Case Study: Achieving High Efficiency and Reliability in Medellín' s Rooftop Solar Systems Using Microinverters

Introduction

As global energy demand continues to rise, distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation has emerged as a key solution for achieving sustainable and decentralized power. In Latin America, Colombia has been steadily expanding its renewable energy capacity, with the city of Medellín—a vibrant urban hub surrounded by the Andes Mountains—leading the way in solar adoption. This case study explores how the integration of microinverter technology has enhanced energy efficiency, system reliability, and operational visibility in Medellín’s rooftop solar projects.

Project Overview

Located in the El Poblado district of Medellín, the pilot project consists of a 250 kW rooftop solar installation across multiple commercial buildings. The system was deployed by YT Elect Solar Solutions, a local engineering partner specializing in advanced inverter technologies.

The project aimed to:

• Maximize rooftop energy yield under complex shading conditions

• Improve system reliability and reduce downtime

• Simplify operation and maintenance through module-level monitoring

• Ensure safety compliance with Colombia’s RETIE electrical standards

System Design and Configuration

To address the challenges of irregular rooftop layouts and partial shading from nearby structures, each PV module was paired with a microinverter. This architecture provided module-level maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and eliminated the traditional single point of failure associated with string inverters.

Key design parameters:

• PV modules: 550 W monocrystalline panels

• Microinverters: 2-in-1 high-efficiency units rated at 800 VA each

• Monitoring platform: Cloud-based real-time performance dashboard

• Communication: Power line carrier (PLC) for stable data transmission

• Mounting system: Tilted aluminum rail structure optimized for Medellín’s latitude (6.2° N)

Performance Results

After six months of operation, data analysis revealed the following outcomes:

The microinverter system demonstrated a 10–11% increase in total energy production, primarily due to superior MPPT performance in partial shading and high ambient temperatures typical of Medellín’s climate.

Operational Insights

The module-level monitoring proved to be a key differentiator. Technicians could remotely identify and address underperforming modules within hours, significantly reducing maintenance time. Additionally, the plug-and-play installation shortened deployment time by 20%, with no need for complex string configuration or DC combiner boxes.

Another crucial benefit was enhanced safety. Since microinverters convert DC to AC at the module level, rooftop DC voltages never exceeded 60 V, aligning with RETIE’s low-voltage safety requirements and reducing electrical hazard risks during maintenance or firefighting operations.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Medellín installation offsets approximately 310 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, equivalent to planting over 5,000 trees. The system’s levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was calculated at $0.064 USD/kWh, making it competitive with local grid tariffs while delivering higher reliability.

The project’s success has encouraged neighboring municipalities such as Envigado and Bello to explore similar microinverter-based solar systems for commercial and residential applications.

Conclusion

The Medellín rooftop solar project demonstrates that microinverter-based PV systems can deliver tangible advantages in both performance and operational efficiency, especially in urban environments with shading, complex rooftops, and stringent safety standards.

As Colombia continues to advance its renewable energy transition, microinverters will play an increasingly important role in maximizing distributed generation potential, ensuring long-term reliability, and empowering energy independence at every rooftop. yy