Best Solar inverter / microinverter: Enphase IQ8
- NO single point of failure - Both the IQ7 and IQ8 micro inverters systems operate independently with no single point of failure
- Microgrid forming – the primary advantage of the IQ8 over the IQ 7 is the ability to provide off-grid power to a home even without a battery
- Individual Panel Monitoring – The 8th generation IQ8 uses the latest software which enables system monitoring of each individual panel’s specific production data.
- Low light performance – Optimal power conversion in shaded or low-light conditions when compared to other inverters in the market.
- Higher Wattage Panels – Compatible with high wattage solar panels 500+ watts
- Pairs with IQ Enphase technology Allows you to have the
- Pairs with other brand batteries
- No High voltage – in both IQ7 and IQ8 inverters high voltage DC power is converted to AC right on the back of every panel. This completely eliminates the need for a high voltage cable running through your attic or roof.
- No Noise. Natural cooling without the need for a fan.
RUNNER UP :Enphase IQ7
- NO single point of failure - Both the IQ7 and IQ8 micro inverters systems operate independently with no single point of failure
- The IQ7 is not microgrid forming – the prime disadvantage of the IQ7 compared to the IQ8 is the inability to provide off-grid power to a home without a battery.
- Individual Panel Monitoring – While the IQ7 lacks the latest updates of the IQ8 it is still able to pair with the Enphase Ensemble system. This allows monitoring of each individual panel’s specific production data.
- Low light performance – Optimal power conversion in shaded or low-light conditions compared to other brands of inverters.
- Higher Wattage Panels – Compatible with high wattage solar panels 450+ watts
- Pairs with IQ Enphase technology
- Pairs with other battery brands
- No Noise. Natural cooling without the need of a fan
- No High voltage – with IQ7 and IQ8 inverters high voltage DC power is converted to AC right on the back of every pane. This completely eliminates the need for a high voltage cable running through your attic
Honorable Mention SolarEdge
- Single point of failure - Unlike the IQ7 and IQ8 – which have no single point of failure - the SolarEdge optimizer system has a single point of failure. Many customers view this configuration as a liability as the entire system will fail due to an issue with a single part.
- SolarEdge is NOT microgrid forming – A primary disadvantage of the SolarEdge power Optimizer system compared to an IQ8 microinverter system is the inability to provide off-grid power to a home without a battery.
- Individual Panel Monitoring – SolarEdge can be paired with a smartphone to monitor each individual panel’s specific production data, with wireless internet connectivity and cellular plug in.
- Low light performance – Optimal power conversion in shaded or low-light conditions when compared to other brands of inverters.
- Supports PV system sizes ranging from 3kW to 11.4kW
- Ease of installation and repair. SolarEdge optimizer system’s wall-mounted central inverter is easy to access and therefore easier to repair than microinverters.
- Pairs with other battery brands
- Moderate Noise.. exceeds 25 Dbl.
FRONIUS KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Single point of failure - Like the SolarEdge Optimizer system, the Fronius inverter also shares a single point of failure. Many customers view this configuration as a liability as the entire system will fail due to an issue with a single part.
- Fronius is NOT microgrid forming – A primary disadvantage of the Fronius inverter system compared to an IQ8 microinverter system is the inability to provide off-grid power to a home without a battery.
- NO Individual Panel Monitoring – Fronius Inverters are not capable of monitoring each individual panel’s specific production data,
- Low light performance – Fronius’ shade managing algorithm detects any shade and optimizes the yield at the string level.
- Ease of installation and repair. SolarEdge optimizer system’s wall-mounted central inverter is easy to access and therefore easier to repair than micro inverters.
- Pairs with other battery brands
- Considerable Noise… Fan exceeds 55 Dbl. during active cooling… More sun means more noise. Free ear protection is not included.
SMA SUNNYBOY KEY TAKEAWAYS 
SMA inverters with ShadeFix optimization produce the maximum power from PV modules – even in most shaded areas. They outperform traditional module-based optimizers, which require additional hardware.
- Single point of failure - String inverter systems like Optimizers share a single point of failure. Many customers view this configuration as a liability as the entire system will fail due to an issue with a single part.
- Off-grid power – Like the IQ8, the Sunny Boy can supply a maximum of 2,000 watts of off-grid power, even if your solar panels are generating more. The IQ8 does not have this limitation.
- NO Individual Panel Monitoring – SME Inverters are not capable of monitoring each individual panel’s specific production data
- Low light performance – The SMA Sunny Boy has built-in ShadeFix Technology to optimize power production in semi shaded conditions.
- Higher Wattage Panels - Compatible with high wattage solar panels 450+ watts.
- Ease of installation and repairSMA inverters are easy to access and therefore easier to repair than microinverters.
- Pairs with other battery brands
- Considerable Noise exceeds 55 Dbl. fan for active cools… more sun equates to more noise. Free ear protection is not included.
- Compact German engineering and design
SMA inverters are factory tested prior to being shipped.
Solar Inverters
A solar inverter is the most sophisticated component – it can be thought of as the brain of your residential solar system much like a CPU is the brain of your computer. An inverter’s main function is to convert the high voltage (DC) electrical current from the sun into usable, low voltage (AC) electricity that powers your home and appliances.
We have harsh weather conditions in Texas that include wind, rain, dripping humidity, and extreme temperatures.
Solar Home Review only reviews inverters we feel can stand up to these demanding conditions while flawlessly delivering a lifetime of solar power. Please note that the inverter you select will also determine which online monitoring system you will use.
Brief history of inverters
Three distinct technology advancements or mile markers have denoted the evolution of solar inverters. Solar systems originally relied on a single inverter to convert the DC electricity into AC electricity for an entire string of solar panels. These types of inverters are called “string” inverters.
The next generation of improvement over the string inverter configuration was Power Optimizers. While still technically a string inverter system, Power Optimizers were placed at the panel level where they “conditioned” the DC current before sending it on to the string inverter. It was a technological leap forward in efficiency and monitoring potential.
In 2023, most new residential solar systems use microinverters, a configuration in which every panel has its own inverter.
We introduced these options and improvements in historical order for the sake of context. We will, however, discuss these configurations starting with the latest technology - and most relevant to Texas solar shoppers.
Microinverters
Microinverters vs Power Optimizers vs String Inverters : What’s the difference?
Microinverters are the most common choice of inverter for new residential solar installations today.
Microinverters, as the name implies, are smaller inverters installed on the back of each solar panel. This configuration allows each panel to operate at maximum production, even while some of its sister panels may be shaded at various daylight hours. Microinverter systems ensure your solar array will never have a single point of failure vulnerability. The configuration also works well when a solar array includes panels facing various directions.
Microinverters maximize performance and electrical output of the entire system. Newer technology microinverter systems will be slightly higher in initial cost when compared to a string inverter system. However, the added cost will be more than recovered when factoring in the added value of increased electricity production.
Each panel having its own microinverter is comparable to each car on the highway having its very own lane and permission to run as fast as it can, unimpeded by cars slower or faster cars in other lanes.
Key Points:
- With microinverter systems your solar array will never have a single point of failure vulnerability.
- DC to AC conversions occur instantaneously. There is never high voltage current running across your roof or attic. This makes it the safest inverter technology to prevent fires.
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Microinverters vs. Power Optimizers
What is the right option for your solar system?
Compared to power optimizer systems, microinverters are quite similar with respect to efficiency. Both systems are capable of individual panel performance monitoring. Ultimately, it will boil down to your unique system requirements and your personal preferences when deciding which option is best for your home.
A popular Power Optimizer brand that solar shoppers in Texas may run across is manufactured by SolarEdge. They have a plethora of model variations.
SolarEdge is an Israeli company incorporated in Delaware in 2006. It develops and sells solar inverters as well as other related products and services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. SolarEdge has offices in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.
Solar Edge has been an innovator of solar inverter solutions, creating a device that offers module-level maximum power point tracking (MPPT), called a Power Optimizer, as an upgrade over earlier string inverter systems.
Unlike microinverters, Solar Edge/s power optimizers only use one inverter for multiple panels. Each panel is connected to a power optimizer that transfers the energy being converted by the Solar Edge inverter into alternating current - the type of electricity used in your home.
POWER OPTIMIZERS
A step forward.
Power optimizers:Power optimizers are a hybrid inverter. They combine the micro-inverter and string inverter systems. Like microinverter systems, power optimizers are installed at each panel. However, the conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity does not happen at the back of each panel. Instead optimizers “condition” the DC current before sending it to a large central inverter from the solar panels, to be transformed into usable AC electricity.
In power optimizer configuration, all of the panels are connected by wires running to the inverter, converting the DC energy to AC energy for your home to use. While this system does eliminate micro inverters on your roof, it may result in one or more power optimizers on the side of your home or in your garage.
The Texas residential solar consumer should be aware that using a power optimizer system means you will have high voltage current running through your attic or along your roof.
Also, choosing a power optimizer may limit your system’s compatibility with the latest battery storage and monitoring systems available when compared to the Enphase IQ8.
The Power Optimizer Vulnerability
Because power optimizer systems create a bottleneck at a single inverter, they are vulnerable to an entire system shutdown. Unlike microinverter systems, where a single panel going out does not affect the entire system.
Imagine every car having its own lane but all lanes being forced through a single toll booth.
Like microinverter systems, power optimizers will perform when one or more panels of an array are shaded or when arrays are designed with panels facing various directions. Solar systems using power optimizers will generally cost a little less than microinverter systems but more than string inverter systems.
When considering performance, cost, and system integrity power optimizers systems are generally more desirable than outdated systems using string inverter technology. However, power optimizers may not always be the first choice if you have the option to install the latest generation of microinverter systems - such as the Enphase IQ8 series.
OHH THE GOOD OL DAYS…
Centralized (or String) inverter:
During the early days of residential solar, systems typically had one large inverter that converted power from a series of solar panels that were strung together. Hence the name, string inverters.
In today's residential solar market, string Inverters are not usually the first choice for inverters - except when there are certain unique system requirements. If you live where your solar array can be perfectly positioned and is never in the shade; or if budget is your only consideration, String Inverters may be worth exploring.
Additionally, unlike microinverters, the consumer should be prepared for the sound of the fan going on and off during peak production times. String inverter systems have diminished monitoring capability compared to those of microinverters. Individual panel monitoring that comes standard with the IQ8 is not possible with string inverter systems.
In design generations past, string inverters were the most common type of inverter installed. In this type of system, one primary inverter connects to and converts the entire array's DC electricity production into usable AC electricity. Once converted to AC, the electricity flows into your main breaker box. The major drawback, however, is that when electricity production from any single panel in the string decreases its output (as may happen due to shading), it will reduce the entire array’s panels to the performance level of the lowest producing panel.
Much as a traffic jam on a single lane road can only go as fast as the slowest car, so too is the performance of the entire array brought down to the level of the lowest producing panel.
Another concern homeowners should keep in mind is the single wire needed to carry all the panels current to the single point, is usually a high voltage wire on your roof or in your attic.
Most string inverter systems function best if all of the panels can face the same direction without shade.
For 2023, Solar Home Review recommends exploring other options before choosing a string inverter system without a specific reason that would warrant their selection.
If, after doing your research, you feel a string inverter system may still be a good fit for your solar needs, there are two brands that Texas solar shoppers are likely to encounter.
Those are Fronius and SMA/ Sunny Boy Inverters.