What is a solar power string inverter

When do you want to use a string power inverter for your solar panel array? What are the best reasons for a string inverter and what are the limitations? First of all, what is a string inverter?

A string inverter is a stand-alone box that is typically installed close to your fuse box and electricity meter. The simplest explanation is that it changes the DC current into AC current that we all use for electricity here in the U.S. There is typically only one, or possibly two, string inverters on each residential solar installation.
 

What is a string inverter?

A string inverter functions in a series circuit with their usually being 6-10 individual solar panels in what is known as a string.
 

Advantages of a string inverters

The advantage of a string inverter is that you only need one of them. If anything is going to fail in a solar system it is likely to be the inverter and so it is less likely that as an installer you will have to go back to a job. Cost is another advantage, a single string inverter on a solar panel installation is usually cheaper than installing micro-inverters.
 

Disadvantages of string inverters

If one panel is shaded or is not working properly, it can take the whole system down. All the panels are attached or strung together, and if there is an interruption in the string, then the electric current does not work.

When solar panels are in a string the voltage is reduced to the voltage of the lowest voltage panel in the string. Sometimes you lose some efficiency because the current is reduced to the lowest voltage. You may not have the right roof for string inverters.

If you need to have solar panels placed in different directions, as to avoid shade or to better capture the sun’s rays, then a string inverter just won’t work for you. 

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.