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  1. Home
  2. /Knowledge Base
  3. /What is an inverter?

What is an inverter?

What an inverter does in a solar system, the difference between string, micro and hybrid, and what to look for.

An inverter converts the direct current from your solar panels into alternating current, the power your home and the grid run on. Without one you cannot use the power you generate.

What does an inverter do?

Solar panels produce direct current (DC). Your sockets and the grid run on alternating current (AC). The inverter sits in between and turns DC into AC. That makes it the heart of your system.

Most inverters also track your output. Through an app or display you see how much your panels generate each day, and you spot problems quickly.

String, micro or hybrid

A string inverter is one central unit for a row of panels. Micro-inverters sit on each panel and work well with shade or multiple roof sections. A hybrid inverter can also work with a home battery.

Which one fits depends on your roof, shading and whether you want to expand later. We put string and micro side by side on the comparison page.

What to look for when choosing

Check the power rating (matched to your panels), the warranty and whether the inverter is battery-ready for later. An inverter usually lasts less long than the panels, so replacing it once is normal.

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String inverter vs micro-inverter

The difference between a string inverter and micro-inverters, and which suits your roof and budget.

Frequently asked questions

Often less long than the panels themselves. Expect to replace the inverter once during the life of your system.
A string inverter serves several panels together. Micro-inverters work per panel. With shade or multiple roof sections, micros are often the better fit.
For storage a hybrid inverter is handy, or a separate battery inverter. We check in advance whether your system is ready to expand.
Some give a soft hum at full load. Mounting it in a sensible spot, not right next to a bedroom, avoids any nuisance.

How long does an inverter last?

Often less long than the panels themselves. Expect to replace the inverter once during the life of your system.

What is the difference between string and micro?

A string inverter serves several panels together. Micro-inverters work per panel. With shade or multiple roof sections, micros are often the better fit.

Do I need a special inverter for a home battery?

For storage a hybrid inverter is handy, or a separate battery inverter. We check in advance whether your system is ready to expand.

Does an inverter make noise?

Some give a soft hum at full load. Mounting it in a sensible spot, not right next to a bedroom, avoids any nuisance.

We apply this every day

The same knowledge you're reading here, we put to work for households across the Netherlands.

Request a quote

Get started

Solar panels

View and request a quote

Related articles

How do solar panels work?

From sunlight to the socket: how solar panels work, what the inverter does, and how you use or feed back the power you generate.

Solar panel yield and return

How to estimate solar panel yield, what affects output over the year, and the difference between yield and return.

What is a home battery and how does it work?

How a home battery works, when it pays off, what capacity you need and how it pairs with solar panels and net metering.

String inverter vs micro-inverter

The difference between a string inverter and micro-inverters, and which suits your roof and budget.