Is it worth investing in power optimizers? Photovoltaics

Added: Wednesday, 8/16/2023


The power optimizer in a photovoltaic installation serves as a stabilizer in the context of the operation of the entire installation. It is a device that prevents losses in energy production, often resulting from reasons beyond the prosumer's control. Check how optimizers work and when to use them?

Photovoltaic installer with laptop and tools

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How do power optimizers work?

SolarEdge P950-4R MXM BY power optimizer 950W/125V, 2.2m cables Power optimizers control the parameters of the current generated by photovoltaic modules. This happens by reducing the current-voltage mismatch in series-connected strings of photovoltaic cells. It should be added that the optimizers do not function independently, as is the case with microinverters, but work together with the inverter. In this way, optimizers prevent the phenomenon in which a given module blocks others or is itself blocked by other modules.

This phenomenon becomes common in the case of permanent shading of parts of the installation or contamination of photovoltaic modules caused by falling leaves. In such cases, the optimizer forces operation at the point of maximum MPP power at the level of a single cell. This is done by loading the PV panel in an optimal and even manner in order to obtain the highest possible power at the module output, under the current lighting conditions. Everything takes place regardless of the power of electricity generated by other cells in the series.

When to invest in optimizers?

HUAWEI SUN2000-450W-P power optimizer Investing in power optimizers is usually an excellent step for people with a photovoltaic installation . Power optimizers are electronic devices that allow you to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of solar panels in a photovoltaic installation.

If your photovoltaic installation is exposed to uneven sunlight due to the presence of trees, buildings or other obstructions, power optimizers can help extract maximum energy from the panels in partial shade conditions.

If solar panels are mounted on different roof surfaces with different sun exposure, power optimizers can compensate for differences in energy production and ensure even use of the panels. Investing in power optimizers can lead to increased electricity production, which in turn translates into greater savings on electricity bills and a shorter payback period.

Benefits of using power optimizers

The use of power optimizers in a photovoltaic installation brings a number of benefits that can have a positive impact on efficiency, safety and energy savings.

Power optimizers enable each panel in the installation to operate in optimal conditions. Thanks to this, the efficiency of the entire system is significantly higher, even if some panels are shaded or exposed to different levels of sunlight. Power optimizers can increase installation efficiency by approximately 5-25%, depending on sunlight conditions and system configuration.

In photovoltaic installations where panels are connected in series, one poorly performing panel can reduce the efficiency of the entire system. Power optimizers help eliminate this problem by allowing each panel to operate independently of the others.

Power optimizers in the Onninen wholesaler

Tigo TS4-A-O 700 W power optimizer Depending on the brand, power optimizers differ in functionality and technical parameters. Let's check together what to expect from the most popular devices of this type?

SolarEdge P950-4R MXM BY power optimizer 950 W/125 V

The SolarEdge P950-4R MXM BY 950 W/125 V power optimizer has an efficiency of up to 99.5%. The unique solution prevents mismatching of modules and limits the effects of permanent shading. The device has a function of reducing the voltage of each module during installation or in the event of a fire. The optimizer works with SolarEdge inverters and enables operation of two modules connected in series.

HUAWEI SUN2000-450W-P power optimizer

Thanks to its universality , the HUAWEI SUN2000-450W-P power optimizer facilitates a wide selection of other installation elements. Pairing with the inverter takes less than 1.5 minutes. The optimizer automatically maps modules and also enables the design of longer PV chains. Compatibility with Sun2000 M1 and M2 series inverters.

Tigo TS4-AO 700 W power optimizer

The Tigo TS4-AO 700 W power optimizer ensures optimization of the operation of PV modules with a power of up to 700 Wp. Thanks to PIV technology (predicting the module IV curve based on historical data), it is possible to connect modules with and without Tigo, the optimizer independently selects the system impedance. Rated power – 700 Wp.

Before a professional design and installation of a photovoltaic installation is created, it is worth purchasing equipment from recognized manufacturers. This will allow the order to be carried out in a professional manner, which will certainly contribute to the development of the company and provide the basis for building brand awareness.

Check out power optimizers at the Onninen wholesaler