Solar projects require basic electrical knowledge, especially with electrical inverters. However, it can be tricky for homeowners, especially first-time solar power users.

Inverters have long been used to improve electricity production on solar panels. Today, two primary inverters are used on solar projects–string inverters and microinverters.

In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between string inverters and microinverters to help you determine which one would work best for your solar panel project. 

String Inverter

A string inverter (sometimes known as a “central inverter”) is a stand-alone box located near your main service panel and electricity meter. Each household solar installation typically has only one inverter, or sometimes two string inverters, depending on the overall solar power system size. 

A string inverter operates in a series circuit, with 6 to 12 individual solar panels in a “series string,” according to SMA, a leading manufacturer of string inverters.

Advantages and Disadvantages of String Inverters

String inverters are easier to repair in case of damage. They are also cheaper than microinverters, and they require less effort during the installation process.

On the other hand, string inverters aren’t compatible with the auto-shutdown feature of some solar panel projects. To get this feature fully functional, you’d need certain modifications on your string inverters.

Microinverters

Microinverters perform the same essential function as string inverters, except they are installed underneath each solar panel on your roof. Each microinverter is around the same size as an internet router.

Microinverters do not have this difficulty because they operate in a parallel circuit, unlike ordinary string inverters, which cap the electricity generation of each panel by the lowest producing panel on your roof.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microinverters

Solar panel projects with an auto-shutdown feature use microinverters. This prevents accidents and further damage to your solar panel projects in case of emergency. Aside from this, microinverters can generate more electrical output from your solar panels.

The only downside of microinverters is that they can be at least 3x more expensive than string inverters. They are also more challenging to repair in case of damage.

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