Solar panels with micro inverter has increased over the past few years, both for businesses and homes looking towards a sustainable and more cost-friendly solution. Unlike traditional string inverters, micro inverters are installed on each individual solar panel to maximize energy output at the module level. This article throws some light on the advantages, working, and considerations to be made while choosing solar panels integrated with micro inverters.
What Are Microinverters?
Microinverters are small devices, individually attached to each solar panel, for converting the direct current generated by the solar panel into alternating current. Its output can be inserted into home utilization or the grid again. Unlike string inverters, which control the output for an entire string of modules, microinverters ensure the optimal performance of every module individually; thus, they work at the module level, not the whole string.
How Do Microinverters Work?
Panel-Level Conversion: Basically, there is one micro inverter mounted on the back of one solar panel, taking the DC electricity supplied by that panel and converting it locally to AC, which either goes to service at the site—the house—or out to a grid in a large solar farm.
Optimization: Microinverters maximize the performance of each individual panel. If one is shaded or underperforming, this doesn’t affect all of the other panels’ production, as each of the microinverters runs independently.
Monitoring: Many micro inverters come with monitoring that allows system homeowners to track performance at the panel level in real time. This facilitates the prompt identification and resolution of issues.
Benefits of Solar Plates with Micro-Inverters
Optimized Energy Production: The micro inverters ensure that each solar panel produces maximum energy regardless of performance from the neighboring panels. It is highly applied where the performance from one or more panels might be affected by shading, dirt, or any other form of obstruction.
High System Reliability: In the case of microinverters, failure of one panel or inverter does not affect the entire system. Should a micro inverter fail, it only impacts the concerned panel, thus giving the system reliability and making for easier troubleshooting.
Improved Safety: Traditional string inverters come with high-voltage DC, which is a safety liability. On the other hand, microinverters convert DC to AC at the panel level itself, hence reducing the risk of high-voltage DC arcing.
Scalability: Solar systems using microinverters are highly scalable. More panels can easily be added without worrying about resizing the inverter since each panel is independent with its own micro-inverter.
Improved Design Flexibility:
Microinverters allow for more flexible system designs and are therefore suitable for complex roof layouts where panels might face different directions or angles. Each panel may be optimized independent of the orientation.
Granular Performance Monitoring: Most micro inverter systems have panel-level monitoring from which detailed information is given on the performance of each panel. This access might be through the web or mobile application for optimum energy generation, diagnosis of any problem, and further action on that fault.
Longer Life Span: Microinverters often outlive the traditional string inverter by a significant margin. Most of these manufacturers give 25-year warranties because the life of the microinverter matches that of the solar panels.
Considerations When Selecting Solar Panels with Micro Inverters
Cost: Even with the many advantages micro inverters have, the initial cost of this technology is generally higher compared to those of the string inverters. However, this cost can be compensated by an increased energy output and the financial benefits of a more reliable system in the long term.
Installation: Microinverters add cost as system size increases. There is therefore no doubt that microinverters need to be used for maximum high energy-generating installations.
System Size: Microinverters do increase the cost per installed watt of a PV system. However, microinverters are scalable and can produce maximum output. Just the same way an increase in module power increases the size of the system, it increases the energy the micro inverter can produce.
Make sure the micro inverters you select will be compatible with your chosen solar panels. Some manufacturers also provide an integrated solution, where the micro inverter is actually inbuilt into the panel, and as such, the installation becomes a lot easier.
Support and warranty: Observe the warranty and support from the micro inverter manufacturer. Needless to say, a strong warranty and good customer support would equally play a great role in ensuring that your system is efficient and reliable in the long run.
Top Micro Inverter Brands
Enphase Energy
- Overview: Enphase is the leading vendor of micro inverter technology, known for high-efficiency products and end-to-end monitoring systems.
- Popular Models: Enphase IQ7, IQ8
- Features: High efficiency, panel-level monitoring, sturdy design, and excellent customer support.
APsystems
- Overview: Another provider of several types of microinverters, it is renowned to be very versatile with ease of installation.
- Popular Models: YC600 and QS1
- Features: Dual module inverters, panel level monitoring, affordable pricing
SolarEdge (HD-Wave with Power Optimizers)
- Overview: While not being a micro-inverter, SolarEdge’s power optimizers do some of the same work, optimising each panel individually before sending the DC power to a central inverter.
- Popular Models: SE6000H-US, SE7600H-US
- Features:High efficiency, module-level monitoring, and strong warranties.
Calculating the Cost
The cost of a solar panel system installed with micro inverters is always impacted by a few particular factors, such as the size of that system, the type of panels and inverters, and, of course, installation expenses. A general cost breakdown for the system can go like this: –
Panels: The cost for the solar panel would range from $2,500 to $5,000 as an average for a 5 kW system.
Micro Inverters: On average, micro inverters can amount to about $200-$300 diadem per panel. For a 5kW system with 20 panels, that adds up to about $4,000 to $6,000.
Installation: From $2,000 to $5,000, depending on system complexity
Total: Altogether, for a 5 kW system, the total cost of solar panels, micro-inverters, and installation might be in the range of $8,500 to $16,000 before incentives or rebates.
Conclusion
Micro-inverters are an important upgrade in solar technology and have several advantages over traditional string inverters. The micro inverters do this because they maximize energy production per panel, thereby giving improved, flexible designs and system reliability. This may be costlier at the start, but in the end, it has several merits on energy, safety, and scalability, so they are the best option for solar installations, whether residential or commercial.
Get A Quote Intending to install solar panels with micro inverters? Contact us now for a free quote. Our team of experts properly surveys your energy needs, roof layouts, and budget. Accordingly, we design a system that ensures maximum efficiency and savings. Start down the path to energy independence with one of our cutting-edge solar solutions.
FAQs
Are micro-inverters better compared to string inverters?
For systems where there are primary shading issues, complex roof designs, or the necessity of panel-level optimization, micro-inverters are a better choice at a higher price compared to the string inverter. The best choice will always be dependent on your exact installation conditions.
Can big solar installations use micro-inverters?
Yes, micro inverters can be used for large installations. However, the cost may stand higher compared to using string inverters. However, scalability and performance benefits justify the investment in specific cases.
How long do micro inverters last?
Micro inverters warranties are typically 20 to 25 years or even longer, much like that of solar panels. They make them very reliable and long-lasting for a solar power system.
Can micro-inverters track the performance of individual panels?
Yes, one of the most important advantages of micro-inverters is granular control and monitoring down to the level of the individual panel.