Interested in solar? Learning the ins-and-outs of solar inverters? lets dive into how shade impacts microinverters and string inverters, two of the most popular pieces of solar equipment out there. Understanding when each inverter type is preferable and how they handle shading can be crucial deciding what equipment to go with. If you’re comparing solar quotes, it’s also helpful to know when one makes sense, and when it does, as well as their relative costs.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Microinverters & String Inverters?
Microinverters:
Microinverters are small devices attached to each solar panel. They convert direct current (DC) from the panels into alternating current (AC), suitable for household use, right at the individual panel level. The independence of each panel ensures that issues like shading or debris on one panel don’t affect the others, offering a robust solution for complex or partially shaded installations.
Related reading: What’s the best solar inverter in 2024?
Pros:
- Each panel operates independently, reducing the impact of shading.
- Microinverters come with longer warranties
- Inverter failures do not bring down the entire system.
- Gives panel-level reporting, so you can see where there are issues, if they occur.
Cons:
- More expensive upfront compared to string inverters and have
- More points of failure

String Inverters:
String inverters, on the other hand, convert DC to AC for entire series-connected panels, often called “strings.” They act as the singular point of conversion for multiple panels, which can be efficient and cost-effective in certain conditions. A typical residential solar system will have 1-2 string inverters, depending on the size of the system. String inverters are sometimes mischaracterized as “old technology” or out-of-date, which is innacurate. String inverters are reliable, field-tested and have great efficiency, but they aren’t right for every application.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Reliable
- Fewer failure points due to lesser components.
Cons:
- Performance is affected by the weakest panel in the string;
- If the inverter fails, the system fails.
Shading and Microinverters: What Happens?
Microinverters excel in handling shading on a panel-by-panel basis. Each panel functions independently, meaning that shading on one panel won’t affect the others. This capability makes microinverters an ideal choice in environments where shading is unpredictable or unavoidable. By minimizing energy losses, microinverters ensure that each panel can perform at its best, even in the shadow of trees or nearby buildings. They are particularly beneficial in options like complex shading, partial shading, or irregular roof installations, where uniform performance is difficult to achieve.
Shading and String Inverters: What Happens?
String inverters convert power from panels linked in a series (“strings”), so shading on one panel affects the entire string’s output. Essentially, the performance of the whole string can be limited by the most shaded or least efficient panel, leading to significant energy loss. So if you have one panel that is 50% shaded, and the rest are free of shade, the entire string will operate at 50%.

Which Inverter Is Right for You?
Choosing the right inverter involves several key considerations, including your system location, shading scenario, and budget. Due to code changes (Rapid shutdown requirements), string inverters typically cannot be used with rooftop PV systems unless they have additonal electronics installed on the roof. These added failure points & costs mean that microinverters are the clear winner for rooftop solar for the timebeing.
Ground-mounts and commercial arrays are where string inverters shine. The simplicity and lower cost of string inverters pair nicely with both of these applications. String inverters from SMA and Fronius are tried-and-true and are very reliable. If you are looking at backup power, the Tesla Powerwall 3 also has a built-in 11.5kW string inverter, which also pairs well with ground-mounted solar.
- Microinverters: Best suited for roof-mounted systems, and systems with shading concerns.
- String Inverters: Excellent value in shade-free, ground-mount environments or large commercial installations.
Thanks for reading, and good luck on your solar journey!