A Guide to Solar Inverters, Microinverters, and Power Optimizers

What Are Solar Inverters?

Inverters are a primary component of every solar panel system. They convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which your home or business can use.

There are three main types of inverters commonly used in residential solar panel systems:

String inverters

This is the original type of technology in residential inverters and the most common type of inverter. It converts the DC electricity from all solar panels in a string into AC electricity. String inverters are a proven and reliable technology that is relatively inexpensive.

Power optimizers

Power optimizers connect to one central inverter installed between each solar panel and the string inverter. They improve the solar panels' performance by optimizing each panel's voltage and current output. Power optimizers can be a good option for homes with shading or solar panels facing different directions.

Microinverters

Microinverters are small inverters installed on each solar panel. They convert the DC electricity from each panel into AC electricity. Microinverters offer the best performance and reliability but are more expensive than string inverters or power optimizers.

In this article, we will focus on the capabilities of microinverters and compare them to the capabilities of power optimizers.

Microinverters vs. Power Optimizers

Microinverters and power optimizers are both effective ways to improve the performance of a solar panel system. However, there are some key differences between the two technologies.

• Performance: Microinverters offer the best performance of the three technologies. They can extract the maximum amount of power from each solar panel, even in the presence of shading. Power optimizers also improve performance, but not as much as microinverters.
• Reliability: Microinverters and power optimizers are both reliable technologies. However, microinverters have a slightly lower failure rate than power optimizers.
• Cost: Microinverters are more expensive than string inverters or power optimizers. However, they can save you money in the long run by increasing the output of your solar panel system.
• Ease of installation: Microinverters are more challenging to install than string inverters or power optimizers. However, they offer more flexibility in terms of system design.
• Monitoring: Microinverters and power optimizers allow monitoring of module-level power and panel performance.

How are microinverters and power optimizers similar?

Microinverters and power optimizers are both technologies that can improve the performance of solar panels on complicated roofs or roofs that experience shading. They can also monitor the performance of individual solar panels so you can see how many kilowatt hours each panel produces.

Here are the similarities between microinverters and power optimizers:

• Improve performance on complicated roofs or roofs with shading: Microinverters and power optimizers can improve solar panels' performance on complicated roofs or roofs that experience shading. This is because they convert the DC electricity from each panel individually, which helps to ensure that each panel is producing as much power as possible, even if one panel is shaded.
• Monitor the performance of individual solar panels: Microinverters and power optimizers can monitor individual solar panels' performance. This means that you can see how much energy each panel produces, which can help you identify any problems with your solar panel system.
• Typically installed one per solar panel: Microinverters and power optimizers are installed one per solar panel. This means that if you have a solar panel system with 24 solar panels, you will need 24 microinverters or 24 power optimizers.

Choosing the right inverter technology

The best solar panel system inverter technology for your home will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Microinverters and power optimizers are both module-level power electronics (MLPEs) that can improve the performance of a solar panel system. However, there are some key differences between the two technologies.

Microinverters are small inverters that are installed on each solar panel. They convert the DC electricity from each panel into AC electricity. Microinverters offer the best performance of the two technologies, as they can extract the maximum amount of power from each solar panel, even in shade. They are also more reliable than power optimizers. However, microinverters are more expensive and difficult to install than power optimizers.

Power optimizers are installed between each solar panel and the string inverter. They improve the solar panels' performance by optimizing each panel's voltage and current output. Power optimizers are a less expensive and easier-to-install option than microinverters. However, they do not offer the same level of performance as microinverters.

How microinverters and power optimizers differ

The main difference between microinverters and power optimizers is how they convert DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity. Microinverters convert the DC electricity from each panel individually, while power optimizers convert the DC electricity from all panels in a string together.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between microinverters and power optimizers:

Microinverters and power optimizers are both technologies that can improve the performance of solar panels. However, there are some key differences between the two technologies.

3 differences between microinverters and power optimizers

• Where DC electricity is converted to AC electricity: Microinverters convert DC electricity into AC electricity right at the panel site. On the other hand, power optimizers do not convert the electricity on their own. They condition the DC electricity and send it to a central inverter, which converts it to AC electricity. This keeps high-voltage wires from running across your roof or attic, making micro-inverters the safest option.
• Battery Storage: Both microinverters and power optimizers are compatible with battery storage. However, depending on whether you want a DC or AC-coupled battery solution, you may need to use a particular type of inverter. If you are considering battery storage, it is a good idea to talk to your installer about which inverters work best with your battery of choice.
• 3rd Warranty: Both microinverters and power optimizers come with 25-year warranties. However, as stated above, the warranty for the central inverter that power optimizers pair with may be shorter. Installers often offer an extended warranty on the central inverter, either as part of their package deal or at an additional price.

Choosing the right inverter type for your solar array

Microinverters and power optimizers are both technologies that can improve the performance of solar panel systems. They have similar efficiencies and can help maximize energy production on slightly shaded or complicated roofs. However, some key differences between the two technologies may make one a better option for your home than the other.

Microinverters

• Convert DC electricity from each solar panel into AC at the panel site.
• Offer the best performance of the two technologies, as they can extract the maximum amount of power from each solar panel, even in shade.
• Microinverters offer better scalability with simple "plug-n-play" installation. A homeowner may easily start with a small system and grow as time and budget allow.
• They are more expensive than power optimizers.
• It can be more challenging to install than power optimizers.

Power optimizers

• Condition the DC electricity from each solar panel and send it to a central inverter, which converts it to AC electricity.
• They offer slightly less performance than microinverters but are still a good option for improving the performance of solar panels on shaded or complicated roofs.
• They are less expensive than microinverters.
• They are easier to install than microinverters.

It is also essential to consider the following factors when choosing an inverter for your solar panel system:

• The size of your solar panel system
• The type of roof you have
• The amount of shading on your roof
• Your budget

The best way to choose the right inverter for your solar panel system is to consult a qualified solar installer. They can help you assess your needs and budget and recommend the best solution for your home.

If you want to read reviews about solar companies and compare top brand name inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers, consider visiting the Solar U. section at Solar Home Review.