carchers have been comparing the performance ratio (PR) of PV systems installed with microinverter and string inverters.
The tests were conducted by researchers from the University of Limoges at several locations across France. The results were surprising to the fact that microinverters do not work better than string/central inverters.
What is PR?
PR stands for performance ratio. It is a parameter that defines the relationship between the actual and expected power production of a PV system. It is mostly unrelated to an installation location and orientation. This value is used to understand how efficiently the PV system is operating.
The researchers initially analyzed all advantages and disadvantages of an installation with micro-inverters or central/string inverters and said that micro-inverters should offer an advantage on many points, including price. “We must also consider the lifespans of this equipment, which is a little less than 10 years for a central inverter and can reach 30 years for a micro-inverter,” they further explained. “Micro-inverters also appear to be better suited to reducing the impact of losses that can occur in solar panels whether due to shading or panel malfunction.”
The assumptions were evaluated by analyzing 200 PV installations located in France. Considering the actual production of solar energy, orientation, inclination, peak power, geographical area and other factors. In order to carry out a statistical study on the PR, 200 data sets were recovered: 100 for installations with Enphase M210, M215, M250 and IQ7 microinverters and 100 with installations using SMA SunnyBoy 3000, SunnyBoy 5000 inverters and Sunny Tripower STP 8000,” the academics explained. “Of the 100 systems, 50 are SunnyBoy 3000 (input power 3.2 kW), 25 are SunnyBoy 5000 (input power 5.2 kW) and 25 are Sunny Tripower STP 8000 (input power 8, 2 kW).
The average capacity of the installations relying on micro-inverters was 3.8 kW and that of the second category was 5 kW.
The analysis showed that micro-inverters are more sensitive to environmental factors. Furthermore, the scientists found that the size of a PV system doesn’t have an influence on the performance of either micro-inverters or inverters.
“According to the production data, the performance ratio is ultimately almost identical for installations with microinverter and string inverters,” the French group emphasized. “The PR is around 79% for both the average facility equipped with micro-inverters and the average for other facilities.” It also reported slight growth in the PR with lower irradiance for both micro-inverter and central/string devices, which could depend on the inclination and orientation of the panels or the geographical area.
“Finally, the results show a homogeneity of the performance ratio between the two technologies despite different operations,” the academics concluded. “However, even if the performance ratio is identical between inverters and micro-inverters, micro-inverters are still to be favoured because of their lifespans and their prices.” They go on to explain that microinverters may not be replaced for an entire 25 year module lifetime and that they allow stakeholders to better guarantee the safety of the installation even in the event of a fire.
Reference: PV Magazine