Microinverters on Solar Panels: Why Homeowners Should Think Twice

If you’ve been shopping for solar, you’ve probably noticed installers pushing microinverters hard. They promise more power, more reliability, and fancy panel-level monitoring. But for most homeowners, microinverters are an overpriced, overhyped option that adds complexity without real benefit.

Here’s what you need to know…

1. Dozens of Failure Points on Your Roof

Microinverters place one small inverter under every panel. So instead of one protected unit on the wall, you get 10+ electronic points of failure.

When they die, a roofer must pull up panels just to reach them.

2. Higher Cost, Same Power (for Most Homes)

Microinverters can add hundreds of pounds to a solar system. But unless your roof has significant shading or wildly different roof angles, they won’t produce noticeably more energy than a simpler, cheaper string inverter setup.

You pay more, without getting more.

3. Warranties Don’t Cover the Real Cost

Yes, microinverters often have long warranties. But those warranties usually don’t cover:

• Labour to remove panels
• Labour to reinstall replacements
• Lost production while waiting
• Scaffolding to work safely at height

Homeowners end up paying for the most expensive part of the fix.

4. Panel-Level Monitoring: Mostly a Gimmick

Seeing each panel’s data looks cool in the sales pitch, but it doesn’t improve system performance. Most issues can be diagnosed without it. It’s mainly a marketing tool to justify the higher price.

5. More Complicated Systems = More Headaches

Extra wiring, extra connections, extra points of failure. Microinverters turn what could be a simple, durable system into a rooftop maze of electronics you’ll pay to service later.

What is the Better Choice for Most Homes?

A quality string inverter or hybrid inverter:

• Costs less
• Is easier to maintain
• Has far fewer failure points
• Performs just as well on unshaded roofs

For most homeowners, it’s the smarter, more reliable, and more cost-effective choice. Get in touch to find out more.