Why String Inverters are the First Choice

PV basics

7/29/2021

The solar inverter is a crucial component behind the scenes of a PV solar system. It converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), making the energy generated by the modules usable. The inverter also monitors and manages the performance of the solar modules as well as grid parameters and ensures high yields and safe operations of the PV system.

The safest, most reliable, and best performing inverter technology available today is modern string inverter technology. There are 5 main reasons why string inverters are the best choice for you:

5 Reasons why string inverters

1. String inverters are safer
2. String inverters are more reliable
3. String inverters are more cost-effective
4. String inverters produce more energy and a better ROI
5. String inverters are future-proof and flexible over time

1. String inverters are safer

Systems built with string inverters have fewer electrical components, minimizing connection hazards compared to systems with DC optimizers and micro-inverters. Adding connection points in a PV system also adds the potential for fire risks. The significantly lower number of connection points in a string inverter system makes string inverters the first choice for safety.

Furthermore, string inverters produce very low levels of electrical noise, which improves arc fault detection accuracy and shutdown reliability, both of which are crucial safety functions. Systems with high levels of noise or without arc fault detection do not satisfy this important safety aspect.

When the PV system is designed with fewer components than string inverters, technicians will spend less time on your roof, which greatly reduces the risk of roof damage or personal injury from rooftop accidents.

2. String inverters are more reliable

Mounting electronics in the harsh environment of a roof makes component failures more likely. PV systems designed with string inverters do not require extra components added to each solar module. Every component has a failure rate, so increasing the number of components in a system inevitably decreases the system’s reliability. Service technicians will more often be required to climb on your roof to replace failed components.

String inverters are typically installed in a less harsh environment, such as in the garage or on an exterior wall, improving overall reliability. Therefore, if service and/or maintenance is needed the inverter is easily accessible. Technicians do not need to climb on your roof, which reduces safety risks for the technician and for you.

Active cooling in string inverters keeps electronics at cool temperatures resulting in better performance and longer life, ensuring better reliability of the system.

The monitoring platform of the inverter, also available via mobile apps, gives you granular insight into your system and notifies you if your system needs attention. String inverters achieve all this without adding costly and unreliable hardware to every single module.

3. String inverters are more cost-effective

Since DC optimizers and micro inverters require costly power electronics on every single solar module, solar systems are much more expensive compared to string inverter systems – more hardware and more labor for installation increase the overall system cost. But it does not stop there. The high component count leads to more failures over the lifetime of a system and thus higher cost for operation and maintenance.

4. String inverters produce more energy and a better ROI

Cost-effective software innovations in modern string inverters optimize power production no matter if the system has shading or is installed on a complex roof. This eliminates the need for costly hardware on the roof and gives you the highest energy yield possible.

Lower costs, both up front and for service and maintenance, combined with better overall performance, lead to a superior return on your investment and peace of mind over the next 20 years.

String inverters are future-proof and flexible over time

Since string inverter technology is based on open industry standards it is future-proof and flexible, so that future system upgrades or expansions are easily possible. String inverters are easily serviceable, as they are mounted in an accessible area and not behind PV modules on the roof. In contrast, DC optimizers or microinverters typically are not compatible with other technologies and give you limited brand choices.

It’s an easy choice. Modern string inverters beat traditional DC optimizers and microinverters (also known as traditional module-level power electronics) in every category – string inverters are the perfect technology for your solar system!

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