What are micro inverters?
- Lyall Burgess
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Microinverters are small devices that are attached to each solar panel in an array. They convert the direct current (DC) created by the solar panel into alternating current (AC), which is used by most household appliances. By performing this conversion at the panel level, microinverters allow each solar panel to work/operate independently of the others in the array.
AC v. DC
In residential applications where you are connected to the grid and operate on AC power (110V in USA) the DC power from the solar panels is converted into AC often with micro-inverters on each solar panel or a string inverter (multiple solar panels wired together forms a string)
Are power optimizers different?
Power optimizers are another technology that can help improve solar panels' performance in the shade. Like microinverters, power optimizers are attached to each solar panel in an array. However, instead of converting the DC output to AC, power optimizers condition and optimize the DC output of each panel before sending it to a central inverter for conversion to AC.
By optimizing the output of each panel, power optimizers can help mitigate the effects of shading and ensure that the solar array operates at its maximum efficiency. This can lead to improved energy production and a faster return on investment for the solar system.
Could I use microinverters or power optimizers on my boat?
No would be the short answer! Your boat has a battery bank which stores DC power, it's easier to generate DC power at the panels, use an MPPT charge controller to then store it in a DC battery banks and then invert it into AC power (with your inverter) when needed.
In fact if you read the small print in the Victron MPPT user manual it says not to use power optimizers with their MPPT controllers:
Do not use solar panels with optimizers. In worst case, the use of optimizers will cause irreparable damage to the solar charger.
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