Both technologies have their pros and cons. String/Central inverters are used when the array will not experience shading; mainly for trackers. Microinverters allow you much more freedom with your installation. They are mounted under each panel and plug directly into the panel's junction box. Enphase microinverters isolate each panel which reduces the effects of shading, panel mismatch and non favourable orientation. They also feature maximum power point tracking (MPPT) at the module level which increases array production by up to 5%-20%. Pros: the installation is usually cheaper. Micro inverter’s initial cost is 20-40% higher than String inverter, however String inverters usually will need to be replaced within 10-15 years. On the other hand Micro inverters have over 300 years projected mean time between failures (MTBF).Pros: they yield more electricity. They are a better option if your roof is partly shaded by trees, a chimney, or facing different directions or angles. The warranty is usually longer. Cons: higher initial cost.

Micro inverters are a good choice if you need a small residential solar system. Paying the extra initial cost of micro-inverters to avoid evident risks of underperformance caused by shading or technical faults makes sense in dense residential areas where the chance of that happening is high. If your house is built on a hill, is higher than the other buildings in your neighborhood, or you live in an open area, when shading is not usually a problem, you can consider a string inverter as it is both cheaper and effective.

There are a certain number of STCs that can be registered against every KW system you are installing. There is a virtual market to sell these certificates you are generating from your installation. Once you sell the STC you will get your rebate in a dollar amount.  

Small Technology Certificate (STC) is a source of rebate, which used to be called Renewable Energy Certificate (REC). After registration, it can be converted into dollars once you sell it.

If the performance of your panel/panels drops down below the manufacturer-specified limit, you can claim your warranty. Most of the panels have a 25-year performance warranty.

Almost all inverters have an online monitoring system, where you can access your inverter remotely from your smart phone, tablet or PC. If you have an old string inverter you will see there is little display on it, and you can check the statistics from that display by using a button.

If you don't find the answer for your question here then you can certainly visit our community forum to ask your question or search answer for your question in our Solar Community Forum

Small Technology Certificate (STC) is a source of rebate, which used to be called Renewable Energy Certificate (REC). After registration, it can be converted into dollars once you sell it.

Small Technology Certificate (STC) is a source of rebate, which used to be called Renewable Energy Certificate (REC). After registration, it can be converted into dollars once you sell it.