inverter 20kw off grid

Power optimizers: a panel-located option to pair with a string inverter

Power optimizers can be thought of as a compromise between string inverters and microinverters. Like microinverters, power optimizers are located on the roof next to (or integrated with) individual solar panels. However, systems with power optimizers still send energy to a centralized inverter.

Power optimizers don’t convert the DC electricity into AC electricity at the site of the solar panel. Rather, they “condition” the DC electricity by fixing the voltage of the electricity, at which point the electricity is sent down to the string inverter. A system that pairs power optimizers with a string inverter is more efficient than one that uses a string inverter alone.

Pros: Like microinverters, power optimizers can improve the efficiency of your solar panel system, and they tend to cost less than microinverters. They also offer the benefit of monitoring the performance of individual panels, and systems with power optimizers can still produce significant energy even if one or two panels are underperforming.

Cons: A system that pairs power optimizers with a string inverter will cost more than a system with a standard string inverter option. As with microinverters, solar PV systems that include power optimizers can be more difficult to maintain.

Best for: Homeowners who are willing to pay more to increase the efficiency of their solar panel system, but who don’t want to invest in microinverters.

Microinverters: high-performance inverter for complex systems

If a string inverter can be considered a “centralized” inverter, microinverters are “distributed” inverters. Solar PV systems with microinverters have a small inverter installed at the site of each individual solar panel. Rather than sending energy from every panel down to a single inverter, microinverter systems convert the DC solar energy to AC energy right on the roof.

Pros: Because they are located on the roof near the solar panel, microinverters are more efficient than string inverters at converting energy. Systems with microinverters will still produce energy, even if one or two panels in the system are underperforming. Microinverters also make it possible to monitor the performance of specific panels, which makes it easier to identify production issues if they should arise. 

Cons: Microinverters will cost significantly more than a string inverter, and can be more difficult to maintain or repair in the event of a problem because they are located on the roof.

Best for: Systems with solar panels that face multiple directions, homeowners who want to maximize solar production in a small space, and properties that have “complicated” roofs with gables, chimneys, or other objects that can cause shade.

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