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Which inverter suits your solar panels?

From string to micro: which type of inverter gets the most out of your roof.

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The inverter is the heart of your solar installation: it converts the direct current from the panels into the alternating current your home uses. The question of which inverter suits solar panels depends on your roof, the shading situation and what you may want to add later, such as a home battery or control of your consumption.

There is no inverter that is right for every roof. An east-west roof with some shading makes different demands than a neat south-facing roof without obstacles. That is why, during a site visit, we first look at your situation before we propose a type and capacity.

String or micro: the difference

With a string inverter, several panels are connected in series to a central inverter. This is a tried and tested and usually cost effective setup, ideal for an even roof without shade. The downside: if one panel in the string performs less well due to shade or dirt, it drags down the whole series.

Micro inverters are fitted per panel (or per pair of panels) and each works separately. A panel in the shade then does not hold back the rest. That is interesting for roofs with multiple orientations, dormers, chimneys or trees that cast shade. Micro inverters usually require a higher investment, but this weighs up differently in each situation. An optimizer system is an intermediate solution that limits shade loss per panel with a central inverter.

Underside of solar panels with cabling and plug connectors, two installers below
Photo: Markus Spiske / Pexels

Matching the power to your panels

The inverter capacity must match the total peak capacity of your panels, expressed in kWp. An inverter that is sized too small will curtail output during sunny peak moments. An inverter that is far too large often operates inefficiently in the low range.

In practice, installers deliberately choose the inverter capacity slightly below the panel capacity, because panels rarely reach their theoretical peak capacity in Flanders. The right ratio depends on your orientation, tilt angle and expected production. We calculate this based on your specific installation.

Thinking about storage already

If you want a home battery later, it is wise to take that into account when choosing the inverter. A hybrid inverter can control both your panels and a battery, so when you add storage you do not have to replace the core of your installation again.

Since the reversing meter has been phased out with the digital meter, self-consuming your own solar power has become more important. An installation that is ready for storage and control helps you to use that power at the right time. Whether that makes sense for you depends on your consumption and your daily pattern.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a micro inverter always better than a string?
No. On an even roof without shade, a string inverter does a fine job at a lower investment. Micro inverters mainly pay off with shade or multiple roof orientations. We will look at what suits you best during a site visit.
Does the inverter need to have the same power as my panels?
Not exactly. The inverter power is matched to the panel power in kWp, often deliberately a little lower, because panels rarely reach their peak. The right ratio depends on orientation and tilt angle.
Can I add a battery to my inverter later?
That depends on the type. A hybrid inverter is ready for storage; a classic string inverter usually is not without extra equipment. If storage is part of your plans, we take that into account when choosing.
How do I know which inverter suits my roof?
We determine that based on your roof shape, orientation, shade and your consumption. Those factors weigh together. A site visit gives us the data to make a well founded proposal.

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