Microinverters convert DC to AC at the panel level, eliminating string mismatch losses associated with centralised inverters. Each panel operates at its own maximum power point independently of shaded or underperforming neighbours, making microinverters particularly suited to roofs with varying orientations, complex shading patterns, or where panel-level monitoring is required.
The principal trade-off for microinverters compared to string inverters is higher upfront cost per watt and a larger number of electrical components on the roof. For large commercial flat-roof arrays with minimal shading and uniform orientation, the energy yield benefit of microinverters over string inverters with optimisers is typically marginal. An electrical survey confirms the appropriate inverter architecture for a specific site.