Micro-inverter vs. string inverter
Claiming that today's micro-inverters---which use mixed-signal ASIC technology to operate at 96% efficiency and deliver utility interactive and wireless networking capabilities---is anything like the microinverters of the 1980's is absurd.
The rate of evolution in microinverters is faster than string inverters in every dimension (from performance and reliability to cost and features), which is the whole point of why end-customers are so interested.
I would hope that the rate of micro evolution is progressing as they have a ways to go to catch up with string inverters. They aren't as reliable, they aren't as efficient and they aren't as cost effective as string inverters for larger installations. It baffles me to hear about 600kW to 2MW micro installs. I find it hard to believe that those LCOE/ROI works out in favor of the customers, and I have yet to be proven wrong. I would be happy to sell people 4000 SB240's, but I feel compelled to warn against it for multiple reasons, mainly, because it doesn't make sense. Micros just aren't there- yet.
Also, I think you need to reread the article as he never tried to compare micros from 30 years ago to the ones today. He only mentioned that they have been around a long time.
SMA has never deviated from it's positioning of where micros belong so there isn't much for us to disprove, other than the misconceptions about where to use micros that are still perpetuated by micro inverter companies. Our micro design is unique and will prove to be a more reliable solution, but I will always advise against using micros (even ours) where they just don't need to be.
The rate of evolution in microinverters is faster than string inverters in every dimension (from performance and reliability to cost and features), which is the whole point of why end-customers are so interested.
I would hope that the rate of micro evolution is progressing as they have a ways to go to catch up with string inverters. They aren't as reliable, they aren't as efficient and they aren't as cost effective as string inverters for larger installations. It baffles me to hear about 600kW to 2MW micro installs. I find it hard to believe that those LCOE/ROI works out in favor of the customers, and I have yet to be proven wrong. I would be happy to sell people 4000 SB240's, but I feel compelled to warn against it for multiple reasons, mainly, because it doesn't make sense. Micros just aren't there- yet.
Also, I think you need to reread the article as he never tried to compare micros from 30 years ago to the ones today. He only mentioned that they have been around a long time.
SMA has never deviated from it's positioning of where micros belong so there isn't much for us to disprove, other than the misconceptions about where to use micros that are still perpetuated by micro inverter companies. Our micro design is unique and will prove to be a more reliable solution, but I will always advise against using micros (even ours) where they just don't need to be.
<- - I have an Opinion - ->
Regardless, $/W of the inverter is only the tip of the iceberg. Micro-inverters deliver substantial engineering and construction advantages, as well as operational advantages, due to their distributed, AC-based architecture (as opposed to a traditional inverters centralized, DC-based architecture). These advantages can improve many aspects of the lifetime economics, including installed cost, cost of ownership, system availability and system efficiency.
That's why so many integrators are turning to micro inverters for large-scale projects.
And, we think a lot can be done to better serve their interests. For example: Enphase has advanced its networking technology (Envoy) so that a single gateway is capable of monitoring 100kW+ of microinverters-- talk about scalability! - -> by: David Brig