Performance and economical comparison between micro-inverter and string inverter in a 5, 1 kWp residential PV-system in Colombia

Abstract

This paper presents a techno-economical comparison of micro-inverter and string inverter topologies for grid-tie residential photovoltaic system. Initially, these topologies are described, presenting their benefits and drawbacks. Then, a 5.1 kWp system is modeled as a case of study. Two scenarios are used to evaluate the performance of each topology: under shadowing and no-shadowing conditions. Results show that a lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) can be achieved using the micro-inverter topology than the LCOE of string inverter topology. The payback period in Colombia is around of 10–12 years being similar for both technologies.