Solar energy has gained rapid development and growth in technology toward high efficiency and value to harness more energy. The center of any solar energy system revolves around an inverter that converts the DC power coming from solar panels to AC energy, which is usable inside homes and businesses. Among the various types, string inverters and microinverters remain the two most popular kinds of inverters, both associated with their particular benefits and drawbacks. The article below shall help explain the difference between string inverters and microinverters as you choose among the two options for your solar energy needs.
What is a String Inverter?
A string inverter is an essential component of all photoelectric installations in solar energy systems. It is an electrical device that converts direct current generated by solar panels into AC electricity, which is the usual kind of electricity flowing in homes and the grid. The term “string” comes from the arrangement of solar panels, also known as a “string,” connected in series. There are usually multiple panels in one string attached to feed the DC output to a single inverter.
Operationally, string inverters are relatively simple. When the sun’s rays hit the solar panels, they convert sunlight into DC electricity, which is fed into the string inverter for processing in such a way that it may be compatible not just with household appliances but also with the grid. Among the major positives that come with string inverters is the fact that they manage efficiency in a way whereby they optimize the output of the whole string of panels under varying sunlight conditions.
On the other hand, string inverters have a couple of drawbacks. The fact that all the panels are supposed to operate at the same current means that only one panel is shaded or covered with dirt, which may affect the performance of the entire string. This contrasts with microinverters, which function per panel. These are just some of the drawbacks; nevertheless, string inverters remain among the preferred products in residential and commercial installations because of their lower costs, simpler installation, and maintenance.
Modern string inverters also provide interfaces with module-level monitoring tools that enable the homeowner and the operators to monitor energy production and performance in real-time.
What is a Microinverter?
It is a compact, advanced device employed in solar energy systems for the optimization of performance at the level of single solar panels. Unlike traditional string inverters that connect several panels together, microinverters install right on each solar panel and allow independent operation of each device. In principle, the design assures maximum energy production by converting DC to AC right at the panel level.
Each microinverter monitors the performance of its corresponding panel, which allows for real-time data gathering and optimization according to environmental conditions. That means if one panel has shade or is underperforming because of dirt or angle issues, the microinverter ensures the remainder of the system keeps working with the highest efficiency and at a minimized energy loss.
Additionally, microinverters make for flexible system design and installation. By using them, homeowners can add more panels to their system without much work because adding new panels only requires the installation of a new panel without having to do extensive rewiring. Additionally, they are smaller, which reduces the need for central equipment with easier installation.
While microinverters can be a little more expensive to install than string inverters up front, the efficiency they offer in savings and real-time monitoring has proven to pay back a homeowner more in the life of the system.
String Inverters vs. Microinverters In-Depth Comparison
To understand more clearly the differences between the string inverter and the microinverter, the following table has been made in view of their features: advantages and disadvantages.
String Inverters
Pros of String Inverters
Cost-effective
Generally, string inverters are considered more cost-effective in comparison to microinverters. They have lower initial investment and have gained great popularity in residential solar installations when there is adequate exposure to the sun.
Easily Installed
This is easy to install due to the similarity in connecting different systems in series. Quicker installation process because of reduced components.
Proven Technology
String inverters are among the established technologies in the solar market, with a proven track record in the majority of installations.
Cons of String Inverters
Shade Sensitivity
The shading or failing of one panel within a string may have a disastrous effect on the amount of electricity produced by that string. This shading effect can lead to quite significant losses in energy generation.
Minimal Monitoring
String inverters are usually only sold with system-level monitoring and lack the resolution to pinpoint problems at the panel level. Therefore, this can delay diagnosis and repair of problems.
Less Flexibility
Increasing the capacity of a solar energy system utilizing string inverters is hard to realize since such expansion of its capacity sometimes would, in turn, require reconfiguration of the already set up facility.
Microinverters
Pros of Microinverters
Increased Energy Production
Microinverters optimize energy production at the individual panel level, which is of great benefit in situations where shading issues arise or installations have mixed orientations.
Stronger Monitoring Capability
The ability to monitor each panel individually ensures that issues are identified with performance deviations that will easily facilitate maintenance.
Added Flexibility
In a microinverter system, there is a lot more flexibility to add solar panels to a system that is already in operation since each panel is independently operated without the restrictions of a string arrangement.
Performance
Normally, microinverters give the best performance under partial shading, roof obstruction, and varying tilt angles.
Cons of Microinverters
More Expensive Initial Outlay
The only major drawback to running a system using microinverters is that the devices themselves are more expensive than string solar inverters.
Later Cost
This kind of complexity results in higher labor costs, more so in the event that an installation process takes longer.
Potential Reliability Concerns
While microinverters generally have a long lifespan, having multiple components means the failure of one could require repair or replacement.