--- description: "What is a String Inverter: It is also known as central inverters, which convert the DC from each solar panel into AC." title: What is a String Inverter? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/JAN23-What-is-a-String-Inverter.jpg --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is a String Inverter? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![JAN23 What is a String Inverter](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/JAN23-What-is-a-String-Inverter-1024x683.jpg "What is a String Inverter?") String inverters, also known as central inverters, have been a reliable and cost-effective solution for small-scale solar installations for decades. The **inverter takes the direct current from each solar panel and converts it into alternating current.** The maximum number of solar panels that can be connected to a string inverter is determined by the input voltage rating of the inverter. String inverters are most suitable for rooftops that have a consistent southern orientation and are free from any shading problems. The solar array, consisting of a string of solar panels, is connected to a string inverter. There are numerous methods for connecting a string of solar panels together. A typical solar array may include approximately 15 solar panels, with each panel having a capacity of 250Wp. ### **Advantages of String Inverters** The major advantages are: **1. Cost Effective** Currently, string inverters are more cost-effective compared to [micro inverters](https://energytheory.com/what-is-a-microinverter/). For each installation, you only need a single-string inverter, whereas, for micro inverters, you would require one inverter for each panel. **2. Easy to Maintain and Troubleshoot** The majority of string inverters are typically installed in a central location, securely mounted on the wall. This simplifies maintenance efforts by eliminating the need to constantly travel back and forth to the field for troubleshooting purposes. In places with freezing or hot climates, this is beneficial on the inverter’s end. **3. Trusted Technology** String inverters have been used for many years and are easily understood by electricians. People have confidence in its technology and reliability. ### **Disadvantages of String Inverters** Even though inverters have been around for a long time, they have some noticeable drawbacks. **1. Expandability** If the [size of the string inverter](https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/string-inverter-market) is too big, you won’t be able to expand it later on. Once you install it for a specific power rating, you can’t change the rating of the inverter. You need to buy another inverter in such a situation. **2. Point of Failure** If the inverter malfunctions, the entire solar array will become non-functional. The potential impact of this could result in a substantial decrease in electricity generation. **Also See**: [Central Inverter vs String Inverter: What’s the Best?](https://energytheory.com/central-inverter-vs-string-inverter-whats-the-best/) Share. 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With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-a-string-inverter/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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