The uptake of micro-inverters is said to quadruple globally between 2013 and 2017 because of their increased efficiency compared to string inverters.

A micro-inverter is a small box that is located at the back of each individual solar panel that effectively makes each panel operate as its own solar system. They convert the sun’s power into usable energy at the solar panel itself. This reduces the voltage of the overall system therefore reducing the risk of fires and other safety factors. Micro-inverters are more costly than traditional string inverters but can show increased efficiency and generation.

A normal string inverter is installed so that each solar panel is connected to the one next to it and then plugged into the inverter which will convert the energy into usable electricity. While this is a cheaper way of installing a solar power system, if one panel is partly covered or shaded, the efficiency of each panel will drop to that of the lowest performing panel. Therefore those with some shading concerns would be better suited to a micro-inverter. These systems must be designed and installed by qualified electricians as high voltages can cause fires and other hazards.

The global shipments of micro-inverters are expected to increase to 2.1GW’s by 2017 from around 500MW’s currently according to a new report called, “The World Market for PV Microinverters and Power Optimizers – 2013 Edition” from IHS Research (IMS Research).

“The United States in 2012 accounted for 72% of global micro-inverter shipments. However, the U.S. share will fall to 50% by 2017 as a result of micro-inverters penetrating into new markets in Europe and Asia.”

“PV markets such as Australia and the United Kingdom also offer great potential for micro-inverters because they are relatively new markets with installers that are not so entrenched in using string inverters, allowing micro-inverter suppliers to more easily educate them of the benefits of their solutions.”

While current uptake of micro-inverters is in the United States and mainly in residential solar energy installations, this is set to change. More shipments are bound for overseas as well as to commercial installations.

Evolution Solar Sunshine Coast has installed its first Enphase solar power system with great success. We are impressed with the product and look forward to installing many more in the future. Other solar inverter manufacturers such as SMA and Power-One are also entering the micro-inverter market and we expect to see many more options coming into the sector in the coming months.