To convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity for your appliances, you’ll need an inverter. There are multiple inverter options to consider when selecting solar equipment for your system. In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of power optimizers, a popular module-level power electronic (MLPE) often paired with string inverters.
What are power optimizers? How do they work?
Power optimizers systems offer a hybrid solution between a traditional string inverter and microinverters; with this technology, power optimizers are installed at each solar panel. As your solar panels produce electricity, the power optimizers “condition” the electricity from your solar panel, optimizing the voltage before sending it down to the inverter for conversion. Importantly, power optimizers are not an inverter on their own: they need to be paired with a centralized string inverter that handles the conversion process.
Because power optimizers operate at the panel site, they each act independently in the system. As such, MLPEs like power optimizers are the best option for complicated installations or those that experience marginal shading. When you install a traditional string inverter without MLPEs, the panels can only produce electricity at the level of the lowest-performing panel on the same string. This isn’t a problem when you pair the inverter with power optimizers – because panels have their own MLPE component, solar panels will continue performing efficiently even if one panel in the system isn’t producing electricity.
The overall size of your solar panel system and its expected energy output helps determine which size inverter to install with your optimizers. If your solar panels produce more electricity than the inverter is capable of handling in a given moment, “clipping” can occur, resulting in power losses. To learn more about solar inverter sizing, check out our blog on the topic.
When to use power optimizers
There are many reasons to consider installing a power optimizer system. For one, they allow for individual panel performance monitoring. By using power optimizers, you can compare how each panel is performing on its own, rather than solely evaluating the performance of the system alone. This can mean quicker servicing of equipment, as it’s easier to identify if a particular panel is failing.
Similar to other MLPE technologies, power optimizers are a good solution for more complicated installations that have panels facing different directions or are tilted at varying angles. If you have some panels facing east and others facing south, using power optimizers on each panel will allow them to perform to their maximum ability when sunlight hits them, as they will be not impacted by the production issues other panels in the system might experience.
Optimizer solutions are typically more expensive than a traditional string inverter. However, the additional upfront cost can be well worth it for the added monitoring and production benefits. If you have an easy installation on a single roof plane facing south with no shade, a lower-cost string inverter system can be an effective solution.
How to evaluate power optimizers
When comparing your power optimizer options, there are a few main factors to keep in mind:
Efficiency
Just like solar panels, power optimizer systems have varying efficiencies. The efficiency is a measure of how much energy is lost in the form of heat during the conversion from DC to AC electricity. Higher efficiency inverters lead to higher overall system efficiencies and more solar electricity production.
Size
Power optimizers come in varying sizes, each designed to handle different voltages of electricity. Similarly, the inverters paired with power optimizers also come in varying sizes. Generally speaking, larger inverters will be more expensive; however, you also don’t want to install an inverter that’s too small for your system, or a power optimizer that’s too small for the associated panel’s energy output. Manufacturers of power optimizers often list guidelines as to the maximum DC wattage a solar panel should have when connected to their products. A qualified installer can also help determine which size centralized inverter is best for your system based on your proposed system design and site-specific conditions.
Warranty
Most power optimizer options available on the market today come with a 25-year warranty, which will protect you against potential manufacturing defects. Additionally, the string inverter paired with power optimizers has its own warranty that typically lasts between 5 and 15 years. However, manufacturers that offer the same warranty term may offer different levels of coverage as part of the warranty. It’s important to read and compare warranty agreements when choosing solar equipment.
Price
Although they are not typically the most expensive component of a solar panel installation, it’s still important to weigh the price you’ll pay for power optimizers. Higher efficiency optimizers with longer warranties often come with higher price tags but can be worth it depending on the setup of your solar panel system and your preferences.
Power optimizer companies
There are two primary manufacturers of power optimizers to be aware of:
SolarEdge
SolarEdge, headquartered in Israel, is the global market leader in power optimizer technologies. They make their one string inverters to pair with their power optimizer solution. One of their more popular inverters is the HDWave. In addition to manufacturing power optimizers, the company partners with multiple solar panel manufacturers to offer smart modules. They also manufacture energy storage systems, monitoring systems, and EV chargers to pair with their inverter products. The company serves more than 45 countries worldwide.
Tigo
Though accounting for a smaller portion of the market, Tigo is another manufacturer that produces power optimizers. The company, founded in 2007, operates out of their California-based headquarters but serves Europe, Japan, Australia, China, and the Middle East.
Compare multiple inverter options
Before going solar, it’s important to evaluate multiple options so that you can be sure you’re making the right decision for you and your property. On the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, you can receive up to seven solar quotes to compare online. Local installers will provide custom quotes and propose an inverter solution given your property and energy needs. These quotes will include information about inverters, including but not limited to warranty, type of inverter, and manufacturer.
