7 Key Differences- Microinverters vs. String Inverters

Trying to decide between standard string inverters and microinverters? Let AMENERGY help you with that. There are 7 major differences between the 2 inverter types:

1. Flexibility- String inverters require string configurations based on temperature ranges to create enough DC voltages to power the inverter, which makes system design complicated.   Microinverters, on the other hand, convert DC to AC at each panel, so they do not require string sizing and the AC power created by the system can be connected directly to 
2. the house’s power.
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4. Installation- Since microinverters only require AC wiring for installation, there are no DC conduits to worry about like there is with the string inverters, so installation is faster and allows for difference configurations and panel mismatch ( future replacement or additions with larger watt panels is easy).
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6. Productivity- Independent studies have shown that microinverter systems produce 3.1% more energy than their string counterparts. Microinverters allow each panel to operate individually, so one panel’s lower performance will not effect the entire system.  A larger “voltage window” in microinverters means the system generates power earlier and turns off later in the day.  This might not seem like much, but think about it over a year or the lifetime of the system. It becomes a rather large difference.
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8. Reliability-  Each string inverter has a single point of failure, and while string inverters are reliable, a single issue within the system effects the entire chain.  Microinverters do not share that flaw, as individual panels can be remotely monitored.
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10. Durability- While string inverters have a NEMA 3r enclosure, they are still recommended to never be installed where they might experience direct sunlight.  Microinverters, on the other hand, installed behind the panel, don’t have that problem and they come enclosed in a NEMA 6 enclosure.
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12. Warranty- Enphase microinverters come with a standard 25-year warranty which is over twice the length one would get with the standard string inverter warranty (Extensions up to 15 years are available).
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14. Safety- And finally, the most important difference. Enphase microinverters use a lower voltage DC that never exceeds 60 volts and meets the new NEC rapid shut down requirement. String inverter manufacturers like SMA offer an additional component that can be added to the inverter that complies with rapid shut down requirements.

http://www.amenergynm.com/7-key-differences-microinverters-vs-string-inverters/