🔌 3.5 MW Central Inverters vs Distributed 250 kW String Inverters, O&M & Uptime

Solar String vs Central Inverter Calculator

Compare utility-scale solar inverter architectures: evaluate central inverters (3.0 to 4.5 MW skids with medium-voltage transformers) against distributed modular string inverters (150 to 350 kW 1500V DC units), calculate balance-of-system (BOS) DC cabling costs, annual uptime availability % (99.5% vs 98.8%), and plant lifecycle IRR.

1. Project & Operating Inputs

Solar Plant DC Capacity (MW DC e.g. 20 MW DC)

Central Inverter Turnkey CapEx ($ / Watt DC e.g. $0.075/W)

Distributed String Inverter CapEx ($ / Watt DC e.g. $0.090/W)

Wholesale Solar PPA Power Value ($ / MWh e.g. $48/MWh)

2. Financial Breakdown & Yield

STRING VS CENTRAL INVERTERS

25-Year Inverter Generation Premium

Architecture Selection IRR Boost

0.0%

Gross Revenue / Bill

Total Project CapEx

Operating / Material Cost