Should each solar panel have its own inverter?

Whether each solar panel should have its own inverter depends on the specific needs and circumstances of your solar power system.

There are three main types of inverters used in solar power systems: central (string) inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers.

Central (string) inverters

With a central inverter, multiple solar panels are connected in series to form a “string,” and the inverter converts the combined DC output of the entire string to AC.

This is a cost-effective option, but performance can be affected if some panels in the string have shading or other issues, as the weakest panel determines the output for the entire string.

Microinverters

In a system with microinverters, each solar panel has its own inverter, which converts the panel’s DC output to AC individually.

This setup can improve system performance because each panel’s output is independent of the others. If one panel is shaded or underperforming, it won’t affect the output of the other panels.

Microinverters can also make it easier to monitor the performance of individual panels. However, they are generally more expensive than central inverters.

Power optimizers

Power optimizers are a hybrid solution that combines some advantages of both central inverters and microinverters. Each panel has a power optimizer attached, which conditions and optimizes the DC output before sending it to a central inverter.

This setup maintains the individual panel monitoring and mitigates shading issues while keeping costs lower than a full microinverter system.

To determine if each solar panel should have its own inverter, consider the following factors:

Budget

If cost is a major concern, a central inverter may be the most affordable option.

Shading and panel orientation

If your panels will experience shading or have different orientations, microinverters or power optimizers can help maximize system performance.

Expandability

Microinverters make it easier to expand your solar power system in the future, as you can add panels one at a time.

Monitoring

If you want to monitor the performance of individual panels, a system with microinverters or power optimizers would be beneficial.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and constraints. Consulting with a solar professional can help you make an informed decision based on your unique situation.