Microinverter or Central Inverter?

When we think about a photovoltaic project, whether commercial, residential, or industrial, the terms microinverter and central inverter always come up, raising some questions.

First of all, it is worth noting that solar inverters have a central function: to convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used in your property.

Inverter technology has constantly evolved over the past decades to allow property owners to get the maximum power from their photovoltaic systems.

If you are unsure which inverter is most suitable for your photovoltaic system project, in today’s article we discuss the differences between them so that you can make the right choice for your solar energy system. Check it out below!

Getting to know microinverters and central inverters

Both microinverters and central inverters are responsible for converting the electrical energy operating in direct current generated by photovoltaic panels, correct?

Well, however, there are differences between them:

• Central inverters work together with solar panels connected in series and parallel;
• On the other hand, microinverters are designed to connect to each panel (up to 4 panels connected in parallel), varying according to the manufacturer.

Which is the best solution? Analyzing the differences and the positive and negative points

To understand which is the best solution for your photovoltaic system, it is interesting to identify the positive and negative aspects of both the microinverter and the central inverter.

Speaking of the central inverter, it is larger than the microinverter and can support higher power levels, composed of multiple photovoltaic solar panels. In fact, it is intended for large projects, such as solar plants.

On the other hand, regarding the microinverter, as the name suggests, it meets lower power demands compared to the central inverter.

It is suitable for meeting smaller solar panel demands, optimizing each panel individually.

In general terms, microinverters are designed to effectively handle up to 4 photovoltaic panels.

That said, the question remains: what are the positive and negative aspects of each item? In fact, it all depends on the context and usability of the solar energy system.

For example: for solar panels without shading on uniformly sloped roofs, inverters are good options.

However, microinverters stand out in the market due to a number of advantages, such as:

• Warranty of around 25 years;
• Ability to track the production of each individual panel;
• Easier expansion of the photovoltaic system.

Regarding the central inverter:

• Fewer connections between the solar panels and the inverter;
• More affordable cost.

As for the points considered negative, the microinverter shows the following:

• Higher cost;
• Maintenance.

Regarding the central inverter:

• Shorter lifespan;
• Difficulty monitoring the system.

Conclusion

In fact, the correct choice between an inverter and a microinverter will depend on the project and the scenario where the photovoltaic system will be installed.

With the help of a specialized company in the field, such as AALOK, you have the guarantee of the best choice.

Contact the service team now and request a quote click here to do so.