Three Types of Inverters
With string inverters, solar panels are connected in series to form long strings, which are then linked to the inverter. This is the most common type of system, used when all panels face the same direction with minimal shading. The main advantage of string inverters is their simplicity, with fewer components and a lower chance of malfunctions. And if an issue does arise, the inverter is usually easy to access and replace.
Inverters play a critical role in any solar panel installation. They convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), optimize the panels' power output (known as Maximum Power Point Tracking – MPP tracking), and monitor the system's energy production. There are several types of inverters on the market, with the most common categories being string inverters and micro inverters, as well as a hybrid option using power optimizers.
With string inverters, the solar panels are connected in series to form long strings, which are then linked to the inverter. This is the most common type of installation and is used when all panels face the same direction and there is minimal shading. The advantage of these systems is that they are relatively simple, with few components, reducing the risk of malfunctions. And if an issue does occur with the inverter, it is usually easy to access and replace.
With micro inverters, each panel has its own small inverter, directly converting power to 230V AC. The benefit of this system is that each panel has independent MPP tracking, making it ideal for installations where panels have different orientations and tilt angles. Micro inverters are also commonly used in small setups with just 3 or 4 panels (as string inverters require a minimum number of panels to function). However, this setup includes more components, which can increase the risk of malfunctions. Additionally, since the inverters are located directly beneath the panels, they are exposed to high temperatures and are harder to access for maintenance. On the other hand, micro inverters allow for individual panel monitoring, rather than just tracking the system's total output. Popular brands for micro inverters include Enphase, though companies like SMA and Enecsys have either exited the micro inverter market or ceased operations altogether.
A hybrid approach between string and micro inverters involves using power optimizers in combination with a central inverter. The most well-known brand in this category is SolarEdge. In these systems, each panel is equipped with an optimizer, which individually tracks MPP and converts the panel’s DC output into a different DC voltage. A central inverter then converts this optimized DC voltage into AC. This setup allows for efficient energy production in installations where panels face different directions or experience partial shading (although heavy shading may still make solar panels impractical). The downside is the added complexity of the system, though the most sensitive electronics are located in the central inverter, making them easier to access for maintenance.
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String Inverters
With string inverters, the solar panels are connected in series to form long strings, which are then linked to the inverter. This is the most common type of installation and is used when all panels face the same direction and there is minimal shading. The advantage of these systems is that they are relatively simple, with few components, reducing the risk of malfunctions. And if an issue does occur with the inverter, it is usually easy to access and replace.
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Micro Inverters
With micro inverters, each panel has its own small inverter, directly converting power to 230V AC. The benefit of this system is that each panel has independent MPP tracking, making it ideal for installations where panels have different orientations and tilt angles. Micro inverters are also commonly used in small setups with just 3 or 4 panels (as string inverters require a minimum number of panels to function). However, this setup includes more components, which can increase the risk of malfunctions. Additionally, since the inverters are located directly beneath the panels, they are exposed to high temperatures and are harder to access for maintenance. On the other hand, micro inverters allow for individual panel monitoring, rather than just tracking the system's total output. Popular brands for micro inverters include Enphase, though companies like SMA and Enecsys have either exited the micro inverter market or ceased operations altogether.
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Power Optimizers
A hybrid approach between string and micro inverters involves using power optimizers in combination with a central inverter. The most well-known brand in this category is SolarEdge. In these systems, each panel is equipped with an optimizer, which individually tracks MPP and converts the panel’s DC output into a different DC voltage. A central inverter then converts this optimized DC voltage into AC. This setup allows for efficient energy production in installations where panels face different directions or experience partial shading (although heavy shading may still make solar panels impractical). The downside is the added complexity of the system, though the most sensitive electronics are located in the central inverter, making them easier to access for maintenance.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Different Inverter Types
| Type | When to Use | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| String Inverters | When all panels face the same direction with minimal shading | Simple system with fewer components, reducing the risk of malfunctions | Only the total system output can be monitored, not individual panels |
| Micro Inverters | When panels are installed on different roof surfaces with varying angles or in small systems (3–4 panels) | Individual panel monitoring | More components, higher chance of malfunctions, exposed to heat, harder to access if issues arise |
| Power Optimizers | When panels face different directions or experience shading | Individual panel monitoring | More components, slightly higher risk of malfunctions |
Finding the Best Solution for Your Roof
At Zonnefabriek, we offer different types of solar installations tailored to each customer’s needs. The right choice depends on your roof's shape and orientation, shading conditions, available space, and, of course, budget considerations. Our advisors take all these factors into account to provide a customized solution for your roof.
