Solar Panel Inverters Explained (2024)

You can classify solar power inverters into three main types:

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• String inverters
• Microinverters
• String inverters with power optimizers
• Hybrid inverters

As a general note, hybrid inverters can handle solar panels and batteries simultaneously. Traditional inverters, like string and microinverters, are not hybrid and are meant only for photovoltaic panels. You would need a separate inverter to add battery storage.

We outline each type of inverter, including pros and cons, in the following sections.

String Inverters

String inverters are the most common type of inverters for a home solar array. This setup wires your solar panels together in &#;strings&#; or series circuits that connect to a central inverter. The inverter, which connects to your home wiring, converts the combined output of your panels into AC power.

Benefits of String Inverters

String inverters have a lower installation cost since it only requires one device to convert the electricity output of all your solar panels into AC power. In other words, you do not need to install a power conversion device on each panel. Since string inverters are so popular, you can find more vendors and solar installers familiar with this equipment.

Disadvantages of String Inverters

The main disadvantage of using a string inverter is having to wire your solar panels together in a series of circuits. So if a single panel malfunctions or becomes obstructed, all the panels in that string suffer a drop in performance &#; even if the remaining panels are under full sunlight and in working condition.

Solar panels in a string circuit can also suffer from performance loss if they have different energy production profiles. This generally happens when panels are facing in different directions and exposed to uneven sunlight.

• For example, east-facing solar panels are more productive in the morning since they face the sunrise while west-facing panels produce more energy in the afternoon.
• If you wire east-facing and west-facing panels together, panels receiving less sunshine can drag down the performance of those with more exposure.

Microinverter

A microinverter system involves small inverters you can install directly on each solar panel. There is no need for a string inverter since the output of each panel is converted into AC power directly.

Benefits of a Microinverter

The main advantage of microinverters is having a dedicated power conversion device for each solar module. If any of your panels become shaded or malfunction, the rest of your solar panel system is not affected. As a result, microinverters increase the overall energy output of your solar system. You can also take advantage of roof areas with different orientations since your PV array is not affected by uneven sunshine &#; unlike solar panels that utilize a string inverter.

Microinverters also have longer warranties than string inverters. Generally, you can expect a 10 to 12-year service lifespan with a string inverter, but you can find microinverters with up to 25-year warranties.

Disadvantages of a Microinverter

One of the main drawbacks of microinverters is the higher price &#; if you plan to install a solar system with 20 panels, you also need 20 microinverters. Since installers place microinverters behind solar panels, they are harder to access for maintenance and replacements.

Microinverters can reduce your solar battery options if you&#;re considering energy storage. Keep in mind that you charge batteries with DC power, while microinverters convert the output of solar panels directly into AC power. This means you need a dedicated battery inverter and a device called a charge controller to manage a battery&#;s charging and discharging process.

String Inverters with Optimizers

Some string inverters use power optimizers installed directly on each solar panel (like microinverters). Optimizers regulate the voltage and current of each PV module, which increases total electricity output.

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Unlike a microinverter, an optimizer does not directly convert DC power into AC power. As previously described, string inverters wire panels in a DC series circuit and convert the combined energy output into alternating current.

Benefits of Optimizers

An inverter with power optimizers combines certain advantages of microinverters and string inverters. When using a traditional inverter without optimizers, any issue that affects one panel negatively impacts the entire circuit. Power optimizers mitigate this dynamic by controlling the power output of each panel individually.

String inverters with power optimizers allow you to install a solar battery without a second inverter. The battery can connect to the DC side of an inverter and charge before the system converts solar electricity into AC power. However, this is only possible if the inverter is compatible with solar batteries.

The best power optimizers have 25-year warranties, so homeowners don&#;t have to worry about replacements for over two decades.

Disadvantages of Optimizers

Power optimizers increase the cost of your system because you need one for each panel. Power optimizers also limit your inverter options since they are incompatible with all models.

Although power optimizers have a 25-year warranty, they depend on a string inverter that typically has a 10 to 12-year warranty. You will eventually need an inverter replacement, even if the optimizers still have 15 years of service life left.

Hybrid Inverters

A hybrid inverter is simply a string inverter that you can use with both solar panels and batteries. Traditional inverters are only compatible with photovoltaic panels and require a separate battery inverter to add energy storage. Hybrid inverters can operate like standard inverters, but can also manage a battery system&#;s charging and discharging cycles.

Benefits of Hybrid Inverters

The main benefit of using a hybrid inverter is not having to install a second inverter for solar batteries. Hybrid inverters are a great option if you install solar panels and plan to add energy storage in the future. The inverter can operate with or without batteries, so you do not have to install an energy storage system right away.

By using a hybrid inverter to combine solar panels and batteries, you can create a backup power system for electricity outages. However, you must ensure the inverter model can operate off-grid &#; some models are only designed for grid-tied operation, not power outages.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Inverters

Since hybrid inverters have a built-in charge controller for battery systems, they are higher in price than traditional string inverters. While hybrid inverters offer the flexibility to add energy storage in the future, not all inverters are compatible with all battery models. For example, you can only use the Tesla Powerwall with a dedicated Tesla inverter, not a hybrid inverter from another manufacturer. However, some Enphase batteries can use third-party inverters.

Before buying a solar inverter, we have to calculate the solar inverter cost first. Because an excellent solar inverter may be with us for 30 or even 40 years. To keep our subsequent expenses to a minimum requires us to calculate the cost carefully before buying the inverter.

So, in addition to the inverter&#;s electricity bill and maintenance, do you know what else may increase your prices? If you are still a beginner in solar inverters, please browse our guide on the cost of a solar inverter. Most solar installers provide a shortlist of inverters if you already deal with them. However, it may limit your choice of an inverter.

This is because factors such as availability, size, and the solar installation location are important. They determine which solar inverter to install in your home. There are many inverters on the market. Each solar inverter has its own price, efficiency, and warranty. Knowing some background information will go a long way in helping you make an informed financial choice. You will receive a quote from a solar installer when you are ready to buy. This quote should include the panels included in the installation, the inverter, additional hardware and labor, and the cost of each item.

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