What are the differences between an inverter and a micro inverter?

In the world of solar energy, inverters play an essential role in converting the direct current (DC) power produced by solar panels into the alternating current (AC) electricity needed for household consumption and use. There are two primary types of inverters used in solar power system: the traditional inverter and the micro inverter.

A traditional inverter, also known as a string inverter, is a centralized unit that is usually installed outside the home. It is designed to handle the entire energy output from all of the solar panels in a system. The inverter receives and converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power, which can then be used in the home or sold back to the utility grid.

On the other hand, a micro inverter is a small device that is installed on each individual solar panel in a system. It works by directly converting the DC power into AC power at the panel level. Micro inverters have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to improve energy output, efficiency, and performance. They operate independently, so if one panel or micro inverter is shaded or malfunctioning, it doesn't affect the performance of the entire solar array.

One of the key differences between the two types of inverters lies in their installation process. Traditional inverters are typically installed near the utility meter or in the basement or garage of a home. These units can be quite large and require a significant amount of space to accommodate the wiring and ventilation needed for safe operation.

Micro inverters, however, are much smaller and can be installed directly onto the back of each solar panel. This setup not only saves space but also simplifies the installation process since there is no need for complex wiring between panels.

Another difference lies in the level of monitoring and control. Traditional inverters have a central monitoring system that allows homeowners or solar professionals to track the energy output of the entire system. Micro inverters, on the other hand, typically come with individual monitoring tools that allow users to monitor each panel's output separately.

In conclusion, while both traditional and micro inverters play critical roles in the operation of a solar energy system, they have distinct differences. Traditional inverters are centralized units that handle the entire energy output from all solar panels in the system, while micro inverters operate independently on each panel. Additionally, micro inverters offer more flexibility in installation and individual panel monitoring.

Xiamen Kseng New Energy Tech. Co.,Ltd,aiming to be one-stop solar system provider for residential and middle-sized commercial solar application. We has supplied balcony solar kit, inverters, solar mounting system, solar tracking system, solar energy systems throughout the world. With self-owned manufacturing base and in-house R&D team of more than 100 person, Kseng sticks to customer-centric and continue to provide innovative solar system portfolio at a competitive prices.