Micro inverters are exposed to more demanding conditions (high temperatures, directly beneath the panels), and if they fail, they can be harder to access and replace. However, the advantage is that you can monitor the yield of each panel individually, rather than just the system’s overall yield. Several brands offer micro inverters, with Enphase being the most well-known. Market leader SMA previously offered micro inverters but has since withdrawn from this market, and another notable brand, Enecsys, is now defunct. It is also important to note that compatible micro inverters for the high DC voltages of powerful SunPower panels are not available.

An alternative to the above categories is systems that use ‘power optimisers’ in conjunction with inverters. The most renowned producer of these systems is SolarEdge. In these systems, each panel is equipped with an optimiser that manages MPP tracking per panel and converts the panel’s DC output to another form of DC. Then, as with string inverters, a central inverter is needed to convert the DC to AC. These systems can be used in installations with panels that have varying orientations and substantial shading (although it is worth questioning whether installing panels in areas with significant shading is even worthwhile). The increased complexity of the installation is a downside, though the most sensitive electronics are in the inverter, making them easier to access. Compatible optimisers are also available for SunPower panels.