Microinverters vs string inverter: which to choose and when?

The big technical call in any modern residential solar install: string inverter or microinverters per panel? The answer depends on your roof, budget and how many quiet years you want.

String inverter

A single inverter converts DC from all panels to AC. Panels wire in series forming a string. If one shades, it drags the rest down.

• Cost: 20-30% cheaper than microinverters
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Maintenance: 1 unit, easy swap
• Shading performance: poor (the string follows the weakest panel)
• Top 2026 brands: Fronius, SMA, SolarEdge HD-Wave, Sungrow, Growatt

Microinverters

Each panel has its own small inverter on the back. Each panel produces independently and the sum is fed as AC directly to your panel.

• Cost: 25-35% more expensive
• Lifespan: 20-25 years (warranties up to 25 years)
• Maintenance: a single failure doesn't kill the array
• Shading performance: excellent
• Top 2026 brands: Enphase IQ8/IQ9, APsystems

Power optimizers: the hybrid

Power optimizers (SolarEdge, Tigo) split the difference: small DC-DC per panel + one central inverter. Each panel optimises individually but there's still just one inverter to convert. Cheaper than micros, more efficient than pure string.

When to pick each

• Uniform south-facing roof, no shade → string inverter
• Partial shade, multiple orientations, or hard-to-reach inverter spot → microinverters
• Want per-panel monitoring → micros or optimizers
• Will expand gradually → micros (each panel independent)
• Tight budget and clean roof → string

Dive deeper with how to pick the right inverter and how shading affects production.