What is a string inverter?
A string inverter converts direct-current electricity from connected groups of solar panels into alternating current for your premises. Historic England describes 3 inverter arrangements: string, central and micro [S1]. The choice affects panel grouping and equipment access. Ask for a roof layout and maintenance plan before accepting a particular arrangement. Checked October 2026.
What does a string inverter mean for your site?
A string inverter converts direct current (DC) from groups of solar panels into alternating current (AC), which your building can use [S1]. A string is a group of panels electrically connected in series.
Why it matters for your site: the grouping affects the electrical design, while the inverter’s position affects access for servicing. Request a drawing showing which roof sections connect to which equipment.
How does it differ from other inverter arrangements?
Historic England describes string inverters serving multiple panels, central inverters for large installations, and microinverters serving individual panels [S1]. These labels describe how conversion is arranged. They do not establish a roof’s annual production.
Microinverters place conversion at individual panels. The Department of Energy explains that panel-level operation can help where some modules receive shade. A shared inverter can be easier to cool and service [S2]. Ask the designer to explain the proposed layout for your roof rather than choosing from the label alone.
For an assumed workshop with east-facing and west-facing roof sections, request a string drawing for each section. Ask how the inverter controls each group and how a technician would reach it. This is a design discussion, not a rule that every roof face needs a separate inverter.
What should you check beyond the inverter label?
Ask for panel capacity, inverter AC capacity, roof shading and equipment access to be shown separately. Include ventilation and suitability for the proposed environment: Historic England identifies both as installation considerations [S1].
Use commercial solar inverters explained for the wider design. Read kWp explained before comparing panel ratings and MPPT explained for tracker allocation.
Next step
Bring the proposed layout to the site check and get matched with an installer that covers your area.
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Common questions
What electricity comes out of a string inverter?
It converts the panels' direct current into alternating current for site use or export [S1].
Is a string inverter the same as a central inverter?
Both convert panel electricity. Historic England distinguishes string units serving multiple panels from central equipment used for large systems [S1].
Where is a microinverter fitted?
Historic England describes microinverters mounted behind individual panels, rather than serving a group [S1].
Does shade automatically rule out a string layout?
No. Request a shading assessment. The Department of Energy identifies panel-level conversion as useful where some panels are shaded, rather than prescribing it for every roof [S2].
What location details belong in the proposal?
Request maintenance access, ventilation and environmental protection details. Historic England identifies these as equipment-location considerations [S1].
Ask about your site
Sources
- PV electricity distribution and storage, Historic England,Last checked 19 October 2026
- Solar photovoltaic system design basics, US Department of Energy,Last checked 19 October 2026