Microinverters, string inverters, and string inverters with DC optimizers -- oh my! With all the solar technologies out there and not a lot of straightforward information, deciding on the right solar option can be confusing. We're here to break down some key differences for you (in a way you won't need an engineering degree to understand). Once you've got it down,
you might find the choice is simpler than you thought.
Think of solar panels like bulbs in a string of holiday lights. In conventional inverter systems, when one panel fails, the whole system goes out. Or when one panel’s output drops -- thanks to fallen leaves, a passing cloud, or some other unavoidable factor -- the system’s overall performance drops to match that lowest-performing panel. With microinverters, each panel operates independently -- so no matter what happens to any one panel, the rest of your system keeps shining bright.
"I feel that customers are catching on to the misconception that you can just buy SolarEdge optimizers and you're getting all the benefits of a microinverter system. You have a lot more points of liability. The warranty is half as long. Why try to make a string system like a microinverter system? Why not just use microinverters?"
-- Jason Hayes, CEO and President
Advanced Improvements - Anaheim, CA
Whether it's a leaf, dirt, or a cloudy day, obstructions happen. All the time, to every system. With microinverters, only the individual panel is affected, while the others keep performing to their fullest. At the end of the day, that means more solar power and greater energy savings from the same panels.
A string inverter system can only perform as well as its lowest-performing panel. So if shade or a pile of leaves hinders one panel's performance, every other panel operates at the same diminished capacity. That means every little obstacle has a big impact on your energy production -- and takes a bite out of your potential savings.
DC-AC conversion happens on the panel level, so there's never any high-voltage power traveling through your system. In other words, you don't have to worry about the dangers lurking on your own roof.
In a string inverter system, there's a lot of high-voltage electricity working its way across your roof. That comes with potential hazards to both you and your installers, including arc-faulting and fire.
Schools around the country choose Enphase knowing it meets even the strictest safety requirements.
Read one school's story
An all-AC system means lower fire risk. Why put high-voltage electricity on your roof when you don’t have to?
Hear a firehouse's perspectiveWe've built our plug-and-play components to be easier and quicker to install. That's because we know that spending less time on the roof gives installers more time to devote to building their business.
A third-party study commissioned by Enphase in September 2015 found that, excluding racking, SolarEdge took 47% longer to install, and SMA took 68% longer to install.
-- Dan Reed, District Manager, Vivint Solar
10,000+ Enphase Systems installed since 2010
What happens when something goes wrong? If it's a string inverter system, it means the installer sends a truck to investigate in person. Making the trip, locating the problem, then resolving it -- by the time it's over, they've spent valuable manpower hours and dollars. With microinverters, smart monitoring lets the installer pinpoint the issue instantly from wherever they are, and often resolve it remotely. (Or if not, arrive at the site knowing exactly what to look for.)
Boom, problem solved; time and money saved.
There are microinverter based systems and string based inverter systems. DC optimizers adds complexity to string inverter based system. A system is only as reliable as its weakest link and the string inverter is the weakest link in any DC optimizer or string inverter based system. Microinverters reduce system complexity and are easier to design and install.
Flexible Design
Easier Installation
Greater Productivity
Higher Reliability
Greater Durability
Longer Warranty
Increased Safety
Low maintenance
Rigid Design
Complex Installation
Lower Productivity
Less Reliable
Less Durable
Shorter Warranty
Not as Safe
High maintenance
Rigid Design
Complex Installation
Lower Productivity
Less Reliable
Less Durable
Shorter Warranty
Not as Safe
High maintenance
Installer Interview: Jim Jenal, Run on Sun
Jim Jenal, CEO of Run on Sun, explains how he makes the choice between Enphase and SolarEdge.
Read more
Independent study: What the engineers say
The independent labs at PV Evolution compared Enphase microinverters with Solar Edge string inverters in several key benchmark areas with this study. See what they found.
Download study
Real world challenge: Microinverters vs. string
One installer shares his story and his in-depth inverter selection process.
Download case study
