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How to Choose Between String Inverters and Microinverters?
If you're considering going solar to power your home, you'll be happy to know there are several options available to convert sunlight into usable electricity. Two of the most common choices are string inverters and microinverters. Choosing between them can be confusing, but don't worry—we've got you covered with everything you need to know.
**String Inverters**
A string inverter works by connecting 6–12 individual solar panels in a series. It's typically a standalone unit installed near your electrical meter and main service panel. For a typical residential system, you’ll usually have just one or two inverters, depending on the size of your installation.
**Also Read: A Simple Guide to Smart Inverter Technology**
**Advantages of String Inverters**
- **Minimal Wiring Issues**: With only one inverter, the wiring setup is straightforward, reducing the chances of faults.
- **Cost-Effective**: String inverters are generally more affordable in terms of installation costs.
- **Easy Troubleshooting**: Since there’s only one inverter to monitor, identifying and fixing issues is simpler.
**Drawbacks of a String Inverter**
- **Compliance Challenges**: Some systems may struggle with rapid shutdown requirements.
- **Lower Efficiency in Shade**: If part of the array is shaded, the entire system’s performance drops.
- **Difficult to Expand**: Adding another inverter can be expensive and complex.
- **Shorter Warranty**: Typically 8–12 years, compared to the 25-year warranty of microinverters.
- **No Panel-Level Monitoring**: You can only track the whole system, not each panel individually.
**Also Read: Best Ways to Charge Inverter Battery When You Don’t Have Power**
**Microinverters**
Solar microinverters perform the same function as traditional string inverters, but they are much smaller—about the size of an internet router—and are installed under each solar panel on your roof. They operate in parallel, so the performance of one panel doesn’t affect the others.
**Advantages of a Microinverter**
- **Quick Shutdown Capability**: They can shut down rapidly, meeting safety standards in many regions.
- **Panel-Level Monitoring**: You can monitor each panel individually, making it easier to spot and fix small issues.
- **Better Performance in Shade**: Since each panel has its own inverter, partial shading has less impact, and they even outperform optimizers in some cases.
**Also Read: How Shade Affects Solar Panel Efficiency?**
**Drawbacks of a Microinverter**
- **Harder to Maintain**: With multiple units, maintenance becomes more complex.
- **More Expensive**: Especially for standard residential setups like a 5kW system.
- **Not Ideal for Stormy Areas**: Microinverters can sometimes act as lightning rods during storms.
**Microinverters vs. String Inverters: Which is Better?**
String inverters tend to be more reliable due to their simpler design. They’re less likely to fail and easier to maintain, especially when you consider that a single point of failure is easier to manage than 20 separate microinverters. However, microinverters shine in situations with heavy shading, where panels face different directions, or where rapid shutdown features are required.
If you're still unsure which option suits your needs best, feel free to reach out to us at **Genus**. We offer a wide range of solar inverters and are here to help you choose the right one for your home.