There is a third option:

[svelte]

There is a third option: power optimizers.

Attached is a diagram I made to help me understand the difference when I did my research in 2015. I went with power optimizers to help simplify the setup when/if I decide to add batteries down the line. It remains to be seen whether I really needed to do that, as I’ve heard of some battery setups that simply plug into your standard wall outlets now, so I may have overplanned. Time will tell.

[img_assist|nid=25992|title=Power Optimizers vs Micro Inverters|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=466|height=347]

Other good articles:

Enphase vs SolarEdge

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/To-Microinvert-or-To-Power-Optimize-That-is-the-Solar-Question

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_optimizer

http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/microinverter–dc-optimizer-market-surpasses-2-gw-capacity_100014661/#axzz3VtDqIh3h

https://www.energysage.com/solar/101/microinverter-power-optimizer-options