Central Inverter vs. Microinverters

Traditionally, solar systems are designed around a central inverter. This means solar modules are connected in a series circuit.

Problems can occur when individual modules are shaded or when modules face different directions. Even dust on one module can have an effect on the whole system. In general, the worst performing module will tend to drag down the rest of the system. This does not mean that string inverters are bad. For applications where the roof is all facing one direction without any shading issues, a string inverter is an economical and efficient solution. We are trained in installation and repair of SMA and Fronius inverters, which are string inverters. Generally, we recommend and install microinverters, which have a number of advantages.

Microinverters are connected in parallel. Modules act independently as they feed power into the system. Therefore shade on one panel will only affect that panel and not the entire system. This works perfectly in a situation where there are dormers, vents, chimneys, partial tree shade and especially when there are multi-directional roof surfaces.

Enphase Microinverters

We custom design every solar electric system.

Most of our recently installed systems incorporate Enphase Microinverters and the Envoy Internet Gateway for remote monitoring of your system.

Advantages of the Enphase Microinverter systems are a 25 year product warranty and FREE lifetime Enlighten Web Monitoring (at the individual module level). Cantiague Electric also monitors all our installations of Enphase systems.

Enphase Microinverter Systems include the following components:

• The Microinverter, which connect to each solar module and converts DC power to grid-compliant AC power

• The Envoy Communications Gateway, which networks with each microinverter and transmits performance information to the internet

• Enlighten Web Monitoring, which is software allowing Enphase customers to monitor and manage their solar power systems 24 hours a day

Click here to learn more about how Enphase Microinverter systems work.

Click here for an overview and excellent video introduction to Enphase’s “Enlighten Web Monitoring” application.