How to choose a solar panel system for your business
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of string, microinverter and optimised solar panel systems for businesses.
If you are considering installing business solar panels, there are a number of important factors that may influence the type of system you choose to install.
From price, efficiency, performance and ease of maintenance, here are some of the pros and cons of the different technologies you can choose when installing commercial solar panels.
What are the different types of solar panel system?
String inverter solar panels
This solar panel set up involves the panels being linked together in one electrical ‘string’ that feeds into a central inverter. The inverter then converts the power generated from DC to AC power so it can be used on-site or exported.
Benefits
- Cost: If budget is the primary concern for your business, a string inverter solar panel system is one of the cheapest options.
- Choice: string solar inverters have been on the market for longer, so there are a large number of installers.
- Simplicity: as there’s only one inverter, string inverters are quicker to install and maintain.
Drawbacks
- Lower efficiency and lower output: panels in a string system operate at the efficiency of the lowest performing panel. So if one panel is in the shade, faulty or covered in dirt or debris, the output for the full string will be reduced. This will affect your bill savings or export payments.
- Shorter lifespan: string inverters are estimated to need replacing after 10 to 15 years, in comparison to the 20-25-year lifespan of a microinverter.
- Less insurance friendly: string solar panels have a lower reliability rating than microinverters and may be associated with a higher risk of fire. This could increase your insurance premiums, or even limit the amount of insurers that will cover you.
- Increased maintenance costs: if there is an issue with a string system, unfortunately there is the strong possibility that you will have to check each panel on the roof to troubleshoot the issue, which can prove costly and timely.
- Less flexible design elements: some string inverter systems require panels to operate at similar orientations for optimal efficiency, this can limit array size and often how the solar array looks on your property.
Microinverter solar panels
Rather than one inverter for a string of panels, microinverter solar panel systems use an inverter on every panel. This means each panel converts the power it generates from DC to AC separately.
Benefits
- Maximum generation per panel: because each panel has its own inverter, if one panel’s output is reduced due to shade or a fault, the others aren’t affected.
- Longer lifespan: microinverters can last 20-25 years before they need replacing, and often come with longer manufacturer warranties than string inverter systems.
- Complete performance monitoring: with microinverters, you can monitor the performance of your system down to the individual panel. So if you notice a drop in efficiency, you can upgrade your system to protect your bill savings and export earnings.
- Reduced fire risk: microinverter solar panels can be remotely made ‘safe’. In the event of a fire, this makes it easier and safer for a fire crew to deal with them. Due to their higher level or reliability, microinverter systems may be cheaper to insure.
Drawbacks
- Expense: microinverter solar panel systems are more expensive to install, and if they need maintenance. Because each panel has an inverter, an engineer will need to access the roof to fix any faults, rather than just working on a centralised inverter.
Optimised solar panel systems
Optimised solar panel systems provide a great middle ground between string and microinverter systems. This is because they allow each panel to operate independently, maximising output, but avoid the added expense and complexity of microinverters. Good Energy predominantly installs SolarEdge Optimised solar panel systems, as they meet most customers’ need of quality vs. cost.
Good Energy Solar installed a 101kWp optimised SolarEdge commercial solar panel system at the Sealife Centre in Great Yarmouth.
Benefits
- Optimised solar panel output: adding an optimiser to each solar module allows it to operate independently of the others. So if one panel in a string is shaded, the output of the others isn’t reduced as well.
- Enhanced safety features: optimisers can monitor the performance of each panel, making automatic fault detection easier. SolarEdge systems also offer in-built safety features such as SafeDCTM, which reduces the DC voltage down to safe touch levels, to enable safe maintenance. Optimised systems meet the latest insurance and fire safety requirements, including RC62 fire regulations.
- Complete visibility: view the performance of modules in your solar panel installation, to spot if any upgrades or maintenance is needed.
- Market leading warranties: A SolarEdge optimised system offers lengthy warranties on power optimisers and inverters offering peace of mind to customers. Their customer support team can also help diagnose and troubleshoot any issues remotely.
Drawbacks
- More expensive than installing a string inverter system on its own.
Get expert solar installation advice
As part of your bespoke commercial solar quote, our team can talk you through the best options for your business, depending on the space available for your install, your budget and electricity generation goals.
