Micro-inverter or string inverter?

On a clear, single-orientation roof, a string inverter is enough and cheaper. As soon as there is shading or multiple orientations, micro-inverters (or optimizers) recover output a string would lose.

How long does an inverter last?

A central inverter often lasts 8-15 years (one replacement is likely over the panels' lifespan). Micro-inverters are warrantied up to ~25 years.

Do I need a hybrid inverter without a battery?

Only if you plan to add a battery later: the hybrid avoids replacing the inverter. Otherwise a standard inverter is cheaper.

Does the inverter consume electricity?

Very little: its efficiency is 97-99 %. Losses are marginal compared to output.

Guide GuidesInverter, micro-inverter or hybrid: which to choose?

Guide · Inverters

Inverter, micro-inverter or hybrid: which to choose?

The inverter is the electrical heart of your solar system: it converts the direct current (DC) produced by the panels into alternating current (AC) usable at home and exportable to the grid. It is also the part most likely to be replaced before the panels.

The right choice mainly depends on your roof (shading, orientations) and your project (battery or not). Here are the four families and how to decide.

What does the inverter do?

Panels produce direct current; the grid and your appliances run on alternating current. The inverter converts it, optimizes the power drawn from the panels (MPPT) and ensures safety (shutdown during a grid outage).

Its lifespan (8-15 years for a central inverter, up to 25 years for micro-inverters) and efficiency (97-99 %) directly affect real output and returns.

The 4 types of inverter

String inverter (central)

A single inverter for the whole system, wired in series across one or more panel 'strings'. The most common and cheapest option.

Lowest cost

Simple, proven

Centralized maintenance

One shaded panel drags the whole string down

No per-panel monitoring

Single point of failure

Best for
Simple roof, single orientation, no shading.

Micro-inverters

A small inverter per panel (or pair), mounted under the module. Each panel produces independently.

Unaffected by partial shading

Per-panel monitoring

Safety (low DC voltage)

Long warranty (~25 years)

More expensive

More components on the roof

Best for
Shading, multiple orientations, small complex roofs.

Power optimizers

An optimizer per panel + a central inverter (SolarEdge-style system). A compromise between string and micro.

Limits shading losses

Per-panel monitoring

Central inverter replaceable

More expensive than string

Two types of hardware to maintain

Best for
Moderate shading while keeping a central inverter.

Hybrid inverter (battery-ready)

An inverter that manages panels + a storage battery, often with back-up power during outages.

Storage-ready

Self-consumption control

Often back-up function

Costlier if you never add a battery

Must be matched to the battery

Best for
Project with a battery (now or planned).

Which inverter for your roof?

Clear roof, single orientation, full sun: String inverter — the best value for money.
Shading (chimney, trees, neighbour): Micro-inverters or optimizers — you keep the output of the unshaded panels.
Several roof faces / orientations: Micro-inverters — each panel produces at its own pace.
Battery planned (now or later): Hybrid inverter — avoids replacing everything when adding storage.

Common brands & models

Brand	Model	Type	Strength	Indicative price
Enphase	IQ8	Micro-inverter	Micro reference, back-up	~€135-200 / unit
SolarEdge	Home Hub + optimizers	Optimizers	Panel monitoring, hybrid	~€1,000-1,800
Huawei	SUN2000 (L1)	Hybrid	Ready for LUNA2000	~€650-1,500
Fronius	Symo / Gen24	String / hybrid	Reliable, EU-made	~€1,000-2,000
SMA	Sunny Boy	String	Proven German brand	~€800-1,100

Indicative prices excluding installation, to confirm by quote.

How much does it cost?

The inverter is usually 10-20 % of an installation budget. A home string inverter (3-6 kW) costs ~€800-1,500 excluding installation; a micro-inverter solution costs more (~€135-200 per panel) but protects output when there is shading.

Weigh it against the extra output: on a shaded roof, micro-inverters can recover enough energy to justify the premium.

Frequently asked questions

Micro-inverter or string inverter?: On a clear, single-orientation roof, a string inverter is enough and cheaper. As soon as there is shading or multiple orientations, micro-inverters (or optimizers) recover output a string would lose.
How long does an inverter last?: A central inverter often lasts 8-15 years (one replacement is likely over the panels' lifespan). Micro-inverters are warrantied up to ~25 years.
Do I need a hybrid inverter without a battery?: Only if you plan to add a battery later: the hybrid avoids replacing the inverter. Otherwise a standard inverter is cheaper.
Does the inverter consume electricity?: Very little: its efficiency is 97-99 %. Losses are marginal compared to output.

Is your roof right for solar?

Estimate your roof's output, savings and grant for free — then get a quote from an installer who will choose the right inverter.

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General information for educational purposes. Indicative prices excluding installation, to confirm with a professional quote.