How long do residential solar inverters last?

Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar inverter.

In the series, pv magazine evaluated the lifespan of solar panels. This part talks about the various types of residential solar inverters and how they perform.

The inverter, a device that converts the DC power produced by solar panels into usable AC power, can come in a few different configurations. 

In residential applications, the two main types of inverters are string and microinverters. In most cases, these are used for roof-mounted installations.

The technology behind string inverters ensures that the maximum output capability of the panels is available real-time. This ensures that the string can still be operated without any constraints on the string.

Some string inverters are equipped with a bypass diode, a technology that prevents the “Christmas light” effect from taking place altogether.

In cases where the roof has a good azimuth and doesn’t have any shading issues, a string inverter may be a good choice.

A string inverter is typically less complicated to repair and is located in a centralized location. It’s also typically less expensive.