Photovoltaic Module and Inverter Selection

What are the different types of solar inverters?

There are three main types of solar inverters: string inverters, optimized string inverters (power optimizers + string inverters), and microinverters. We'll help you figure out which one is best for your solar panel system.

How do I choose a solar inverter?

When designing a solar installation, and selecting the inverter, we must consider how much DC power will be produced by the solar array and how much AC power the inverter is able to output (its power rating).

What are the different types of PV inverters?

There are three primary tiers of PV inverters: microinverters, string inverters, and central inverters. Since microinverters are not rated for utility-scale voltages, we will largely ignore them in this article. String inverters convert DC power from “strings” of PV modules to AC and are designed to be modular and scalable.

How do microinverters work on solar panels?

Microinverters convert the DC electricity from your solar panels into AC electricity on your roof without a separate string inverter. Installers usually mount the microinverters onto the back of the solar panel, but they can also place them next to the panel on your solar racking system.

Is a solar inverter a converter?

A solar inverter is really a converter, though the rules of physics say otherwise. A solar power inverter converts or inverts the direct current  (DC) energy produced by a solar panel into Alternate Current (AC.) Most homes use AC rather than DC energy. DC energy is not safe to use in homes.

Are microinverters rated for utility-scale voltages?

Since microinverters are not rated for utility-scale voltages, we will largely ignore them in this article. String inverters convert DC power from “strings” of PV modules to AC and are designed to be modular and scalable. Smaller string inverters may have as few as one input, with one PV string per input.