If you’re looking to get a new solar system, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what type of solar inverter you want your system to use. We’re here to talk about microinverters today.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about microinverters out there. We’re here to address some of those and clear the air about them.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we mostly install microinverter solar systems. We’re a bit biased about whether or not you should install them on your home for a variety of reasons. But we’re educators first here today, so you’ll get an honest perspective on microinverters today.
We’re going to take a look at what’s underneath the common misconceptions about microinverters and their performance.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is a Microinverter?
- Myth #1 – You Only Need Microinverters If You Have Shading Issues
- Myth #2 – Microinverters Lose Efficiency in Extreme Heat
- Myth #3 – Microinverters Are Too Costly
- Myth #4 – Microinverter Systems Are a Hassle to Maintain
- Myth #5 – Microinverters Are an Unproven Technology
By the end of this article, you’ll be educated about the reality of installing microinverters from an unbiased source. So even though we might be a bit biased, we’re here to make sure you are an empowered shopper by the end of this article – whether you continue your solar journey with us or not. Allons-y!
What Is a Microinverter?
If you’re reading this, you probably already know what a microinverter does. But just in case, here’s a quick explanation.
Microinverters have one main job: turning the power from your solar panels into electricity your home can use. These small devices are installed under each solar panel in your system. While they work independently, they team up to power your home.
Each microinverter takes electricity from its solar panel, which starts as direct current (DC) and converts it into alternating current (AC). Your appliances, lights, and other devices all run on AC power.
Microinverters offer several benefits compared to string systems and string systems with DC optimisers. For more information on how these types of inverters are different from each other, please read the following article titled, String Inverters vs Microinverters vs DC Optimisers: How Are They Different?
Myth #1 – You Only Need Microinverters If You Have Shading Issues
Microinverters have a big advantage over string inverters in shaded conditions. They optimise power production for each panel individually, ensuring the entire system draws as much energy as possible.
With string inverters, shading on one panel affects the performance of the whole system. Microinverters, however, isolate the issue so only the shaded panel is impacted. Shading can come from many places, like a tall tree reaching for sunlight, or a telephone pole casting shadows in the early winter mornings when the sun is low.
Cloud cover is another common challenge that can drop solar panel performance. Without microinverters working at full capacity, cloudy skies could seriously hurt your energy production.
Microinverters also help with other issues beyond shading. Problems like panel mismatch, degradation, electrical faults, and soiling can all affect your solar system.
Panel mismatch happens when one panel generates more or less power than the others. This could be due to small manufacturing differences or because an old panel was replaced with a newer, more powerful one.
Soiling is another common problem in Australia. Bird and bat droppings, leaves blowing across your neighbour’s yard, or even bits of garbage can land on panels and block sunlight.
Microinverters are designed to reduce energy losses caused by these issues. Whether your panels are bathed in full sunlight or dealing with shade, dirt, or clouds, microinverters help your system perform at its best, ensuring you harvest as much energy as possible.
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Myth #2 – Microinverters Lose Efficiency in Extreme Heat
High temperatures can be tough on solar systems. Heat does affect panel efficiency and puts pressure on components, but not as much as you might think. While it’s easy to assume microinverters might struggle during Australia’s blazing summers, that’s not the case.
Enphase, a manufacturer of microinverters in Australia, addresses this in their essay, “Myth: Microinverters Are More Prone to Failure from Heat.”
There are a couple of charts and graphs in the article, but we’ll summarise the important stuff if you don’t feel like navigating to it.
In the scorching summer of 2014, Australia endured extreme heatwaves that caused bushfires and even melted road tar. During this time, Enphase monitored over 2,000 microinverters for three weeks. None of them failed due to the heat. Microinverters are built to handle these conditions, thanks to their smart design and placement, which reduces exposure to roof heat and direct sunlight. And since 2014, microinverter technology has only improved.
Microinverters stay cool because of their design. They produce less heat than traditional inverters by converting power from one panel at a time. Their enclosures also act as heat sinks, pulling heat away from internal components. This keeps their internal temperature below 85°C, even in extreme conditions.
The materials used in microinverters further protect them from heat. Each one is encased in a tough polymer housing that resists corrosion, is waterproof, and keeps out dust. Inside, NORYL resin holds all the components securely in place.
Installers also play a role in keeping microinverters cool. They mount them under the solar panels, away from direct sunlight, and ensure there’s space between the panels, the roof, and the microinverters. This airflow prevents overheating and helps the system run smoothly, even in hot weather.
The 2014 heatwave provided a major test for microinverters in Australia. Enphase monitored systems across 170 locations and collected over 67,000 data points on operating temperatures. Less than 1% of readings went above 70°C, with the highest recorded temperature reaching 79°C in South Australia. Even under these conditions, not a single microinverter failed due to heat, proving their reliability in some of the world’s hottest environments.
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Myth #3 – Microinverters Are Too Costly
We’ve written a lot about the cost of microinverters and the return on investment they offer due to their exceptional efficiency. If you’d like to read up on the cost of microinverter solar systems, you might want to check out this article on our blog titled How Much Does a Microinverter Solar System Cost? It’s a good one.
Microinverters are more efficient than string inverters because they operate as a decentralised system. While string inverters are usually cheaper upfront, they tend to lose efficiency over time. This drop in efficiency can cost you a significant amount of money compared to a microinverter system in the long run.
You also need to think about the lifespan of the system. String inverters typically come with a warranty of 5 to 10 years, meaning they’ll likely need to be replaced at least once. Probably twice. Replacements can be expensive. Microinverters, on the other hand, are warranted to last 25 years or more. Enphase, a leading manufacturer, is confident their microinverters will last even longer, but only time will tell.
When considering the cost of a microinverter solar system, it’s important to think about the return on investment. Solar systems generate significant energy savings over time. In New South Wales, the average payback period for a residential solar system is 3 to 5 years. During this time, your initial investment is recovered through lower electricity bills.
After those first few years, your electricity essentially becomes free, though this can vary based on your energy usage patterns. It’s also worth noting that electricity prices are continuing to rise, making solar savings even more valuable over time.
When you factor in the efficiency and longer lifespan of microinverters, the savings can really add up. Over the years, a microinverter system may save you a substantial amount of money compared to a string inverter system.
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Myth #4 – Microinverter Systems Are a Hassle to Maintain
This might seem like an odd point to address, but it’s something we occasionally hear from customers, so let’s dive in.
As we mentioned, with a lifespan of 25 years or more, you won’t need to worry about replacing microinverters anytime soon. That’s not the case with string inverters, which have a shorter lifespan due to their design. Microinverters have no moving parts, which makes them more durable.
That said, some people are concerned about the number of microinverters on their roof. Since each solar panel has its own microinverter, a system with 20 panels has 20 microinverters. That means 20 potential points of failure. Technically, this does create a higher overall chance of something going wrong compared to a single string inverter.
Here’s the good news: monitoring and replacing microinverters is incredibly simple. With the Enphase Enlighten App, you can easily track the performance of each microinverter. If one does fail, your installer can identify the problem quickly and fix it with precision.
Microinverters are designed for easy replacement. They have a “plug and play” system, meaning a technician can simply unplug the faulty unit and plug in a new one. It’s straightforward and keeps your solar system running smoothly with minimal hassle.
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Myth #5 – Microinverters Are an Unproven Technology
Just because you haven’t heard much about microinverters doesn’t mean they’re new. That might sound a bit cheeky, but it’s true – microinverters have been around for years. They’ve taken a while to gain attention because myths and misconceptions about them have lingered in a market dominated by string inverters.
The origins of microinverters date back to the late 1980s when a scientist named Werner Kleinkauf developed what he called “module integrated converters.” His designs evolved when an American company, Ascension Technology, created a smaller version of a traditional inverter that could be attached to individual solar panels.
For years, the technology developed without widespread success—until Enphase Energy came along. Founded in 2006, Enphase released the first commercially successful microinverter in 2008. Since then, they’ve become global leaders in the field.
Last year alone, Enphase shipped 58 million microinverters worldwide, preventing 45 million metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. They’re known for their commitment to quality, which is why Enphase microinverters in Australia come with an industry-leading 25-year warranty.
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Myth the Shoe Fits: Wrapping It Up
By now, you should have a better understanding of microinverters and how they perform in a solar system. They work well in all kinds of conditions, handle extreme heat, cost less over time, are easy to maintain, and are backed by years of proven success.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we want you to make informed decisions. That’s why we’ve cleared up some common misconceptions about this technology. Whether you choose a microinverter system or a string inverter system is entirely your call. The best choice depends on your unique needs and situation.
If you’re interested in learning more about the differences between microinverters and string inverters, especially because we discussed those differences so often in this article, you might want to check out this post about that very topic titled, Microinverters vs String Inverters: An Honest Comparison. Happy reading!
