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Solar inverters are used for a major function, including the conversion of the DC solar panels for generating AC, usually used by residents. 

Inverter technology is advancing over the last few years to facilitate homeowners to capture maximum power from the PV system. The string inverters and micro inverters can be used by a solar homeowner, to conduct the process in various ways. 

Microinverters are installed underneath the solar panel of each roof. The size of the micro inverter is similar to that of the internet router. 

Integrated modules reduce labor costs, streamline and installation time with overall operation and maintenance. Such modules provide around 25% more power than traditional systems. 

Government initiatives and reduced cost of microinverters have resulted in the wide installation of photovoltaics around the world. It is due to effective performance, cost-effectiveness, and safety features. Moreover, the rising installation of PV fuels the microinverters demand.

Shutdown Potential 

Solar micro inverters possess massive shutdown capability to enable the first responders or firefighters to ensure their safety during high voltage when they require servicing power lines or rooftops. Each module of the microinverters complies with the rapid shutdown ability. 

Harvesting More Electricity

The major advantage of microinverters is to generate more solar electricity. It is due to the smaller difference in currents between the solar panels. In the solar panels of string. the current is decreased equivalent to the minimum producing panel of string. 

Convenience in Challenging Installation Conditions

Solar system facing toward various angles signifies several panels facing east, several facing west, and several others facing north and south directions. Microinverters suits best if there are shading issues due to large chimney or trees. 

In such situations, solar panels produce various amounts of electricity at a varying duration of the day. Therefore, microinverters harvest all the energy. While standard inverters may lose some of the production.

Lifespan

Microinverters are usually sold with a warranty for 25 years, while the standard inverters come with 8-to-12-year warranties. The long-term warranty on microinverters reflects manufacturers’ confidence in their products. 

Panel-level Monitoring

Microinverters are capable of tracking each panel’s productivity. 

Ease in System Expansion

Microinverters are easy to install at a time. It provides ease in adding the combination of each panel and microinverter to the existing solar array mitigating the need to purchase, site, and install the additional string inverters.

The integrated category is expected to exhibit faster revenue growth during the forecast period in the solar micro inverters market. This can be attributed to the decline in micro inverter prices, growing focus of key players toward integrated module systems, increasing product launches, and continuous rise in the number of strategic partnerships.

The residential category held the largest revenue category by end use in 2017 in the solar micro inverters market. This is due to the increase in demand for micro inverters in residential PV installations and growing electricity needs in U.S., Japan, China, India, and other countries.

The major companies operating in the industry are ABB Ltd., SunPower Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corp., SMA Solar Technology AG, SolarEdge Technologies Inc., Enphase Energy Inc., and Northern Electric and Power Co. Ltd. 

Therefore, the reduced cost of micro inverters and their high voltage effectiveness with massive shutdown potential lead to their wide adoption.