This is the most common inverter technology. All panels are placed on one or two strings with a central tracker doing all the work. These systems work well in most applications, however every panel on a string will perform at the level of the lowest performing panel. This can be an issue if there is shading, soiling or a potentially faulty panel.

String inverters typically have a ten year warranty which covers the cost of labour replacement, but may not be cost effective across multiple roofs.

Solaredge works in a similar way to a string inverter, however every panel works independently from one another allowing the system to maximise the performance. Each panel can be monitored individually meaning that it is easier to spot a faulty panel. Solaredge also brings an added level of safety; each panel can be shut down in the event of an emergency.

Solar edge inverters have twelve or twenty year warranty on the central inverter and a twenty five year warranty on the optimisers.

Microinverters offer similar benefits to Solaredge, however instead of a central inverter being used, each panel has its own. This saves room as no space is needed for a main inverter. Research shows that the inverter is the part of the system that is most likely to become faulty, so why would you buy more inverters than you needed and stick them in a hard to access place?

Microinverters offer a twenty year warranty although this does not cover the cost of labour to replace the inverter.