Microinverter

A small inverter mounted directly behind each solar panel, converting DC to AC at the panel rather than at a single central unit.

A microinverter performs the DC-to-AC conversion at each panel rather than sending DC down to a central inverter. The dominant brand in 2026 is Enphase IQ8, with APsystems and Hoymiles also common.

Advantages over string inverters: panel-level MPPT (so shading on one panel does not drag down the whole string), panel-level monitoring (you can see each panel's output in the app), and no high-voltage DC anywhere in the system (safer for fire-fighting and easier to comply with future rapid-shutdown rules). Disadvantages: higher upfront cost (typically £400-700 more on a 4kWp array) and 25 separate units that could individually fail.

For Cornwall properties with shading from chimneys, dormers, conservation-area trees, or split roof orientations (east+west), microinverters often pay for themselves in extra annual yield. We specify Enphase on around 30% of our installs. See our solar installation page.