Equipment and components
Microinverter
Also known as: micro inverter.
Definition
A microinverter is a small inverter installed at each panel, converting its energy independently. It improves performance under partial shading and allows panel-by-panel monitoring, at a higher cost than a string inverter.
By converting the current at the panel itself, each module works on its own: if one is shaded or gets dirty, only its output falls and the rest keep running at full performance. That makes the microinverter the natural option on complex roofs — several planes, different orientations, obstacles casting shade at certain times — and on installations meant to be extended in stages.
Other advantages: monitoring reaches panel level, so spotting a problem module is immediate rather than a blind diagnosis; there are no high-voltage DC strings running across the roof, which simplifies safety; and a single fault does not stop the whole installation.
The cost per watt is higher and the electronics end up distributed under the panels, exposed to the weather and less accessible for maintenance. In Colombia, with hot roofs, that detail matters: it is worth reviewing the operating temperature range and the warranty terms, including who covers the labour for a replacement if a module has to be removed.
The essentials of Microinverter
- One inverter per panel: each module produces independently.
- Better behaviour under partial shading and mixed orientations.
- Detailed panel-by-panel monitoring.
- Higher cost per watt and electronics distributed across the roof.
Go deeper on NodoSolar
Related terms
Definition reviewed on
Frequently asked questions about Microinverter
Microinverter or string inverter?
It depends on the roof. If it is clear and has a single orientation, the string inverter offers a better cost-benefit ratio. If there is partial shading, several planes or different orientations, microinverters recover output a string would lose and their premium is justified.
Do microinverters last longer than a central inverter?
Manufacturers usually offer longer warranties than for a standard string inverter, partly because each unit works at lower power. The trade-off is accessibility: replacing a unit under a panel means removing it, so it is worth confirming whether the warranty also covers that labour.
Ready to take the next step?
Tell us about your project and receive comparable quotes from verified installers. Free and with no obligation.