Comparison of SolarEdge system to Microinverters
Module-level electronics overcome the shortcomings of traditional inverters and enable maximum power, module-level monitoring, flexible design and enhanced safety. However, there is no need to add an inverter to every module if DC power optimizers can achieve all these benefits at lower cost, higher efficiency and higher reliability.
Download the high-resolution movie that compares SolarEdge power optimizers to microinverters.
A Comparison of Microinverters & Power Optimizers
|
Benefits
|
Microinverters
|
SolarEdge
Power Optimizers
|
Details
|
|
Cost per W
|
Higher
|
Lower - 20-50% cheaper
|
-
Microinverters cost includes trunk cables and gateways
-
SolarEdge system cost includes inverter, built-in module-level monitoring and 25 year warranty for inverters and power optimizers
|
|
Scalability
|
Not scalable
|
Scalable
|
- The cost/watt of a SolarEdge system decreases as installation
size increases
|
|
Added Energy
|
Lower
|
Higher
|
- Power optimizers have higher efficiency (99.5%) than microinverters
- Reduced efficiency of microinverters increases heat dissipation
which enhances module degradation
- Microinverters have a higher minimum voltage than power
optimizers:
- Less shading tolerance
- Late wake up leading to fewer production hour
|
|
Compatibility
|
Limited
|
Broad
|
- Microinverters have a limited AC output power (e.g. no support for 72-cell modules)
- When connected to higher capacity modules, the excess DC power is
lost. E.g. in a 6kW installation of 260W modules, only 5kW AC power
will be produced
|
|
Reliability
|
Lower
|
Higher
|
- Microinverters have much higher part count leading to increased
failure rate
- Some microinverters work with electrolytic capacitors which have
short life time
- Microinverters create higher temperatures
|
