Traditionally, solar panels have been installed on what’s known as a single string. The string is the mapping network that connects the panels together and creates the circuit of DC Power that feeds back into the inverter for conversion to AC usable power.
Power optimisers were developed by Solar Edge and they enable panel to panel surveillance by implementing an individual monitoring device onto each panel or section of panels. The optimisers help to overcome fault identification and they do not limit the performance of your Solar PV array when problems occur.
The main benefit of power optimisers is to increase the maximum power point of each solar panel module. When panels are affected by shading or adverse weather conditions, power optimisers work to improve the overall performance. As the efficiency of solar panels can reduce over time, power optimisers may provide an added boost to minimise degradation and maximise DC power generation.
When a mismatched PV module produces less power than other panels in a string, the power output of all other panels on the same string is reduced down to the same level. Although power optimisers attract an additional cost when implemented into a Solar PV install, they help to maximise your investment and provide you with a reliable power source.
