What is a primary benefit of using microinverters in a PV system?

Using microinverters in a photovoltaic (PV) system offers significant advantages, particularly in shaded conditions. Microinverters are designed to operate on an individual panel basis, meaning that each solar panel can optimize its energy output independently. In scenarios where some panels are shaded while others are in full sun, traditional string inverters could allow the shaded panels to reduce the performance of the entire string. However, with microinverters, each panel's performance remains unaffected by the shading of adjacent panels, allowing the system to achieve higher overall energy production.

This independent optimization is especially crucial in real-world applications where shading can occur from trees, buildings, or other structures. By maximizing the energy harvest of each panel, microinverters can significantly boost the system's performance under less-than-ideal conditions, which is especially beneficial in regions where shading is a common issue.

In contrast, the other options, while they may point to some characteristics of microinverters, do not capture this core advantage as effectively. For instance, microinverters are often more complex and may not necessarily be the most cost-effective solution upfront, although their performance benefits could justify the initial investment over time.