MicroInverter vs String Inverter

Micro-Inverter Enphase IQ7+(25 Year Warranty)

Pros:

• Independent panel production.
• If one inverter fails only the solar panel connected to it will stop working and the rest of the solar panels will continue to operate.
• Great in shading conditions or multiple roof orientations.
• Lower start-up voltage.
• Easy to add more solar panels to system.

Cons:

• Not very effective with high wattage panels as they have a limit typically of 295w-300w.
• Not easily converted to DC Battery System without major losses.
• More pieces of equipment that can fail with multiple inverters.
• Difficult to replace as you have to go on your roof and remove solar panels to access Micro Inverters under solar panels.
• If a failure occurs 5+ years down the road it is tough to find a compatible replacement to the current system.

String Inverter w/Optimizers (25 Year Warranty)

Pros:

• Independent panel production w/optimizers.
• Panel by panel monitoring w/optimizers.
• Easily converted to DC Battery System with minimal losses.
• DC Power is more compatible with Electric Vehicles.
• One inverter to handle entire system gives less chance for failure.
• Easy to replace if a problem occurs as it is mounted to a wall with easy access.
• Can use smaller sized inverter if solar panels are mounted on multiple orientated roof surfaces such as East, South, West because all power isn’t being used at once.
• Easy to add to more solar panels to the system if inverter is sized appropriately.

Cons:

• A string of panels only performs as good as the weakest panel without optimizers.
• String only monitoring without/optimizers.
• If an inverter fails the entire system is down.
• Need space to mount the inverter.