners or businesses considering solar PV, SMA Solar string inverters are an efficient, high-quality choice to discuss with installers.

SMA inverter options include:

• Sunny Boy – Reliable residential inverters
• Sunny Tripower – Commercial inverters
• Sunny Highpower PEAK3 – High-efficiency industrial inverters

Importance of Choosing the Right Inverter Type

Selecting the right inverter is an important decision when installing solar panels.

The inverter impacts your system’s performance, reliability, monitoring capabilities, and more.

Here are some key reasons why choosing the optimal inverter technology matters:

• Maximizes power output – The right inverter helps your solar panels work as efficiently as possible to generate maximum kilowatt hours. This increases energy savings.
• Reliability – Quality inverters are built to last 15-25 years. You want an inverter that will provide durability and minimize potential failures.
• Safety features – Advanced inverters include rapid shutdown for emergency personnel protection. This is an important safety consideration.
• Monitoring – Inverters allow remote performance monitoring and troubleshooting. Real-time data helps optimize the system.
• Scalability – Your inverter needs to handle system expansions and additions seamlessly. This enables cost-effective growth.
• Shade tolerance – The right inverter can help overcome roof shading issues that reduce solar output.

Lifespan: Microinverter vs. String Inverter

Microinverters tend to last 15-25 years – longer than the 10-15 year lifespan of string inverters.

With microinverters, if one fails, the rest keep working since they’re independent.

String inverters coordinate multiple panels, so a central inverter failure disables the system.

This potential single point of failure shortens lifespan. Proper installation and maintenance extend the life of both types.

When researching, microinverters appealed to me for their built-in redundancy and longer lifespan.

One microinverter failure wouldn’t doom the system like a string inverter.

Also Read This: Solar Inverters: The Ultimate Guide To Solar Inverters

Efficiency Comparison

For me, efficiency is vital – I want to maximize my solar energy production!

Microinverters shine here. By optimizing each panel individually, they can achieve higher overall efficiency.

With string inverters, any underperforming panels in the string can drag down the total output. A little shading goes a long way.

Microinverters enabled me to get the most bang for my buck.

Shading Performance

Shading is solar’s archnemesis. When deciding on my system, I looked closely at my roof.

Sure enough, I had some areas prone to shading from nearby trees. Microinverters can power through shading on individual panels better.

The other panels are unaffected and keep humming along at full capacity.

String inverters are more impacted by shading since the output of the whole string suffers. Consider your shading situation before choosing an inverter system.

Installation and Maintenance

Microinverters require a little more labor to install since each panel needs its own unit. This can increase costs upfront.

On the plus side, I can easily access each microinverter separately if maintenance is ever needed. With string inverters, it’s more complex to troubleshoot which panel might be causing issues.

Overall, I found both options reasonably easy to install and maintain.

Cost Considerations

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Microinverters cost more upfront since you need multiple units.

But for me, the long-term energy savings outweighed the initial investment. Plus, there are great financing options like solar leases and PPAs that reduce the upfront costs.

String inverters win on affordability for smaller systems. If budget is a concern, they do the job at a lower cost. You may sacrifice some efficiency.

Expandability

This was a big one for me – I wanted my system to grow as my energy needs changed.

Adding more panels with microinverters is a breeze. Just attach another unit to the new panel, and voila!

With string inverters, expanding capacity is more complex. You may need a brand-new inverter to handle additional panels.

I went with microinverters for seamless scalability. Within a couple of years, I can easily add more panels.

Environmental Impact

Go solar for a greener footprint! Microinverters are smaller and require fewer materials overall compared to bulky string inverters.

Every little bit counts when it comes to environmental impact. And for me, microinverters aligned better with my sustainability goals.

Which is Better for You?

Let’s recap the key differences. Here’s a table comparing the pros and cons of microinverters and string inverters:

Aspect	Microinverters	String Inverters
Efficiency	Highest efficiency	Lower efficiency
Shading Performance	Handle shading well	Prone to shading issues
Expandability	Easy to expand	Limited expandability
Initial Cost	Cost more upfront	More affordable for smaller systems
Installation Complexity	More complex installation	Simpler installation
Overall Cost	Higher overall cost	Lower overall cost

Please note that the choice between microinverters and string inverters depends on various factors, including system size, shading conditions, and budget constraints.

For maximum energy savings in the long term, I recommend microinverters. But string inverters work for basic systems.

Evaluate your budget, shading, and goals to decide which is best for your home. An experienced solar pro can also help you choose.

Conclusion

There is no denying it – understanding inverter types can be daunting as a solar newbie. I hope breaking down microinverters vs. string inverters in plain terms has been helpful.

There are good reasons to choose either option. You can’t go wrong installing solar. Make sure your inverter aligns with your home and needs.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other solar questions! I’m always happy to help fellow homeowners go green.

FAQs

Are microinverters more reliable than string inverters?

Microinverters may have a slight reliability edge, but both options are generally durable. Many come with 10+ year warranties.

Can you use a hybrid approach?

While you can combine microinverters and string inverters, most installers recommend picking one system for optimal performance.

How much harder are microinverters to maintain?

Microinverters don’t require much more maintenance – they allow easier access if service is needed. Most homeowners don’t report major maintenance issues.

What if I live in a very sunny area?

With plenty of sun exposure, microinverters and string inverters will perform well. Microinverters may still have a small efficiency advantage.

What’s the warranty for each inverter type?

Warranties vary by brand but are typically 10-12 years for microinverters and string inverters. Some manufacturers offer 20-25-year warranties.

Hope this info helps you decide on the best inverter for your solar panel system! Let me know if you have any other questions.