I watched a video on YouTube from "Gary does solar" about micro inverters. Must say I am convinced that will be used in all installations in the future.

My question is really if anybody have an idea on the price comparison between using micro inverters vs hybrid for a residential installation. Let's say 5kW inverter + 8-10 panels.

Edited February 12, 20233 yr by charl-sf
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I reckon the better comparison is to gauge micro inverters against grid-tied string inverters, not against hybrid inverters. The battery charger built into the hybrid would mean you're not comparing apples with apples.

I've put the Solis 4.6kW dual-MPPT (R12,5K incl VAT) and SMA Sunny Boy 5kW (R20.5K excl VAT) in the link below, although these are at different price/quality points.

Compared to say 4x Hoymiles 1.2kW microinverters at R5K each.

Looking at it this way you could get by with a lower cost in installing a dual-MPPT Solis that will at least allow fitment in two roof sides. But for more complicated shading and roof layout problems, a few microinverters could be a better proposition.

I don't think it's a question of microinverters being the future, they've been around by now for a long time, but in most cases, my 2c is that I don't think it's needed.

Either the need for a battery will outweigh the benefits of micro-inverters, or most roofs might not be that complicated. Or folks might just not want more of the expensive bits of the system to sit on the roof under the panel, but keep it locked indoors.

 

https://www.solar-shop.co.za/solis-grid-tie-inverters/674-solis-46kw-s6-dual-mppt-single-phase-grid-tie-inverter.html?sfdr_ptcid=13151_617_682837754&sfdr_hash=9e2d804b552b2628d41f7d7192bb5364&gclid=CjwKCAiAuaKfBhBtEiwAht6H779J2XKckgd7he6pEN_Q0ewkJ-hLG742Llza4hyQSAJ4vshuT1VaRhoCTIcQAvD_BwE

...

https://www.sonopsolar.co.za/product/sma-sunny-boy-5kw-grid-tie-inverter-single/

...

https://investsolar.co.za/product/inverter-micro-4-panel-1200w-hoymiles/?srsltid=Ad5pg_HOk81hSP9btlBHU9wF8ItPqJ3bAtf3ACavT76oj8KPx4EdvEFpNzc

Edited February 12, 20233 yr by GreenFields

I'm also intrigued by micro inverters. Have had twelve years on an MLT Drives PowerStar 12kW, and six months on a Victron Quattro. 

I've sold the house and will be looking at a new installation in the next 6-9 months, so looking at options. 

My main unanswered question, though, is how to sync with the grid. I've been exporting surplus pv power to the grid, and would still want to do that. Not sure how that would be accomplished with micro inverters. 

Edited February 12, 20233 yr by Cyclops

14 minutes ago, Cyclops said:

I'm also intrigued by micro inverters. Have had twelve years on an MLT Drives PowerStar 12kW, and six months on a Victron Quattro. 

I've sold the house and will be looking at a new installation in the next 6-9 months, so looking at options. 

My main unanswered question, though, is how to sync with the grid. I've been exporting surplus pv power to the grid, and would still want to do that. Not sure how that would be accomplished with micro inverters. 

From what I know the micros also have controllers. The Solis 4G mini is as close to plug and play as you can get. What you cannot use gets exported and they do the synch side as well as switch of when there is no grid. 

If you have been exporting before then the synch was also done. 

14 minutes ago, Cyclops said:

My main unanswered question, though, is how to sync with the grid. I've been exporting surplus pv power to the grid, and would still want to do that. Not sure how that would be accomplished with micro inverters. 

Synchronising to the grid shouldn't be an issue. This is exactly what micro-inverters do, right at the panel, they convert the DC power from the panel to AC power in sync with the grid. No need for long DC cable runs to a central inverter.

If you've got a Victron Multi or similar inverter that acts as as a battery inverter, it should be possible to AC-couple a group of micro-inverters.

1 hour ago, GreenFields said:

I reckon the better comparison is to gauge micro inverters against grid-tied string inverters, not against hybrid inverters. The battery charger built into the hybrid would mean you're not comparing apples with apples.

I've put the Solis 4.6kW dual-MPPT (R12,5K incl VAT) and SMA Sunny Boy 5kW (R20.5K excl VAT) in the link below, although these are at different price/quality points.

Compared to say 4x Hoymiles 1.2kW microinverters at R5K each.

Looking at it this way you could get by with a lower cost in installing a dual-MPPT Solis that will at least allow fitment in two roof sides. But for more complicated shading and roof layout problems, a few microinverters could be a better proposition.

I don't think it's a question of microinverters being the future, they've been around by now for a long time, but in most cases, my 2c is that I don't think it's needed.

Either the need for a battery will outweigh the benefits of micro-inverters, or most roofs might not be that complicated. Or folks might just not want more of the expensive bits of the system to sit on the roof under the panel, but keep it locked indoors.

 

https://www.solar-shop.co.za/solis-grid-tie-inverters/674-solis-46kw-s6-dual-mppt-single-phase-grid-tie-inverter.html?sfdr_ptcid=13151_617_682837754&sfdr_hash=9e2d804b552b2628d41f7d7192bb5364&gclid=CjwKCAiAuaKfBhBtEiwAht6H779J2XKckgd7he6pEN_Q0ewkJ-hLG742Llza4hyQSAJ4vshuT1VaRhoCTIcQAvD_BwE

...

https://www.sonopsolar.co.za/product/sma-sunny-boy-5kw-grid-tie-inverter-single/

...

https://investsolar.co.za/product/inverter-micro-4-panel-1200w-hoymiles/?srsltid=Ad5pg_HOk81hSP9btlBHU9wF8ItPqJ3bAtf3ACavT76oj8KPx4EdvEFpNzc

The main benefit for me is reliability, 25 years warranty vs 5-10 years. On failure you don't lose all production, only the production from the failed panel or micro converter. Also easily identify problem components via monitoring. I missed the part of the battery charging. Definitely would still need batteries to be charged.