Expert review Enphase Energy micro inverter
- You get the highest possible yield from your solar panels and are less bothered by things like shadows, leaves, or irregular degradation of your solar panels.
- You don't need a central inverter in your home.
- The Enphase micro inverters has a very low failure rate, so it's very reliable.
- With a life expectancy of 30 to 35 years and high product warranty of 25 years, you're ensured a long-lasting top quality.
- It's possible to expand your system in the future with more panels or a home battery.
- In the Enphase Enlighten app, you can see the yield of every individual solar panel.
- The most recent IQ8 Micro Inverter has a high power, so you can get even more out of your panels.
- The IQ8 Micro Inverters turn on even with minimal sunlight on a cloudy day.
- Micro inverters are more expensive to buy than a series-connected solar panels. This means the payback period is longer.
Micro inverters
To explain the advantage of Enphase micro inverters, you have to know the difference between a parallel and series-connected system. Solar panels generate power, but this power isn't directly usable for your devices. The generated power has to literally be inverted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). A series-connected system does this in a central inverter that's installed as close to the solar panels as possible, like the attic. A parallel connected system has micro inverters placed per panel. But why is this more profitable?
The latest Enphase IQ8+
The latest Enphase micro inverter is the IQ8+. This model has even more advantages. The IQ8+ has an even higher power, so your panels yield even more. This type of micro inverter also turns on faster, even in minimum sunlight. That's useful for the Dutch weather. The price of this type of micro inverter is a bit higher compared to a central inverter. This means it takes a bit longer to earn this purchase back. But don't worry, you'll get it back in the long run thanks to the lifespan.
Decentralized inverters
With micro inverters, a small inverter is placed behind every panel. This way, you don't need a central inverter anymore. A central inverter is a box that's slightly larger than a shoe box and installed indoors. The inverter also makes noise that's comparable to a silent fridge. That's why we advise against installing a central inverter in a bedroom.
Performance of your solar roof
Enphase micro inverters ensure optimal performance of your solar roof because you choose a parallel-connected system. An extra advantage is that each solar panel has its own micro-inverter. This ensures that each solar panel works independently and don't influence others. When a panel is in the shadow, dirty, or isn't working properly, the rest of your solar power system continues to work optimally. Have a roof with lots of shadow or want to use multiple roof faces? Micro inverters are absolutely the best choice for your roof.
Low failure rate
As you know, micro inverters make all solar panels work independently. This means you're less bothered by shadows or any defects. The solar panels always generate energy this way, even if a micro inverter breaks. Enphase micro inverters also have a very low failure rate because they're placed behind solar panels, among other reasons. This protects them from the weather well. There are also no cables with high voltages of direct current in the system, so it's also safer and more reliable.
Smart technology
Enphase's motto is 'We make solar simple and energy smart'. You can see that in the smart features that the micro inverters have. For example, automatic detection of problems and extensive AC and DC monitoring per solar panel are included with the micro inverters. This makes them extra safe. You can also individually monitor every panel in the Enphase Enlighten app. There, you can see exactly how much power each solar panel generates. And the Enphase Energy system is ready for the future: you can easily add extra solar panels or a home battery later.
Warranty
Coolblue always gives you a 10-year installation warranty. Does something break in that time? We'll replace your solar panels, inverter(s), optimizer(s), and parts of the cables for free. Of course, you also have the product warranty from Enphase. That means you're guaranteed a high-end product for 25 years. Luckily, you can generally enjoy the micro inverters for much longer than that. The lifespan of the Enphase micro inverters is 30 to 35 years. This is a large advantage as opposed to the lifespan of central inverters, namely about 10 to 12 years. Keep in mind that the investment in a system with a central inverter is lower at first this way, but you'll have to replace it after an average of 10 years. This is partly why an Enphase system with micro inverters isn't much more expensive in the long run, which makes it more interesting.
Conclusion Enphase Energy micro inverter
If you really want to get the most out of your solar power system and never have to worry about your solar roof again, Enphase Energy micro inverters are for you. The Enphase micro inverters always keep your solar power system working optimally, you don't need a central inverter, and you can be sure of long-lasting top quality thanks to the long warranty. Enphase micro inverters are a larger investment, but you'll experience more advantages in the long run than with a series-connected inverter.
