Solar panels generate energy, but not in a form that can be directly used in a household. Hence, the need for a solar inverter. An inverter takes the power generated by solar panels and turns it into a useable form. Without this, your home solar system would be effectively useless.
In this Canstar Blue guide, we discuss one solar inverter option – the micro inverter. We’ll explain what it is, why you’ll need an inverter when installing solar and how a micro inverter differs from other inverters.
On this page:
- How does a micro inverter work with solar panels?
- What is the difference between micro inverters and string inverters?
- How is a micro inverter different to a power optimiser?
- How much does it cost to install a micro inverter?
- What are some of the benefits of using a micro inverter in your solar system?
- Solar plans and prices
- Are micro inverters worth it?
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How does a micro inverter work with solar panels?
When installing solar panels, there are a number of inverters to choose from, including battery inverters, hybrid inverters, grid-tie and off-grid inverters. Typically however, most households will need to choose between two options – string inverters or micro inverters.
A micro inverter is an inverter that is installed on solar panels to convert the direct current energy (DC) generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity for use in the home. They are about the size of an internet router and one is installed underneath each solar panel.
The main advantage of a micro inverter solar system is that it can measure the generation of each panel independently, as opposed to managing all solar panels at once.
What is the difference between micro inverters and string inverters?
The key difference between micro inverters and string inverters is that micro inverters are installed on each individual panel, whereas string inverters use just one system for all panels – typically installed away from the panels near your main switch board or sub board (depending on the model).
Theoretically, micro inverters should yield more solar power. This is because when solar panels operate in a ‘string’ with string inverters, the current is reduced to that of the lowest-producing panel in the system. Micro inverters, on the other hand, produce energy independently of their neighbouring solar panels. This makes micro inverter solar systems the more attractive option when it comes to combatting shaded areas or the impacts of low light. This is because only the covered panels’ generation is compromised, as opposed to the entire solar system’s performance.
Micro inverters also tend to operate at a lower voltage than string inverters.
How is a micro inverter different to a power optimiser?
A power or solar optimiser is similar to a micro inverter, in that it is a small box installed directly onto each solar panel. However, instead of being an inverter in its own right, it works alongside a string inverter to maximise the amount of energy collected from each panel. Essentially, a power optimiser is in-between a string inverter and micro inverter.
Some panels have power optimisers built in, but others are sold and fitted separately. They work to lessen the impact of one panel underperforming. Unlike micro inverters, power optimisers don’t convert DC to AC, but rather ‘optimise’ the DC energy before it is sent to the string inverter.
How much does it cost to install a micro inverter?
According to Go Solar Quotes, micro inverters can cost between $4,600 and $11,500 for an installation, depending on the size of the solar system. This is because there is more wiring and equipment involved with micro inverters as there is one system per panel – or in some cases, one system per every two to four panels. With a string inverter, only one system needs to be purchased and wired for all panels.
Power optimisers are also cheaper than micro inverters, but more expensive than a stand-alone string inverter.
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What are some of the benefits of using a micro inverter in your solar system?
Below we’ve listed some key advantages of using a micro inverter solar system:
- Allows for a more flexible panel layout and expansion.
- The solar installer, Enphase, says that micro inverters operate at low-voltage AC power, avoiding the danger of high-voltage.
- Allows for panel-level monitoring and optimisation.
- No single point of failure, meaning that if one panel doesn’t work then it doesn’t stop the rest of the panels from performing and providing the household with energy.
- According to the Australian Government, micro inverters attached to the panel are covered by a 25-year warranty, while other inverters only have five to 10-year warranties.
While there are benefits to installing a micro inverter, there are also things to be cautious of. As micro inverter systems are installed directly on the roof, instead of on the side of the house, they run a slightly higher risk of weather damage. This is why it’s important to ensure that these systems are installed properly and that the solar panel system is maintained to ensure all parts are still running at maximum capacity.
The higher upfront costs are also something you’ll need to consider. Because multiple systems need to be purchased to fit out an entire solar panel system, the cost of installing micro inverters is often higher than that of just a string inverter.
Solar plans and prices
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Are micro inverters worth it?
If you have solar panels, or are looking to get them, you’ll need an inverter no matter what. Whether you get a string inverter, micro inverter or another model of inverter depends on your preference and set up. If you have partial shading from trees or other obstructions, or are likely to expand your solar system in the future, a micro inverter system might be the way to go.
Otherwise, a string inverter will effectively do the same job. Ultimately, an inverter’s main purpose is to convert the energy produced by the solar panels into electricity that can be used in the home. So it’s just a matter of assessing what your main energy needs are and picking an inverter that fits them best.
Original reporting by Abi Buckland
Image Source: bombermoon/Shutterstock.com
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