A solar energy inverter is a key part of a solar energy system. Its job is to convert the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity, which is what powers homes.
Since most household appliances use AC electricity, the inverter is essential for making the electricity generated by solar panels usable. Most inverters include features like monitoring and safety functions, which help optimize the system's performance.
There are two types of home solar energy inverters. This article is to help you learn the differences between the two inverter types.
A string inverter is like the leader of a group of solar panels. It's connected to a string of panels, and its job is to convert the DC power generated by the whole string into AC power that we use in our homes. However, there's a downside to this approach - if one panel in the string is damaged or shaded, it can reduce the overall efficiency of the whole group.
On the other hand, micro-inverters are like personal assistants for each solar panel. They're connected to each panel, which means that each panel operates independently from the others. This allows the panels to perform their best, regardless of any damage or shading affecting the other panels in the system. Additionally, micro-inverters offer better monitoring capabilities, since you can track the output of each panel individually.
So, in summary, the main differences between micro-inverters and string inverters are that micro-inverters work on each panel individually, allowing them to perform at their best, and offer better monitoring capabilities. It is important to note that while micro inverters are more expensive, we do recommend them for home energy systems - this is because they give you much more control over your system and give you a better overall experience!
For more information about what technology is involved with home energy systems, check out Solar Tech 101
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