What is a Microinverter? Everything You Need to Know

As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, understanding the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system is crucial. One key component that plays a significant role in energy conversion and system efficiency is the inverter. Among the different types available, microinverters have gained attention for their unique approach to solar power conversion. But what exactly is a microinverter, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

What is a Microinverter?

UMA microinversor is a small, individual inverter that is typically installed directly on the back of each solar panel in a PV system. Unlike traditional string or central inverters, which convert the DC power from multiple solar panels (a “string”) into AC power at a single point, microinverters perform this conversion at the individual panel level.

This means each solar panel operates independently, with its own dedicated inverter. This distributed approach offers several distinct characteristics that can impact system performance, design, and cost. For example, the Deye SUN-M130/160/180/200/220G4-EU-Q0 series features four Maximum Power Point (MPP) trackers, allowing it to optimize power from each connected PV module.

Prós e contras dos microinversores

Like any technology, microinverters come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Vantagens dos Microinversores

Microinverters offer several compelling advantages that make them an attractive option for many solar installations.

• Power Optimization

One of the most significant benefits is panel-level power optimization. Each microinverter employs Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for the specific panel it’s connected to. This means if one panel is shaded, dirty, or performing sub-optimally for any reason, it won’t degrade the performance of the entire string of panels, as can happen with traditional string inverters.

o Deye SUN-M series, for instance, utilizes Quad MPPT technology to ensure maximum energy harvest by optimizing power conversion from each PV module it serves (often up to four modules per microinverter in such designs). Their MPPT efficiency is often greater than 99%.

• Isolated Equipment Failure:

If a single microinverter fails, only the solar panel it’s connected to will stop producing power. The rest of the system will continue to operate normally. In contrast, if a central string inverter fails, the entire solar array stops generating electricity until the inverter is repaired or replaced.

• Facilidade de instalação

Microinverters can simplify the installation process. Since they operate at lower DC voltages (e.g., the Deye SUN-M series has a max input voltage of 60V), they can be safer and easier to handle. Some models are designed for quick-plug balcony PV systems, further streamlining setup.

• Design expansível

Systems using microinverters are inherently modular. If you want to add more solar panels to your system later, you can simply add more panels with their respective microinverters without needing to resize or replace a central inverter, as long as your home’s electrical panel can handle the additional load.

• Flexible Array Layout

Because each panel operates independently, microinverters offer greater flexibility in solar array design. Panels can be installed in different orientations, at various tilt angles, or even on multiple roof surfaces without the performance limitations that string inverters might impose due to mismatched panel outputs. This is particularly beneficial for roofs with complex shapes or intermittent shading.

• Longer Lifespan

Microinverters are generally built to last, often coming with longer warranties than string inverters. For example, the Deye SUN-M series offers a 10-year warranty, with an option for a 15-year warranty in some regions. This is because they are not subjected to the same high power loads and heat stress as a central inverter.

• Rapid Shutdown Capability

Many microinverter systems have built-in rapid shutdown capabilities. This is a safety feature that quickly de-energizes the solar panels on the roof, which is often required by electrical codes to protect firefighters in case of an emergency.

Disadvantages of Microinverters

Despite their many advantages, there are a few potential downsides to consider.

• More Expensive Up Front

The primary disadvantage of microinverters is their higher initial cost. Because you are purchasing one inverter per panel (or for a small group of panels), the upfront equipment cost per watt is typically higher than for a system using a single string inverter.

• Higher Odds of Equipment Failure (in terms of component count)

While individual microinverters are robust, having many of them in a system means there are more electronic components on the roof. Statistically, this could increase the chance of a single component failing over the system’s lifetime.

However, as mentioned earlier, the impact of a single microinverter failure is minimal compared to a central inverter failure. The IP67 protection rating found on models like the Deye SUN-M series provides superior resistance to dust and water, mitigating some environmental risks to components.

How Do Microinverters Compare to Other Types of Solar Inverters?

To better understand microinverters, it’s helpful to compare them to other common types of solar inverters:

• Inversores de cordas: This is the most traditional type. Multiple solar panels are connected in series to form a “string,” and the combined DC output is fed into a single inverter.
  • Prós: Lower upfront cost, mature technology.
  • Contras: A single underperforming panel (due to shading, dirt, or malfunction) can reduce the output of the entire string. System-wide shutdown if the inverter fails. Less design flexibility.
• Power Optimizers with String Inverters: This system pairs DC-to-DC converters (power optimizers) with each panel, similar to microinverters for panel-level optimization. However, the optimized DC power is then sent to a central string inverter for DC-to-AC conversion.
  • Prós: Offers panel-level optimization like microinverters, often at a slightly lower cost than a full microinverter system.
  • Contras: Still has a central point of failure (the string inverter). More complex wiring than string inverters alone.
• Microinversores:
  • Prós: Panel-level optimization, no single point of system failure, greater design flexibility, easy expansion, rapid shutdown. The Deye SUN-M130/160/180/200/220G4-EU-Q0 also includes integrated WiFi for real-time system monitoring.
  • Contras: Higher upfront cost, more components on the roof.

Característica	String Inverter	Power Optimizers + String Inverter	Microinversores
Optimization Level	String	Painel	Painel
Tolerância à sombra	Baixo	Alto	Alto
Upfront Cost	Lowest	Médio	Highest
System Monitoring	System-level (panel-level optional)	Panel-level	Panel-level (e.g., Deye integrated WiFi)
Single Point Failure	Yes (inverter)	Yes (inverter)	No (impact limited to one panel)
Design Flexibility	Mais baixo	Higher	Highest
Expandability	More Complex	Moderate	Easiest
Component Location	Centralized	Panels & Centralized	Panels

Should You Use Microinverters in Your Solar Energy System?

The decision to use microinverters depends on your specific circumstances, priorities, and budget. Microinverters are an excellent choice if:

• Your roof has intermittent shading: If trees, chimneys, or other obstructions cast shadows on parts of your roof at different times of the day, microinverters will maximize your energy harvest by ensuring shaded panels don’t drag down the performance of unshaded ones.
• You have complex roof designs: If your panels need to be installed on multiple roof planes with different orientations or tilts, microinverters provide the flexibility needed for optimal performance.
• You plan to expand your system in the future: The modular nature of microinverters makes system expansion straightforward.
• You prioritize maximum system uptime and fault tolerance: With no single point of failure that can take down the entire system, microinverters offer enhanced reliability.
• Panel-level monitoring is important to you: Most microinverter systems, like the Deye SUN-M series with its integrated WiFi, allow you to monitor the performance of each individual solar panel, making it easy to identify and troubleshoot issues.
• Safety features like rapid shutdown are a high priority: Microinverters excel in providing enhanced safety.

However, if your roof is unshaded, has a simple layout, and your primary concern is the lowest possible upfront cost, a traditional string inverter might be a more budget-friendly option, though potentially with lower overall energy yield in less-than-ideal conditions.

In summary: Microinverters represent an advanced approach to solar power conversion, offering significant benefits in power optimization, reliability, and design flexibility. While they come with a higher initial investment, the long-term advantages, including increased energy production, especially in challenging site conditions, and enhanced safety, often make them a worthwhile choice for many homeowners and businesses.

Ready to Explore Your Solar Options with Deye?

If you’re considering microinverters or want to understand the best solution for your unique needs, the experts at Deye are here to help.

Contact Deye today for personalized expert advice and to request pricing information. Our team can guide you through our innovative product range, and help you design a system that maximizes your solar investment. Let us help you harness the power of the sun with confidence!