The latest development in the rush to increase efficiency and decrease the cost of solar panels is the microinverter. Developed by Enphase Energy, with the help of numerous venture capitalists, this new innovation promises an inverter for every solar panel in an array. Its creators claim that these inverters can increase efficiency by 5 to 25 percent.

In a typical array one inverter, which converts direct current (DC) to the necessary alternating current (AC) that powers the home, is connected to each and every panel in that array. In the new Enphase Energy design, one microinverter for each panel would reduce installation costs by eliminating the need for many cables running to one single inverter. It would also improve efficiency by cutting down the distance of transmission in which energy is typically lost, allowing the panels to produce more usable electricity.

The microinverter, which is already being shipped to distributors and installers, is catching on quick. Enphase Energy continues to raise even more money than anticipated due to strong demand and the viability of the technology. Big solar and tech companies like Applied Materials and Texas Instruments are getting behind microinverters as well. It would appear that they will have a relatively quick impact on the solar industry. Within the next year, according to a TI spokesman, you can expect to see these microinverters blossom.

There is already a long line of promising solar innovations in the works at this very moment. Perhaps microinverters will be quick shot in the arm for an already booming solar industry.