A photovoltaic micro-inverter, also known as a solar micro-inverter, is a type of solar inverter that converts direct current (DC) from a single solar panel into alternating current (AC).

The main advantage of micro-inverters is that they allow each panel to operate independently, so that the performance of the entire system is not reduced due to issues with a single panel (such as shading, dust or equipment failure). This is different from traditional "string" inverters, which connect a series of panels and convert their combined DC output into AC. In a system with a string inverter, if one panel underperforms, it can drag down the performance of the entire system.

Micro-inverters also often come with monitoring software that allows you to monitor the performance of each individual panel in your solar array, which can help with maintenance and troubleshooting. They are typically more expensive than string inverters, but their benefits can often justify the extra cost, especially for installations where shading or other panel-level issues are a concern.