What are the Benefits of Power Optimizers?

Power optimizer for solar panels is a DC/DC converter that is connected to each solar panel in the PV system, turning them into smart modules.

By constantly monitoring the maximum production capacity of each individual solar module, optimizers can increase your PV plant energy production – potentially increasing revenue and shortening system payback time. Simply put, the main benefit of power optimizer is that it maximizes the performance of each panel individually.

What are the benefits of power optimizers and why are they needed?

When installing solar panels, the panels are connected into groups or arrays. In the case of roof-mounted and in-roof panels, there are usually 12-20 solar panels in one group. If the productivity of one of these panels decreases (shadows from trees and clouds, dust, bird droppings, failures of PV components and other factors), then the productivity of the whole group decreases. Defective or shaded panels may produce 15 to 25 percent less solar energy than other panels, and in some cases up to 50 percent less. With the help of optimizers, each panel can be placed in a separate group, and the aim is to ensure that the productivity of each solar panel is as high as possible.

It is important to note that optimizers can also play a role in ensuring electrical safety. SolarEdge was one of the first to come on the market with optimizers, and their SafeDC function ensures that the high DC voltage of the modules is automatically reduced to a safe level when the inverter or mains power is switched off, thus ensuring maximum safety. Optimizers allow early detection of potential problems and malfunctions with solar panels.

Do I need optimizers?

Optimizers make the whole system more expensive, but there are times when an efficient solar plant cannot be built without them. If there is no shade on your roof and the panels are on only one side of the roof, power optimizers may not give you much gains. Consider using the optimizers, if:

solar panels are installed on several sides of the roof and at different angles,

the panels are partially or fully shaded at certain times,

leaves, twigs or dust may get on the roof,

you combine solar panels with different wattages.

If you live near fields, on the edge of a forest, or if there are tall trees in your or your neighbor’s garden, adding optimizers to your solar station is probably a smart move.

Optimizer availability

Solarstone offers SolarEdge, Huawei and Tigo optimizers. When using SolarEdge inverter, the use of optimizers is unavoidable, but their optimizers can also be used with other inverters. According to the manufacturer, the optimizer is compatible with all module types.

Huawei’s optimizers, which only work with Huawei’s own inverters, have also hit the market. Huawei optimizer can be only connected to panels that need it, it is not necessary to connect optimizers to the whole system. Although, the minimum amount is 6 optimizers per circuit. Both are serious players, but Huawei’s devices are more wallet-friendly.

Tigo Energy from the United States also offers good-quality optimizers. There are many other solutions available on the market, but we have tested these three and can be certain of their quality.

Optimizers are easy to install and have a relatively long lifespan. Most devices come with a 10-25 year warranty. For the whole solar power plant, it can add up to a good amount, but in many cases this cost can be justified and recoup quickly.

Benefits of power optimizers include electrical safety and increased efficiency. Optimizers come at an additional cost, so take your time to analyze the necessity and potential wins.

Products and reference designs of Solar power optimizer

Input power protection

With power optimizers sitting on the PV modules, they are susceptible to weather-induced power surges, which the system electronics need to be protected from. An eFuse will provide protection from overvoltage, overcurrent, or short-circuit events. Input power protection includes eFuses & hot swap controllers, the corresponding products are TPS2400、TPS2590、TPS24750、TPS2662

Input current & voltage sense

Accurate and high speed sensory data of the input current and voltage enables the solar power optimizer to effectively track the maximum power point of the solar modules and ensure operational efficiency and safety. Input current & voltage sense includes Analog current-sense amplifiers、General-purpose op amps、Comparators、Instrumentation amplifiers、Analog current-sense amplifiers with integrated shunt resistor, the corresponding products are INA199、INA240、TLV9002、OPA2310、TLV3201、INA333、INA253

MPPT power stage

The core function of the solar power optimizer is to provide efficient transfer of power from a solar module to the rest of the string modules in series. The MPPT stage of the controller must be able to track the maximum power point of the module while maintaining the output voltage appropriate for the solar string. MPPT power stage includes Half-bridge drivers、Gallium nitride (GaN) ICs、Low-side drivers, the corresponding products are UCC27712、UCC27282、LMG2100R044、UCC27511

Output current & voltage sense

Accurate and high speed sensory data of the output current and voltage enables the solar power optimizer to effectively track the maximum power point of the solar modules and ensure operational efficiency and safety. Output current & voltage sense includes Analog current-sense amplifiers、General-purpose op amps、Comparators、Instrumentation amplifiers、Analog current-sense amplifiers with integrated shunt resistor, the corresponding products are INA180、TLV9151、TLV3201、INA333、INA253

Non-isolated DC/DC power supply

The internal electronics of a solar power optimizer require a number of separate voltage rails. MCUs and other digital controllers will typically run at 3.3V, some digital processors operate at however voltages like 1.2V, analog circuitry will need accurate low noise reference voltages, and power FETs and relays can require anywhere from 5-15V to turn on. Non-isolated DC/DC power supply includes Linear & low-dropout (LDO) regulators、Buck modules (integrated inductor)、Buck converters (integrated switch), the corresponding products are TPS7A24、PTH08080W、TPSM365R6、LMR50410

DC/DC logic

Glue logic is used to connect the power DSP to the gate drivers in order to correctly set logic voltage levels, active high or low settings, and serve as a buffer for multiple GPIO outputs. DC/DC logic includes AND gates、Noninverting buffers & drivers、Inverting buffers & drivers, the corresponding products are SN74LVC2G08、SN74LVC1G07、SN74LVC2G04

Self-diagnostics/monitoring

A temperature sensor is required to monitor the system power FETs as they are prone to self-heating while under load. This temperature sensor can be used as a simple thermal switch, or provide the information back to the DSP so the inverter can throttle back its power output rather than just shut off. Self-diagnostics/monitoring includes Temperature switches、Analog temperature sensors, the corresponding products are TMP302、LMT70

DC/DC power digital processing

The main power stage in a solar power optimizer is controlled by a DSP. Using a DSP-based solution, power can be more efficiently captured from the solar module and tracked via various algorithms, as well as support multiple communication interfaces to the larger system. DC/DC power digital processing includes C2000 real-time microcontrollers、Arm Cortex-M0+ MCUs、Real-time clocks (RTCs) & timers、Supervisor & reset ICs, the corresponding products are TMS320F280039、TMS320F2800132、MSPM0L1106、TLC555、TPS3836

Wired interface

Several wired interfaces may be used for a variety of use cases. Power line communication over the optimizer's power lines help reduce cabling cost and increase system reliability. Wired interface includes RS-485 & RS-422 transceivers, the corresponding products are SN65HVD78、SN65HVD3082E、SN65HVD1473

Wireless interface

Most modern solar power optimizers include a communication option to enable remote monitoring and control of the solar system. Wireless interface includes Low-power 2.4-GHz products、Other wireless products、Sub-1 GHz wireless MCUs, the corresponding products are CC2651R3、CC2592、CC1312R

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