In this article, we’ll introduce you to microinverters. They can be a compelling way to convert the direct current (DC) from your solar panels to the alternating current (AC) your home uses, especially if you have shading considerations to account for, or multiple roof angles to install on.
“Micro” means small. If you were ordering french fries, the micro size might be four or five small fries in a miniature bag. Applying the term “micro” to renewable energy and your rooftop photovoltaic system - micro inverters are very small solar inverters. Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) your home appliances use.
In regular string inverter systems, solar modules are simply wired together and fed along down to a single inverter. In this configuration, solar energy output depends on the performance of the worst-performing panel, since they are all grouped in a set. However, microinverters are designed to be placed behind every single panel in your solar array instead of next to your fuse box.
Microinverters capture all the available electricity from each individual solar panel, convert it onsite to AC, and then send it along to your fuse box and electric grid. This makes your solar panel system more efficient, since even if a few of your panels have shading issues, your total output won’t suffer.
Microinverters have a few notable advantages over other solar power inverter systems, here are some of them to consider:
Longevity is an important consideration. The inverter is the most expensive component of your solar system, and the most likely to fail. It’s heartening to know microinverters have warranties that last as long as your solar panels do - 25 years. Other inverter technology like string and hybrid inverters have warranties that last just 8 to 12 years.
Solar panel manufacturers like TREVNI are integrating microinverters into their panels out of the box to make installation easier for installers. All that needs to be done is wiring the panels to one another and the system is ready to go.This can significantly cut down on your installation costs, since labor hours are a sizable part of your investment.
Even if some of your solar panels are shaded during the morning or evening, microinverters ensure maximum AC electricity flows to your fuse box and electric grid. This is because microinverters make it so each panel’s production capacity does not need to rely on the performance of a neighboring panel. This feature is also useful for complex roof types with multiple angles. If a few panels point toward the sun at a slightly less efficient angle, the rest of your system will still be cranking out watts at peak levels.If you use string inverters, to achieve the same effect as microinverters, you need to install a power optimizer for each solar panel.
Since microinverters are placed behind every panel in your PV system, you can track individual panel performance using your smartphone. Smart applications like the Enphase Enlighten system can notify you when your electricity performance is less than expected.For example, if the current weather is clear and sunny, and your panels are performing as if it were a cloudy day, you’ll get notification that your panels are not producing in their normal range. In this way, you can check for possible debris, bird poop, or equipment damage which may be impacting your system’s performance.
With microinverters, your solar system can be easily expanded in the future. This can be helpful if you have a limited budget right now and know at some point down the road you’d like to harvest more energy. Perhaps you know you’ll be using more energy at a later date because you’re working on a brood of a family or have dreams of a home-based workshop. Since the DC to AC conversion occurs at the site of each panel, your system doesn’t need to be paired to the capacity of a central inverter. Your solar installer can simply splice in more panels to your system. If you need to replace a solar panel with higher power or higher efficiency, you only need to remove the corresponding AC module for replacement, and you do not need to remove and replace the solar panel on the entire roof.
If firefighters, first responders or utility personnel need access to your rooftop for an emergency or power line service, you’ll need to shutdown your solar photovoltaic system (PV system) so they’ll be safe from high voltage. Microinverters have the capability to quickly and efficiently cut power supply to solar installations.However, a string inverter does not have a Rapid Shutdown function unless it is equipped with a Rapid Shutdown device.
.png){kind=logo}