Quote:
Originally Posted by oil pan 4
Each panel being on its own inverter seems to be the more costly of setups.
One big inverter running 2 or 3 inputs at 200v to 575v DC to 240v AC output is the cheaper way to go. That gets you down to around 10 to 15 cents per watt. A bunch of little inverters usually runs at least double that.
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It is more expensive. ($1027 more than a single inverter for the 17 panel array I had quoted) However, that extra cost has benefits. With micro inverters each panel is basically it's own system. If one panel is shaded it doesn't effect the output of the entire array. Likewise if one panel fails or one inverter fails the rest of the system continues to work. You also get performance data from every panel so you can see if one is underperforming or failing.
From a maintenance side most people can more easily afford to replace a $200 microinverter. They can also take the time to replace it because the rest of the array still works. If a string inverter fails the homeowner needs to come up with $4000 + labor or the whole array is out of commission.
With a single string inverter the output of the entire array is only as good as the weakest panel.