Find out how much annual production shade is costing you — and whether microinverters or power optimizers pay off.
5.7 peak sun hrs/day · 31.0¢/kWh
South (optimal) — 100% of south-facing ideal
Recommendation
MLPE Recommended
TSRF with string inverter
80%
Meaningful production recovery justifies the MLPE premium. Microinverters or power optimizers are a smart investment for your roof.
Optimal Production
(south-facing, no shade)
16,644
kWh/year
With String Inverter
TSRF 80%
13,648
kWh/year
With MLPE
TSRF ~92%
15,312
kWh/year
Annual production gain
+1,664 kWh
+12.2% vs. string
Annual financial gain
$516/yr
at 31.0¢/kWh
Estimated MLPE premium
$3,000
~$300/kW over string
MLPE payback period
5.8 yrs
from recovered production
25-year impact: MLPE recovers 41,600 kWh and $12,896 in electricity value over the system lifetime.
| Orientation | None | Minimal | Partial | Significant | Severe | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Str | MLPE | Str | MLPE | Str | MLPE | Str | MLPE | Str | MLPE | |
| South | 100% | 100% | 93% | 97% | 82% | 92% | 70% | 85% | 55% | 75% |
| SE/SW | 95% | 95% | 88% | 92% | 78% | 87% | 66% | 81% | 52% | 71% |
| E/W | 85% | 85% | 79% | 82% | 70% | 78% | 60% | 72% | 47% | 64% |
| NE/NW | 77% | 77% | 72% | 75% | 63% | 71% | 54% | 65% | 42% | 58% |
| North | 70% | 70% | 65% | 68% | 57% | 64% | 49% | 60% | 39% | 52% |
“Str” = String inverter TSRF equivalent · “MLPE” = Microinverter/optimizer TSRF equivalent
Shade Analysis Guide
Professional tools, TSRF scoring, tree decisions
Microinverters vs. String
Full head-to-head comparison with cost analysis
Solar ROI Calculator
Full payback period and 25-year savings estimate
Solar System Designer
Build your full system parts list
Home Solar Assessment
Roof, shade, electrical readiness checklist
Compare Solar Quotes
Make sure installers propose the right inverter
Estimates based on typical system performance parameters. MLPE premium and payback will vary by system design, local labor rates, and installer pricing. Get 2–3 quotes to compare actual costs for your specific installation. Learn how to compare quotes →