A solar micro-inverter is one of two types of inverters that can be used with a home solar system. Micro Inverters have several advantages over conventional inverters, called string inverters. String inverters are connected to multiple solar panels in a row, or string, and converts all the incoming DC energy to usable AC energy. Because the microinverter is connected to a single solar panel instead of a string of them, there are a number of benefits to this technology.

• Rapid shutdown capability

New electrical codes require rapid solar system shutdown so first responders or firefighters are safe from high voltage when they need to be on rooftops or servicing power lines. Microinverters comply with these rapid shutdown requirements and have this capability embedded into each module.

• More Electricity

The core advantage of using microinverters is that theoretically, you can yield more solar electricity. The reason for this is that there are slight differences in currents between solar panels. When solar panels are in a string, the current is reduced to that of the least-producing panel in the string.

• Suitability for challenging installation conditions

If a solar system is facing multiple angles, meaning some panels are facing south, some east, and some west, then microinverters are the way to go. Or, if you have shading issues from trees or a large chimney, again microinverters would be best.

• Lifespan

Microinverters typically have 25-year warranties, while standard inverters typically have 8 to 12-year warranties. The reliability of microinverters was in question several years ago, but the technology now has caught up with the industry, and the long warranties on microinverters show the confidence the manufacturers have in their products.