Solar panel power optimizer. How does it work and what does it give?

The power optimizer is an optional addition to the standard equipment included in the PV system. This device allows you to optimally adjust current-voltage mismatches within the photovoltaic panels, and in some variants also ensure precise monitoring of the operation of the entire installation. In this article, we will introduce our readers to the operation of this device, present the benefits of using it, and explain how optimizers are assembled. Finally, we will also mention a fairly common conflict, which boils down to answering the question of whether to choose a microinverter or an optimizer. We cordially invite you to read.

Power optimizer – principle of operation and assembly

The main task of the described device is to search for maximum power points within individual panels of which the PV installation consists. Although the implementation of this solution looks different in details depending on a specific manufacturer, the key idea always remains the same – the solar panel power optimizer is to ensure the optimal level of their load. This is done by adjusting this level to the environmental conditions in such a way that at any time the power generated by the module is maximum in relation to the current specifics of the lighting, regardless of the voltage and electricity generated by the rest of the modules present in a series.

The main task of the described device is to search for maximum power points within individual panels of which the PV installation consists. Although the implementation of this solution looks different in details depending on a specific manufacturer, the key idea always remains the same – the solar panel power optimizer is to ensure the optimal level of their load. This is done by adjusting this level to the environmental conditions in such a way that at any time the power generated by the module is maximum in relation to the current specifics of the lighting, regardless of the voltage and electricity generated by the rest of the modules present in a series.

When it comes to the installation of optimizers, it is usually carried out within the junction boxes of PV panels or the installation is carried out right next to the modules themselves. More and more often on the market you can also find modules with an already built-in device of this type. Then such a panel with a factory power optimizer included in its standard equipment will be called a smart module.

When to use a solar panel power optimizer?

As a rule, a panel with a power optimizer will work best especially when there are cyclical current-voltage mismatches. These can be caused by the aforementioned temporary shading, but not only. In addition, they may also occur due to factors such as:

• unequal aging speed of cells in PV panels,
• system installed on non-uniform roof surfaces,
• uneven heating of the panels and the cells included in them,
• minor faults or more serious failures of cells or bypass diodes,
• various types of reflections and cloud edges that may refract solar radiation,
• tolerance of current-voltage parameters characteristic for a given module manufacturer,
• local dirt within individual cells.

What are the benefits of a solar panel power optimizer for your installation?

Earlier in this article, we already explained that the installation of optimizers allows for the proper regulation of the operation of the installation. Following this lead, it is worth extending the issue to include the reasons why it is a very desirable state.

First of all, it should be realized that despite clear requirements regarding the convergence of types and electrical parameters of modules belonging to the same series, the power generated by them may differ to a significant extent, for example due to their location or intensity of use. The base state present in systems without power optimizers, consisting in lowering the ceiling of obtained energy for a whole series of panels due to the necessity to adjust to the weakest link, is therefore a definitely unfavorable phenomenon.

The panel with the power optimizer is a guarantee of independence of operation, and thus, the elimination of the problem related to the reduced power output of the entire series of modules caused by a temporary weakening of the work of only one of them. This, in turn, allows to reduce the energy losses incurred by up to a dozen or so percent compared to installations not equipped with a power optimizer. The application of this solution translates directly into maximizing the efficiency of the system, and thus also increasing the profitability of the investment made.

At the same time, it also enables the improvement of the safety factor and better control over the operation of the entire installation. Then the user can count not only on the immediate transmission of reports from the power optimizer informing about the detected defect, but also on limiting the power of the modules in the event of identifying a serious failure generating a real risk.

Microinverter or optimizer – a fairly common conflict

Since both of these devices appeared on the market, there is a conflict between their supporters about the superiority of one of them over the other. No wonder, because it is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question of whether a microinverter or an optimizer will be better. Even though our team would be leaning towards the latter, you should be aware that each of them is different and each has its own specific advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the final decision regarding the choice of a specific one should be made only after thoroughly familiarizing yourself with their characteristics.