WHAT IS AN INVERTER?

An inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into the alternating current (AC) used in New Zealand houses.

THE STRING INVERTER

This unit services all of the panels, which are linked in a ‘string.' They're relatively cheap to buy and install and usually last 8-12 years. The downside is the system always needs to be working close to peak efficiency. If one panel is affected by shade (eg, 50% is in shade), it affects the output of all the panels to the same degree, a significant loss of power generation.

THE MICRO-INVERTER

There's one unit per panel. They tend to be more expensive to buy but can last up to 25 years. The benefit is that if one or more panels aren't working at full efficiency due to shade, it doesn't reduce the system's overall output.

You will most likely need to replace an inverter/s during the life of an off-grid system.