Power optimizer

Inverter: Power optimizer

To use performance optimizers in a circuit, activate the checkbox Performance optimizer. Then select the manufacturer of the performance optimizer. The manufacturer’s products are displayed in the drop-down menu below.

Power optimizer: Connection

First, the number of strings and the number of performance optimizers are defined. The number of PV modules to be connected per power optimizer is then specified. The modules connected to the power optimizer can be connected in parallel and in series.

Performance optimizers are shown in PV*SOL® with an asterisk

.

If SolarEdge was selected as the inverter manufacturer, a power optimizer must be used. The button Performance optimizer is activated automatically and cannot be changed. In addition, the MPP Tracker tab is no longer available in the Plant Check dialog, since the rules used there no longer apply.

For more information on the calculation bases of performance optimizers, see Calculation > Power optimizer.

Design rules for power optimizers

General

This rule applies to all power optimizers that do not work in SubstringBuck or SubstringFull mode.

  • All PV modules must be of the same type.

  • The connected PV module power does not exceed the nominal DC power of the power optimizer.

  • The maximum input voltage (with corresponding reference temperature, see Connection limits) does not exceed the maximum input voltage of the power optimizer.

  • The maximum input current does not exceed the maximum input short-circuit current of the power optimizer.

SolarEdge

SolarEdge Inverters with SolarEdge Power Optimizers

The complex design rules of the SolarEdge performance optimizers are already stored for the data sets and performance optimizers supplied in PV*SOL®. No design rules are available for self-created performance optimizers. The design rules themselves can be found on the corresponding data sheets.

SolarEdge Power Optimizers with Third-Party Inverters

When using SolarEdge power optimizers in combination with third-party inverters, some special features should be noted:

  • Only SolarEdge performance optimizers with IndOP™ technology may be used.
  • The maximum output current of the power optimizer decreases from 15 A to 10 A.
  • The maximum output operating voltage of the power optimizer no longer corresponds to 60 V, but to the open circuit voltage of the connected PV module.

Tigo

In addition to the general design rules, the total mismatch of the system of Tigo performance optimizers must not exceed 25%. The total mismatch is calculated from the max. current mismatch of different modules within a string multiplied by the max. voltage mismatch between the strings.

See also