Microinverters vs String Inverter - Which is best?

Microinverters vs string inverters. Are microinverters better than string inverters? Are string inverters better than microinverters? Why did I choose to install microinverters on my solar system. How you can get micro inverters cheaper than string inverters. I discuss 9 reasons why I choose Enphase microinverters over sol-ark string inverters.

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Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 What is a String Inverter
00:51 What are microinverters
01:49 #1
02:18 #2
02:31 #3
02:47 #4
03:28 #5
04:00 #6
04:25 #7
04:53 #8
05:08 #9
05:54 Conclusion

#solar #solarsystem #DIY #enphase #microinverters #stringinverters

[SSMLivingPictures]

Please accept this small token Justin. It is but a fraction of my gratitude for your videos. I watched many of them several times and I was able to find answers I couldn't find anywhere else. The timing of you making these was perfect 😅

[sarfarash]

Thanks for your efforts in educating the PV community! Subbed and liked!
I used string a SMA sunny boy inverter with module level APsmart rapid shutdown devices to meet the code. I think you might be a bit biased about the comparison and the enphase, but 100% agree that it depends on situation. I used high power modules that no microinverter could support, so had to use string inverter. Anyway when I did the math, it didn’t make any sense to use microinverter at ~$250 each piece and use smaller modules.

Those who are watching must consider the fact that microinverters cannot be paired with modules 350watts and higher! This means you are limited to use smaller modules, therefore you must use a larger number of modules and components and racking. It certainly makes your system much more expensive.

I did DIY and I certainly would have considered module level monitoring but it made no sense to add up to 35% to my cost just to have module level monitoring.

Shading and string inverter? Not an issue at all. That was for old technology modules.

Bottom line, string inverters are still less expensive compared to microinverters in many many cases almost all cases.

Simple math:
Microinverters system:
10x 350w modules (say $200 ea)+ 10x IQ7 microinverters at $250 each = 10x$450= $4500 only for modules and inverters. +combiner box ~$350= $4850.

Lets compare:

String inverter system:

10x 350w modules (say $200 ea)+ 10x rapid shutdown device at $30 each = 10x$230= $2300
+$1500 string inverter=2300+1500=$3800.

Microinverters are at least $1000 more expensive in this simple case.


If your system calls for 20 modules, it will be even more expensive: (20x$450) + (2x$350)= ~$9700.

But the string inverter will nit be that much expensive:
(20x$230) + (~$2000 for a larger inverter)= $6600.

Micro inverter system is $3000 more expensive for a 7kw system.

And generally the larger the system is, the more expensive it gets to use microinverters than string inverter.

I appreciate your informative videos. Please keep up the good work!

[Just_An_Idea_For_Consideration]

Understanding Micro Inverter Ecosystem

I have been wanting to understand micro inverters for a long time. Unfortunately no one explains in detail this type of inverter ecosystem.

Your explanation is great, but:

Here are my QUESTIONS, for your future videos, or to answer in a reply:

1) when you daisy chain multiple micro inverters onto the backbone wire, how do they stay in phase with one another?

2) when you have multiple runs (backbone runs) how does each run stay in phase with the other runs?

3) how do you wire multiple runs into an AC breaker box, to then be distributed for use to the house or building?

4) How do you store energy from these micro inverters which output 240V AC into a DC battery bank?

5) how do you get energy out of the battery bank and into the AC Breaker Panel, and keep it in phase with the input from the micro inverter runs?

6) How do you get Split Phase out of each run and maintain sync across multiple runs, and how to wire split phase into the breaker panel from multiple runs?

I have more questions, but if you could answer those in depth, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Stoutluvr]

Justin, great video once again. I have finally gotten my ground mount system up and running for a few months now. Where I am located, with the utility that I am tied to, Entergy, I have my array located at my farm. I have a condo in town and it is also served by the same utility. They allow me to associate multiple meters with one net metering location. So I am producing enough kWh at my farm to cover my farm and the leftover is covering my condo. So far, it is exceeding my expectations. I used Enphase IQ8M. They were supper easy to connect. I enjoy watching my app daily to see what I am producing every day.

[billderinbaja]

It's been 10 years since I last looked at doing a rooftop solar system. At the time, MPPT optimizers were state of the art... it's GREAT that microinverters have come so far in regard to cost/flexibility/safety. I really appreciate your strong recommendation of Enphase!

Other recommendations, if you don't mind:
1) Panel Mfr?.. I live in Baja Sur MX, so very intense sun, no snow or freezing
2) Rack System?... my roof will be flat CIP concrete... I'd like to mount panels with an air gap of 4"-6", at 30% slope (optimum for this latitude).

[kapitantanTV]

microinverter has better flexibility to add on/replace solar panels in the future, more detailed monitoring system down to each solar panel, and able to cater multiple orientation on rooftop. However, it is not cheaper than a string inverter, especially when your system is at the higher capacity. String inverter is generally cheaper and easier maintenance in the long run. Yes, if it fails, you get zero generation, microinverters dont fail then? I'd say there are no best inverter, just choose the suitable one for your needs.

[MrZammaraska]

Did Enphase sponsor this video? It sounds like an ad. What happens when a microinverter fails and there are no more compatible inverters available?

[colinocarroll]

Nice job justin this is information that is not readily available on Youtube or anywhere else I can find on the internet. this is a basic question when wanting to build in 2023

[SSMLivingPictures]

Hey Justin, I just passed my electrical inspection! Your videos, and all your kind answers to my questions, were extremely helpful and MUCH appreciated! Can't thank you enough!

[MrGhostsword]

I am in South Africa and we are having serious issues with power.. but the whole shebang of string inverters is a big outcome.. One should be able to use one panel, and one inverter.. sometimes we just need 100w of power.. to charge phones, etc.. or even to charge a power bank.. so I am super happy that micro inverters exist.. the next step is to get enphase to south africa, but will bring a few to try out. Did not know about the enphase university, so will take some courses so I at least be able to setup my home. thanks for the video.

[thatguychris]

The micro inverter setup makes total sense if you are powering directly to your grid and beyond. However, what happens if you want storage and use batteries? Will there be a dedicated battery to each panel/inverter? Wiring, maintenance and power management would be a nightmare I think.

[Booh]

Good advice.One disadvantage and it's significant is that, should one or more microinverters fail on a roof, you may have to take into account the cost of scaffolding to replace.

[MarijanAdam]

Just wanted to point out that you used a "hybrid" inverter (Sol-Ark) for your price comparison argument and that is not an apples to apples comparison.... a top of the line 7.5kW-8kW string(aka grid-tie) inverter like Fronius costs only about $2k. So if you price out such an inverter with Tigo optimizers and compare it to Enphase IQ8+ micro inverters, string inverter solution will be cheaper. Based on AltE Store pricing there is about 20% savings by going the string inverter route.

I myself use Enphase micro inverters as well, but price was definitely not one of the factors in its favor 😅

[sheilaashley]

Awesome video Justin. I am liking the new format! Keep up the good work! 🎉

[savagecub]

Outstanding video man ! You gave an excellent “regular guy” type explanation.

[LM]

Just wonder, in a hot area like Phoenix, can micro inverters cause hot spots on the solar panel its mounted to and cause problems?

[ridefast]

Very good video. We got a quote using string inverter cost $10000 less than using microconverter system. Your topics make sense to me. We will look into Inphase microconverters

[crixus]

Appreciate the video. But wondering if you included the other necessary components required for Enphase like IQ Combiner, etc. in your cost analysis? As you mention it does depend on your needs, size, and situation and there is no black and white answer IMO as to what is better AC vs DC coupled. I would say though that if you want to add a battery I would highly recommend another video showing that comparison. But not necessarily microinverter to string but more of DC coupled vs AC coupled. From my research Enphase batteries and additional components raise the price tag quite a bit and considering 3 power conversion to go from DC to AC (panel) - then AC to DC (to battery) and then DC to AC (battery back to home) may tilt the scale in the hybrid or dc coupled solutions. And as you also mention single point of failure for a single inverter is yet another angle that I actually look at the opposite approach in that the more pieces of equipment you have, especially electronics that get hot, the more points of failure and the more chance of failure. And Enphase batteries have more inverters inside them (6 to 8 if I recall - and more potential equipment failure). Again, two sides of a coin and point of view. Enphase is definitely the big dog in the market but there are good alternatives depending on your needs. Great video and would love to see more on this topic. thanks

[SSMLivingPictures]

Chapters, nice. Youve upgraded your YT game man, nice work 😎

[mikesantx]

I enjoyed your video. I have been in the solar business for 3 years and want to give you some updates. You didn't talk about clipping, unfortunately Enphase hasn't figured out a way to make the correct size microinverter for the panels of today. This however is the main problem. We have one guy who's job it is to replace microinverters on our systems. We know now they don't like the heat long term. Note: I am in the dessert to be fair. We sell both systems (for the same price) and now with the Tesla inverter it makes much more sense to go with a string system if you want to get the max out of that system.