Do Micro-inverters Give a Better ROI than Central Inverters?
Author: Eben Russell; Published: Oct 22, 2009; Categories: Balance of System (BOS), PhotoVoltaic; Comments: 2
With Enphase Energy’s launch of their micro-inverter product line back in 2007 and several new micro-inverter products being announced at Solar Power International 2009 in Anaheim, central inverters could become a thing of the past. Perhaps it’s too early to tell, but micro-inverters definitely open up the PV installation market to a whole new world of highly capable AC electricians who have previously steered away from PV because of the complexity of higher voltage DC systems that required specialized training and experience.
Micro inverters allow electricians from the HVAC industry and perhaps even the satellite cable installation industry to readily offer PV installation services without having to learn complex DC string sizing and site analysis. Further time savings and cost reduction measures, as well as reduction of micro-inverter technology itself, look to be on a more aggressive and innovative path than what traditional central inverters could ever offer.
And, of course, the next iteration of technology will be to remove the DC junction box altogether and integrate the micro-inverter technology onto the back of the module directly and offer PV-AC modules. That could make PV as easy as stringing up Christmas lights (Oh no! Stringing Christmas lights is never that easy!).
alex
on Feb 06, 2010
12:05 am
Thank you for your comment Eben,
However you don’t talk about the ROI of Central Inverters Vs Micro Inverters in your post.
I believe that both will remain in the market; however for large power plants, central inverters presents the advantage of a 20y lifetime (with a preventive maintenance package). Micro-inverter’s lifetime is between 5-7years, and in case of operation interruption, it would therefore need to be replaced.
So on one hand, for PV power plants, Central Inverters will require probably a slightly higher CAPEX, with a low OPEX, and on the other hand, micro-inverters will require a slightly smaller CAPEX, with a much higher OPEX (Since it will have to be replaced 2-3 times in 20years).
solarpanel
on Apr 22, 2011
12:13 am
Do Micro-inverters Give a Better ROI than Central Inverters?
is very key
i think so.