Microinverters

Photovoltaic microinverters

 also known as microwave converters, play a key role in increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems by directly converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) at the level of each panel. Each microinverter is mounted directly underneath the photovoltaic panel, allowing independent management of the energy generated by each panel. This decentralization increases the system’s resilience to local disturbances such as shadows or damage to individual panels, which significantly affects the overall efficiency of the installation.

Microinverters use advanced algorithms to manage power at the point of maximum power tracking (MPPT) for each panel individually. In situations where the insolation of different parts of the roof varies, each panel functions at optimum efficiency. Micro inverters are also equipped with electronic components that minimize energy losses during power conversion.

Modern micro inverters have built-in communication modules that transmit performance data and fault conditions to a central monitoring system in real time. This allows the user to track the performance of each panel through dedicated mobile or web applications, allowing for quick response when anomalies are detected.

Microinverters are ideal for photovoltaic installations of varying configurations and sizes, especially in residential buildings with complex roof shapes or partial shading. The simpler installation of microinverters speeds up and simplifies installation, while enhancing safety by eliminating high-voltage DC on the roof.

Integrated safety features in microinverters ensure that power production is automatically shut down if an abnormality is detected, greatly enhancing fire safety and protecting users and installers. This is in accordance with regulations for the safety of electrical installations in buildings.

What are solar microinverters used for?

Photovoltaic microinverters perform a vital function in modern solar technology, converting the direct current (DC) generated by photovoltaic panels into alternating current (AC) used in household appliances. Microwave inverters are mounted directly on individual panels, unlike traditional series inverters, which handle power conversion for the entire set of panels. Such a system increases the efficiency of each panel, eliminating the impact of shading or unfavorable orientation on the performance of the entire photovoltaic system.

Microinverter enables precise energy conversion and optimization at the individual panel level. Independent operation of microinverters improves overall system performance and provides detailed information about the efficiency of individual panels, providing a more reliable and efficient energy solution.

How do solar microinverters work?

Solar microinverters are an advanced component of solar technology, optimizing the conversion and energy management process in photovoltaic systems. Placed directly on or near each panel, these compact devices convert the direct current generated by the panel into alternating current, which is commonly used in homes and on the electric grid. This process is essential for the efficient integration of solar energy into everyday use.

The key element of microinverter operation is advanced electronics that perform the current conversion safely and efficiently. Each micro inverter individually performs maximum power point tracking (MPPT), optimizing the energy efficiency of each panel by adjusting to changes in light intensity and temperature. This ensures that each panel is as efficient as possible, regardless of the performance of the other units in the system.

Micro inverters also have built-in communication functions to monitor and manage the performance of each panel in real time. Such detailed system monitoring is invaluable for maintaining high efficiency and responding quickly to any problems that may arise, ensuring that the entire photovoltaic system performs optimally under a wide range of conditions.

Microwave units can also be used to monitor the performance of the entire system.

Benefits and drawbacks of microinverters.

Photovoltaic microinverters offer flexible solutions for many solar installations, but do not always meet the specific needs of all users.

Main benefits:

• Fast shutdown function
• Flexibility in panel placement and system expandability
• Panel-level monitoring, optimization and diagnostics
• No single point of failure
• Longer warranty

Microinverters are an excellent investment, especially for complex roofs or those with partial shading. They operate at the panel level and do not require additional power optimizers to meet rapid shutdown and optimization requirements. If one microinverter fails, only the panel to which it is connected shuts down, instead of the entire system. Diagnosis and repair of problems with microinverters is usually faster than with series inverters.

Microinverters allow easy expansion of the photovoltaic system as energy demand grows. If energy demand increases in the future, it is possible to add more panels with microinverters without having to match power to a central inverter. Most microinverters are warranted for the same period as the panels (usually 25 years), guaranteeing a longer life.

Main Disadvantages:

• Higher price
• Harder to maintain
• Lower output than the nominal power of the panel

Microinverters are typically more expensive than series inverters. Although they can provide better overall system performance, it is worth carefully evaluating whether the long-term benefits outweigh the higher initial cost. Microinverters are roof-mounted, which makes them more difficult to maintain (and more expensive if the warranty does not cover labor). In contrast, series inverters are usually placed in a more convenient location, such as on the wall of a house.

“Clipping” is a power loss phenomenon associated with microinverters that is worth considering when selecting a photovoltaic system. The output power of a microinverter is often lower than the nominal power of the panel. If the panel produces more energy than the microinverter can process at any given time, clipping occurs, meaning that the system cannot fully utilize the panel’s energy potential.

Microinverters vs. string inverters.

The main difference between string inverters (or central inverters) and microinverters is the number of photovoltaic panels to which they are connected. Traditional inverters serve an entire set of photovoltaic panels or a chain that can consist of several to hundreds of panels. Microinverters, on the other hand, are connected to each photovoltaic module individually and are usually mounted on a mounting system.

Traditional inverters are characterized by their larger size and greater weight, making them more difficult to transport and install. Microinverters are much smaller, slightly larger than the junction box on a photovoltaic panel, and weigh about 1-2 kilograms.

Microinverters typically cost several hundred euros per unit. Despite the many advantages that will be discussed, microinverters are clearly more expensive than series inverters when installed on an entire photovoltaic system.

Microinverters vs. power optimizers.

Direct current (DC) power optimizers are physically similar to microinverters and also connect to the back of a photovoltaic module. The difference between them, however, is in functionality.

Power optimizers do not convert DC to AC. Their function is to monitor each photovoltaic panel. A system with a series inverter and power optimizers therefore acts as a hybrid between a simple system with a series inverter and a system with microinverters.

Similar to microinverters, optimizers are classified as module-level power electronics (MLPE). In addition to monitoring the performance of each panel, power optimizers can detect when a panel is not generating enough power due to shading or other factors.

In such cases, the optimizer can “optimize” the output so that the entire panel sequence is not adversely affected. For this reason, like microinverters, optimizers can be a valuable addition to systems installed on complex roofs with unfavorable panel orientations.

Compatibility with solar panels and microinverters.

Photovoltaic microinverters, acting as universal adapters, demonstrate a unique ability to effectively utilize the different operational capabilities of a wide range of photovoltaic modules.

A key aspect of operation is voltage compatibility. A high-performance microinverter is carefully designed to work effectively with solar modules over a wide range of voltages, typically from 18 to 50 volts. This wide compatibility range allows the microinverter to integrate seamlessly with a wide variety of photovoltaic panels, including both traditional lower-voltage models and modern panels designed to operate at higher voltages. Inverters with a narrower voltage compatibility range can limit the selection of suitable panels, which can affect the efficiency of the entire photovoltaic system.

The advanced ability of these microinverters to handle the different outputs of photovoltaic panels is crucial. The microinverters are designed to be compatible with panels ranging from compact 200-watt units to more efficient 400-watt models. This versatility ensures that regardless of the size or power of the panels, the microinverter will effectively convert their solar energy. Adaptability plays a key role in increasing the efficiency of a photovoltaic installation, ensuring that each panel’s contribution to total energy production is maximized.

Installation and scalability of solar microinverters.

Photovoltaic microinverters, especially those manufactured by reputable manufacturers such as Beny, are characterized by exceptional flexibility and scalability. The initial installation can be small in scope, and as energy demand increases, the system can be easily expanded, highlighting the versatility of high-quality microinverters.

The modular design of these systems makes it possible to gradually increase the number of panels in an installation. For example, an installation can start with a single Beny microinverter for each panel in a ten-panel installation. If energy demand increases, additional microinverters can be added seamlessly, without having to make significant changes to the existing system. Empirical data confirms this advantage of scalability. In situations where system expansion occurs, adding additional microinverters results in only a minimal increase in the complexity of the overall installation. It allows the photovoltaic system to grow and adapt to growing energy needs, without the need for complex technical changes.

The features are highly valued by professionals, as they translate into significant benefits: reducing the complexity of the installation and facilitating future expansions. The combination of simplicity and advanced technology offers a photovoltaic solution that not only meets current energy needs, but also adapts and evolves as requirements change.

Long warranties for solar microinverters.

In the area of photovoltaic microinverters, a long-term warranty is not just a benefit, but a strong affirmation of product reliability and a commitment to lasting value. An example is the warranties offered by companies such as Beny. Their microinverters come with a 25-year warranty, which aligns perfectly with the expected lifespan of most photovoltaic panels. This correspondence between the longevity of the inverter and the photovoltaic panel is not accidental, but a key element of the system design.

The importance of such long warranties is crucial. It provides peace of mind for the user and solid economic security. Investment in a photovoltaic system involves significant financial outlay and long-term energy planning. The certainty that microinverters are under warranty for the entire period of their operation minimizes the risk of unforeseen costs. In the fast-growing photovoltaic technology sector, long warranties send a strong signal of a manufacturer’s confidence in the durability and efficiency of its products. They guarantee investment protection and ensure that a solar system deployed today will continue to deliver benefits for many years to come. Such a long-term warranty is not just a feature of the product; it is proof of its durability and reliability, ensuring that the photovoltaic system will remain an efficient source of energy throughout its lifetime.