Microinverters vs. Power Optimizers

Microinvertors and power optimizers are similar in looks and perform the same function. They are small devises placed underneath solar panels and are used to convert the panel’s DC current into AC current so the power can be used within the home. The difference is this: microinverters make this conversion on the solar panel itself, while power optimizers send the DC current to a centrally located converter that converts the electricity from all the solar panels in one location. Rick Sells Solar specializes in Power Optimizers. Why? They are simply a better product. Let’s go through several advantages of power optimizers over microinverters.

Less Expensive

A power optimizer is more than 50% cheaper than microinverters. Why? With a power optimizer, you are paying for a central conversion unit, which seems like it would be more expensive, but that central unit is much less expensive than paying for a miniature conversion units located on every solar panel. In addition, microinverters require extra monitoring parts and extra cabling. Since microinverters have so many extra “moving parts,” there is much more that can go wrong with them.

Produces More Energy

Power optimizers also produce more energy than microinverters. With a microinverters, the conversion unit on each solar panel must build to a certain voltage before the system becomes fully engaged. The power optimizer must also build up a voltage, but since all the power is going to a central unit, it takes a lot less overall voltage before the system engages. Because of this, power optimizers are more effective in the shade and they convert power much earlier in the day than microinverters.

More Reliable

As you know, when an appliance or piece of equipment runs hot, it becomes a lot less reliable. Microinverters and power optimizers both release heat when converting DC current into AC current. The problem is, the microinverters dissipate this heat in the full sun underneath the solar panel, making it intolerably hot and much more apt to fail. The central conversion unit for a power optimizer, however, is usually located out of the sunlight in a relatively cool place like a garage. For this reason, power optimizers often have a much longer lifespan than microinverters and are also covered by a longer warranty.