Micro Inverter - APSystems
A micro inverter converts the electricity from two to four solar panels directly at the panel itself, rather than connecting all panels in a long string. It is the standard technology used in balcony power plants and is suitable for small areas where individual panels are shaded. The range includes units with 800, 1,000 and 2,000 W from Growatt, APSystems and Deye, available individually or as a set with connection cables.
Which power rating suits which system
The power rating is determined by the number and power output of the modules. The 800 W units have two separate inputs (MPP trackers) and therefore space for two modules. The Growatt NEO 2000M-X2 has four inputs for four modules. Each data sheet also specifies the recommended module power per input:
| Unit | AC power | Module inputs | Module power per input according to the data sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growatt NEO 800M-X | 800 W | 2 | 320 to 540 W |
| APSystems EZ1-M | 799 VA | 2 | 300 to 730 W |
| Deye SUN-M80G4-EU-Q0 | 800 VA | 2 | up to 560 W |
| Growatt NEO 1000M-X | 1,000 W | 2 | 400 to 670 W |
| Growatt NEO 2000M-X2 | 2,000 W | 4 | to 670 W |
For a balcony power plant with a simplified registration process, the inverter power is limited to 800 VA. The 800 W units fall precisely within this category. The NEO 2000M-X2 is available as a set that can be throttled down to 800 W, whilst the NEO 1000M-X, at 1,000 W, exceeds this limit.
Features and installation
All units are protected in accordance with IP67 and are installed outdoors directly beneath or alongside the modules. According to the data sheet, the operating temperature range is from −40 to +65 °C. The manufacturer’s warranty is twelve years for the Growatt and APSystems, and fifteen years for the Deye. The Growatt, NEO 800M-X and Deye connect to the app via Wi-Fi; the APSystems EZ1-M via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; and the NEO 2000M-X2 via Wi-Fi or radio. The NEO 1000M-X transmits via LoRa; a kit is available for it featuring the Shine WeLink receiver, which forwards the data via Wi-Fi.
The kits for the NEO 800M-X and the NEO 2000M-X2 include a 5-metre Schuko cable. Ready-to-install systems comprising modules, mounting brackets and micro inverters can be found under Balcony Power Plants. If you’d like to add a battery, you’ll find plug-and-play units under Batteries for Balcony Power Plants. For larger roofs without shading, grid-tied string inverters are the usual choice.
For photovoltaic systems and their essential components, no value added tax is charged where the conditions of Section 12 (3) of the German VAT Act (UStG) are met. You state during the ordering process whether they apply to you.
Frequently asked questions about micro inverters
How many modules can be connected to a micro inverter?
As many as the unit has inputs: two for the 800-W and 1,000-W models, and four for the ‘Growatt NEO’ 2000M-X2. The power per module must not exceed the value specified in the data sheet.
Which 800 W micro inverter is the right one?
All three 800 W units power two modules. They differ in terms of the permissible module power – up to 730 W per input for the APSystems EZ1-M – and in terms of the warranty, which is fifteen years rather than twelve for the Deye.
What is the advantage over a string inverter?
Each module operates on its own input. If a module is shaded, it does not slow down the others. On large, unshaded roofs, however, a string inverter with just a few inputs is the simpler solution.