How Many Inverters Do You Need for a Residential Solar Array on Long Island?
Technically, you only need a single string inverter for a residential solar array, but you will get better savings and reliability with a microinverter at each individual solar panel (i.e., 20 microinverters for a 20-panel array).
Total system efficiency directly affects your payback period and return on investment. Microinverters help maximize solar panel output, even when your roof is shaded.
Why Microinverters are Better for Residential Solar Installation
If you connect all your panels to a string inverter system, it will work, but the efficiency drops rapidly.
- String inverters receive electricity from solar panels in series. An inverter converts DC to AC centrally. The output of the string is limited by the lowest-performing panel. If you have a complex roof layout, or partial shading from trees or other structures during the day, your system will never reach its potential. If the inverter fails, the whole system goes down.
- Microinverters convert DC to AC at each panel. This greatly improves efficiency. When part of the array is shaded, output only drops for the affected panels. If a single inverter or panel fails, the system keeps working.
There’s a Difference in Cost
String inverters are cheaper because there’s less hardware and complexity involved. While you would save money on the solar panel installation, you’d be giving up reliability and total system output, so it’s not worth it at the end of the day.
Microinverters add to the installation cost, but lifetime savings and reliability offset this.
String Inverter Warranties Match the Solar Panels
Another benefit of attaching a microinverter to each solar panel is the warranty.
- The average string inverter is covered by a 12-year warranty, which usually means you will be replacing the equipment at least once within the lifetime of your solar panel array.
- Microinverters have longer 25-year warranty periods, which aligns perfectly with the industry-standard 25-year warranty for solar panels.
More Flexibility as Your Needs Change
What happens if you need to add solar panels to an existing array? This isn’t uncommon. As household needs change, energy demands increase. A new plug-in electric vehicle purchase is a common scenario where homeowners add solar panels to offset increased consumption.
A string inverter would require new optimizers and potentially a whole new inverter. Adding new panels with microinverters is much easier and faster. The new panels and their attached inverters can be wired into the existing system without changing any of the hardware.
The Bottom Line: You Should Have a Microinverter for Every Panel in Your Long Island Solar Installation
Power Solutions is an award-winning solar contractor and one of the top-rated solar companies on Long Island. Through extensive long-term monitoring of over 7,500 solar panel installations, we have confirmed that microinverters are the most efficient choice for both energy production and long-term savings.
You only need one string inverter for the average solar array, but your system will work better with microinverters attached to every panel.
Ready to start planning your solar installation in Nassau or Suffolk County? You can request a ballpark estimate today, or reach out to a solar consultant at 631-710-6025.
