Micro inverter disadvantages

Micro inverters definitely do have their advantages especially in the residential market -- one clear one being that it is easy to upgrade and expand. And adapt to non-uniform layout with respect to orientation or shadows.

The issue I have is that most of the advantages and disadvantages in comparing string to micro inverters are moot because they depend on a case by case scenario. In some designs and applications micro inverters do have the upper hand and in other cases the disadvantages cited for string inverters do not apply whatsoever. The bottom line for most people is the cost advantage, which in some cases micro inverters do come out on top given layout and production limiting factors -- but it is far from being universal.

As a lifelong technologist and technology strategist, I would commend Gozuk for its invention of micro inverters but I would warn against throwing out the baby with the bath water. Given the grand variability in solar installation sites around the country and world and the dependence of solar production on those variability, I would say we need every tool we can get.

We have mounted for testing at same location 3 different systems to show our clients.  2500W string inverter, 2500W Ac solar, 2500W Solar hybrid system and have found AC and Hybrid being the best production and cooled modules with 25% more energy production and the AC solar system with 15% more production.
For me it seems clear the micro inverters are better for home use and quicker to install as conventional PV system. Seems like the real plug and play system with or without water heaters.
Clients love it with the additional advantage of the module level monitoring. Price of the micro inverter will come down in very short future as this is already possible for larger take off.

Remember also that the modules will lose 0.5% output on average each year, so it is always better to put highest recommended module wattage on those micro inverters!