Microinverters vs String Inverters: Which Is Better for Irish Homes?

Choosing the right inverter is one of the most important decisions when installing solar panels in Ireland. Your inverter determines how your system handles shading, how efficiently electricity is converted, and how well your roof performs year round. In this guide, we compare microinverters and string inverters to help you understand which option is better for Irish homes.

Before choosing an inverter type, you may want to review our guide on Solar Panel Efficiency in Ireland to understand how different parts of your system influence overall performance.

What Is a String Inverter?

A string inverter is a single central unit that converts the DC electricity from all your solar panels into AC power for your home. All panels are wired together in a series, which means the performance of the entire string depends on the lowest performing panel.

String inverters remain a common choice across Ireland because they are cost effective and reliable. They work particularly well on roofs with:

• Little to no shading
• Simple or single roof orientations
• Panels of the same age, type, and condition

If you want more detail on how system design affects output, our article on the Best Orientation and Angle for Solar Panels in Ireland is a helpful next read.

What Is a Microinverter?

Microinverters sit directly under each individual panel and convert DC to AC on the roof rather than at a central point. This gives every panel independent control of its output.

This is useful for many Irish homes because microinverters allow:

• Output optimisation even if some panels are shaded
• Better performance on complex roofs
• Real time monitoring at the panel level
• Improved safety through lower DC voltage levels

Microinverters typically cost more upfront, but the performance gains can be significant.

How Shading Affects Performance

Shading is one of the biggest concerns in Ireland because of low winter sun and the proximity of chimney stacks, neighbouring homes, and tall trees. With a string inverter, if one panel is in shade, the entire string slows down. With microinverters, only the shaded panel loses output.

If your home experiences shading at any point in the day, microinverters will typically deliver higher annual generation.

For a broader look at generation expectations, see our guide How Much Solar Power You Really Need in Ireland which covers system sizing and output modelling.

Roof Type and Layout Considerations

Every roof is different. Irish homes often have split elevations, dormers, hip roofs, or multiple orientations. These layouts can make string inverters less efficient because all panels must work as a single unit.

Microinverters, on the other hand, allow you to place panels on various roof faces without worrying about mismatched performance.

String inverters may still be suitable for:

• A south facing roof with no shading
• Homes with ample roof space
• Budget focused installations

Microinverters are often the best choice for:

• East and west split roofs
• Homes with chimneys or architectural shading
• Installations that may expand later
• Homeowners who want detailed panel level monitoring

Reliability and Maintenance

Both systems are durable, but their maintenance profiles differ.

Microinverters distribute the work across many small devices. If one fails, the rest continue working. However, replacing a microinverter usually requires a trip to the roof.

String inverters are easier and cheaper to replace because they are mounted on a wall, but if the main inverter fails, your entire system stops producing electricity until it is repaired.

Cost Comparison

Microinverters typically cost more upfront due to the number of individual units required. String inverters are more affordable at installation, which can make them appealing for larger systems.

However, microinverters may increase your lifetime generation, especially in homes with shading or multiple orientations. Over twenty years, this difference can offset the higher upfront cost.

For detailed energy planning, you may also want to read our article Can You Use Solar to Power Your EV at Home which explains how solar performance influences EV charging habits.

So Which Inverter Is Better for Irish Homes?

There is no single answer, but general guidance is clear:

• Choose microinverters if you have shading, multiple roof surfaces, or want panel level monitoring.
• Choose a string inverter if you have a simple roof, a tighter budget, and consistent sun exposure across all panels.

For most modern Irish homes, microinverters deliver better output and greater flexibility, especially as homeowners increasingly add EV chargers and battery storage.

If you want expert guidance on the best inverter system for your home, WattCharger can design a fully optimised solution tailored to your roof, budget, and long term energy goals. Contact our team today for a free assessment.