A solar microinverter converts the direct current (DC) generated by each solar panel into alternating current (AC) that can be used to power the appliances at home or industry. A microinverter is installed on the back side of each solar panel on the roof and hence the DC-AC conversion takes place right near the solar panel. 

Microinverters operate as panel-level power electronics (MPLE) rather than the entire solar panel system. They have lower power ratings just adequate to convert a single solar panel’s DC power into AC power. Microinverters are also available with remote monitoring technology to remotely access the performance of each panel through a smartphone.

Factors for Selecting a Microinverter

• Efficiency of Microinverter: The efficiency of a microinverter is a measure of the amount of direct current being converted into alternating current. Higher efficiency implies that less power is wasted in the form of heat during the conversion. 
• Size of Microinverter: The size of the microinverter should match the power output of the associated panel. Usually, the manufacturers provide guidelines for the maximum DC wattage a solar panel should have when connected to their products.

Advantages of Microinverters

• Can be employed for both residential and commercial solar power systems
• Have less chance of system shutdown as it operates in parallel; failure of one or two panels does not affect the overall system operation.
• Panel-level monitoring ensures easy troubleshooting
• No sizing restriction as microinverters operate at the panel level.
• Easy to expand the system by simply adding more solar panels
• Enable maximum power to be harnessed from each panel and avoid wastage of power
• Can rapidly and efficiently restrict power supply to solar installations 
• Does not require separate air-cooling as the inverter is small in size and hence offers lower loss in the form of heat.
• Offers easy installation and a longer lifespan
• Safer than microinverters as it does not handle high-voltage DC over the roof, thereby reducing potential hazards.

Disadvantages of Microinverters

• Are more expensive than string inverters
• Requires additional monitoring devices such as a communication bus and a common monitoring system for onboard display
• Difficult to repair; need to properly identify the defective inverter and then need to fix it
• Has more equipment in the system which increases the sources of potential failure.

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