*3.1. String Inverters*

In the string inverter configuration, the DC input voltage of the inverter is the series connection of the BIPV modules. This solution can lead to a lower energy yield during partial shading conditions, thereby degrading the overall system performance. The use of string inverters for BIPV installations is widely reported in the literature [58,76–86].

The analysis of Table 1 shows that string inverters have an inferior performance for all criteria that were established for BIPV installations. The system is not modular since stringing needs to be done, requiring a high engineering effort to optimally design the number and length of the PV strings for a given installation. Especially when different sizes and types of PV are used, stringing becomes extremely challenging. System reliability is the lowest of all four options, but this number might be misleading since no repair was modelled. This was done because MLCs are placed in locations that are difficult or impossible to reach after installation. However, the string inverter is placed inside the protected volume and can, thus, be repaired when a fault occurs.
