What Is a Microinverter and How It Boosts Solar Panel Efficiency

Learning what a microinverter is can help you understand how direct current (DC) power can be converted into usable alternating current (AC) power at the panel level.

A solar microinverter controls the output of the panel it’s tied to, optimizing its energy production independently of other solar panels in the system. These small devices can thereby boost your solar system’s efficiency and minimize the chances of the entire solar array failing at once.

In this article, we’ll explain what a microinverter is in detail and compare it to more traditional solar inverters. Additionally, we’ll list the advantages of microinverters, factors to consider before getting one, and the best microinverters on the market to help you make your choice.

Let’s begin!

What Is a Microinverter?

A microinverter is a type of solar inverter that operates at the panel level. It converts direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity you can use in your home. Unlike traditional inverters, which manage the entire solar panel system, most microinverters microinverters are designed for one panel per inverter, though some models can handle up to four panels.

These electronic devices are small enough to fit in your pocket, and they’re usually installed underneath the panel (or one of the panels) connected to it. This goes for grid-tied microinverters, which are the most common in home solar systems. Off-grid microinverters, on the other hand, are typically used in off-grid solar systems with battery storage.

Given their size, microinverters have smaller power ratings compared to standard solar inverters. They’re classified as Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPE), which means they’re designed to handle the lower power output of a single solar panel rather than the higher power needs of a whole array.

For example, a typical microinverter is rated for a peak output power of around 250 to 350 VA, with an input power range of 200 W to 400 W per solar panel. This makes it suitable for DC to AC power conversion at the level of a solar panel with a power output ranging from 200 W to 400 W.

How Do Microinverters Work?

Microinverters work by converting the solar power produced by the panels connected to them into usable electricity for your home. Since they work on one to four panels instead of managing the entire system, they play a key role in maximizing the energy you get from each solar panel in the array.

Let’s break down the workings of a microinverter into stages:

• When panels soak up sunlight, they generate direct current (DC) electricity.
• The microinverter attached to each panel (or a group of panels) changes the DC power into alternating current (AC)—the type of power used in homes.
• As the sun’s intensity and angle change throughout the day, the microinverter adjusts to find the optimal power output from the panel using maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology. This way, it ensures you get the most out of each panel, even in the case of shading or unfavorable weather conditions.

By working at the panel level instead of handling the whole array, microinverters improve solar system performance and efficiency. In other words, they allow each panel to operate independently so that if one of them malfunctions, it doesn’t drag down the rest. This way, they minimize energy loss and maximize the amount of power you can generate from your solar system.

5 Key Benefits of Using Microinverters

Some of the key benefits of using microinverters are increased system efficiency and easy installation, among others.

Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

#1. Increased Efficiency

One of the reasons microinverters are often part of modern solar energy solutions is increased solar panel efficiency. With standard string inverters, when one panel produces less power for any reason, the rest of the array matches its output, even if it’s in perfect working order.

This doesn’t happen with microinverters. Because they enable each panel to operate independently, the performance of one doesn’t affect the others. For example, if piled-up debris causes one panel to underperform, the others can still work at their maximum power point. This way, no energy goes to waste.

#2. Better Shadow Tolerance

Since panels with microinverters work independently from one another, shading on one panel doesn’t impact the entire system’s performance. Meanwhile, in traditional setups with a single inverter, even partial shading on one panel can reduce the efficiency of the whole string.

With this in mind, microinverters are an ideal solution for installations with trees, chimneys, or other nearby obstructions. Simply put, if one panel is shaded at some point during the day, the rest of the system continues generating energy at full capacity.

#3. Improved System Monitoring

In a solar setup with a string inverter, the failure of one panel causes the entire system to stop working. When this happens, you need to inspect every panel for errors until you figure out which one caused the shutdown.

On the other hand, many microinverter systems come with a monitoring feature that allows you to keep track of each panel’s performance. This way, if there’s a problem with one panel, not only does the system keep working, but you also know which panel needs repair.

#4. Easy Installation

Microinverters aren’t only small and lightweight but also easy to install. They use standard AC wiring similar to that of your home appliances. This significantly simplifies the setup process—in fact, it only takes a couple of minutes to plug in each unit.

Since there’s no need to worry about complex wiring or configurations across the array, you can install microinverters yourself. After all, they’re plug-and-play, which means they don’t require any electrical expertise.

#5. Improved Safety

Microinverters work at much lower DC voltages than standard string inverters. As a result, they’re safer to set up and maintain—the lower the voltage, the smaller the risk of electrical hazards.

This also means they generate less heat, which can prolong their lifespan and make them more reliable. Not to mention, because of lower DC voltages, microinverters are less prone to voltage spikes that can damage the equipment over time.

Microinverters vs. String Inverters vs. Power Optimizers

Now that we’ve covered the workings and benefits of microinverters, let’s compare them to string inverters and power optimizers.

Unlike microinverters, which connect to one to four panels each, string inverters handle the whole array, which can be anywhere from a few to several hundred solar panels. This means their installation is more complex, as it includes high-voltage DC wiring.

For this reason, it’s more expensive to add solar panels to a system with a string inverter than to one with microinverters. That said, the upfront cost of microinverters is several hundred dollars per unit, which makes them a more costly solution for large-scale setups than string inverters.

Power optimizers are paired with string inverters but are similar to microinverters in terms of size, installation, and some functions. They’re small, connect to the backside of solar panels, and track their performance. However, they don’t convert DC to AC—instead, they adjust the solar panels’ voltage and current before sending the power to the string inverter.

In that sense, a solar system with a power optimizer and a string inverter is like a hybrid between a microinverter system and a standard string inverter system.

Now, let’s see the comparison of these three devices in the table below:

How to Choose the Right Micronverter for Your Needs

To choose the right microinverter for your needs, you need to consider several factors, including compatibility, warranty, and price.

Let’s analyze each of them more closely:

#1. Compatibility

Microinverters need to be compatible with the panels to prevent energy loss. Single-phase microinverters, where electricity flows through one active wire, are suitable for most home systems. Meanwhile, the more powerful three-phase microinverters, which transmit electricity through three wires, are more apt for larger setups like solar farms and industrial facilities.

#2. Efficiency

The less energy is lost during the DC to AC conversion process, the more efficient the microinverter is. Since the whole point of these devices is to boost the system’s performance and minimize energy loss, you should look for those with high-efficiency ratings—typically around 96%.

#3. Warranty

Warranty is an essential factor when choosing solar equipment, and microinverters are no exception. Their warranty ranges from 10 to 25 years, although most manufacturers offer a 20-year warranty as a standard. Needless to say, a longer warranty period indicates the provider's greater confidence in their product’s reliability.

#4. Environmental Suitability

Your choice of a microinverter model should also depend on your location—specifically, on environmental conditions in your area. This includes exposure to UV radiation, humidity, and temperature variations. Simply put, the harsher the weather conditions, the more durable and robust the microinverters should be.

#5. Price

Microinverter prices are based on the model and efficiency. While they’re generally not expensive individually, keep in mind that you’ll likely need one for each solar panel, which can add up quickly, especially for larger setups. Additionally, higher-efficiency microinverters with longer warranties are typically pricier, though they usually offer better performance.

3 Top Brands of Microinverters

Here are the three top brands of microinverters:

• Enphase microinverters. These are known for their efficiency and reliability, which is unsurprising given that Enphase is among the top brands in the market. With long warranties and strong monitoring features, they’re suitable for residential and commercial solar setups alike.
• APsystems microinverters. These are highly flexible—they can support multiple solar panels each. In addition, they offer a solid balance between price and quality, smart monitoring, and high energy conversion efficiency. Like Enphase microinverters, these are apt for both residential and commercial systems.
• Hoymiles microinverters. These are both reliable and affordable, which makes them highly popular. They’re known for great performance, even in unfavorable conditions, so they’re in demand for various residential installations. Plus, they’re easy to set up and come with advanced monitoring features.

Choose the Best Equipment for Your Solar System

Switching to solar power is a smart decision, both financially and ecologically. With sunlight as your power source, you’ll save money on electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

That said, not all solar systems are the same. To make the most out of your eco-friendly power solution, you need high-quality equipment. Luckily, we at Portable Sun have it all—from panels and inverters to solar generators and batteries.

Thanks to our Installer Program, you can browse through our selection and have us set your system up in just a few clicks.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what a microinverter is can help you figure out how to enhance your solar system’s efficiency. With these devices, you can reduce energy waste and enjoy solar power to the fullest, even when some of your panels are shaded.

What a microinverter does is convert DC to AC at the panel level so that if one panel stops working, the rest of the array remains unaffected. In other words, microinverters help you get the most out of every panel, regardless of individual panel conditions.

What Is a Microinverter FAQ

#1. What are the disadvantages of microinverters?

Some of the disadvantages of microinverters include more difficult repair and maintenance, more points of failure, and higher upfront costs. While they’re not expensive individually, the price adds up the more panels there are in your setup.

#2. Can I use a microinverter with any solar panel?

You can’t use a microinverter with any solar panel. Microinverters are designed to work with panels within a certain power range (typically from 200 W to 400 W). This is why you need to check the specific microinverter model’s compatibility with your panels.

#3. What is the difference between an inverter and a microinverter?

The difference between an inverter and a microinverter is that the former handles the whole array while the latter works at the panel level. Additionally, microinverters use standard AC wiring, while string inverters use high-voltage DC wiring.

#4. What is the life expectancy of a microinverter?

The life expectancy of a microinverter ranges from 10 to 25 years. However, this depends on several factors, such as the model and the manufacturer, although most offer a 20-year warranty.

Disclaimer: The content on Portable Sun is for informational purposes only. Electrical work can be dangerous—always consult a qualified professional. We are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses from installation or use. Always follow local regulations and safety guidelines when handling electrical components.