In this system, a string inverter is connected to a set of panels that are in series. These inverters collect the accumulated DC power and convert the DC power into grid supportive AC power. Even though these inverters don’t have a number of components for failure, generation depends on the least generating module in the series. Due to shadow issues or low performing module, the generation of the entire array gets affected. This system best suits on the roofs where there are no shading issues due to trees, adjacent buildings etc.
An optimizer inverter typically refers to a system that combines the use of power optimizers with a traditional string inverter to enhance the performance of solar panels. In this setup, power optimizers are attached to individual panels to maximize their output by performing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) on a panel level. The string inverter then takes the combined DC output from all the panels and converts it to AC power. The key components of an optimizer inverter system are as follows: