What Is a Microinverter?
Traditional string inverter systems connect multiple solar panels in a series to one central inverter. If a single panel underperforms (due to shade, dirt, or damage), the output of the entire string of panels is reduced.
Microinverters, like the ones from Enphase, flip the script. They are small, powerful inverters placed behind each individual solar panel. This allows every panel to operate independently, converting its DC energy into usable AC energy right on the spot.
Key Benefits of Enphase Microinverters
- Higher Energy Yield: Microinverters optimize the performance of each panel individually. You can gain 5–15% more energy output, especially if your roof has complex angles, nearby trees, or experiences partial shading.
- More Uptime, Less Downtime: With microinverters, there is no single point of failure. If one panel or microinverter has an issue, the rest of your system continues to produce power without interruption.
- Superior Safety: Enphase microinverters operate using low-voltage AC power instead of the high-voltage DC found in string systems. This virtually eliminates the risk of arc faults, making the system significantly safer for your home and for first responders.
- Built-in Rapid Shutdown: This critical safety feature is standard in every Enphase microinverter, ensuring your system is fully compliant with modern electrical codes and providing peace of mind.
- Smarter Diagnostics: Through the Enphase App, you can monitor the performance and health of each individual panel in real-time. This eliminates the guesswork when troubleshooting and ensures your system is always performing at its peak.
String Inverters vs. Microinverters: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | String Inverter | Enphase Microinverters |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Production | Bottlenecked by the weakest panel | Maximized per-panel output |
| System Reliability | Has a single point of failure | No single point of failure |
| Shade Tolerance | Poor | Excellent |
| Monitoring | System-wide only | Detailed, panel-level data |
| Safety | High-voltage DC (higher risk) | Low-voltage AC (safer) |
| Serviceability | Often complex and costly | Simple, on-site repairs |
Proven Performance You Can Trust
Enphase has released 8 generations of microinverter technology over more than 16 years, achieving a failure rate of just 0.05%—that’s only 1 in 2,000 units.
Backed by a comprehensive 25-year warranty and 24/7 customer support, it’s no wonder FEMA recommends microinverters for homes in disaster-prone regions.
Let’s Design the Perfect System for Your Home
Whether you’re looking to power a single-family home or a full estate, we’ll build a solar solution that performs today and can scale with your needs for tomorrow.
Reach out for a free quote and see how Enphase microinverters make solar simple.