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SolarEdge Inverter with Power Optimizers
Microinverters vs. Power Optimizers
When compared to power optimizer systems, Microinverters are relatively similar with respect to efficiency. Each type of system is capable of individual panel performance and monitoring. The choice will ultimately boil down to your unique system requirements and your own personal preferences when deciding which option is best for your home.
A popular Power Optimizer system that Texans solar shoppers may see is manufactured by SolarEdge. They have a surfeit of model variants.
SolarEdge is an Israeli company, incorporated in Delaware in 2006, that develops and sells solar inverters, as well as other related products and services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. SolarEdge has offices in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.
SolarEdge has been an innovator of solar inverter solutions in creating a device that offers module-level maximum powerpoint tracking (MPPT), called a Power Optimizer, as an upgrade over earlier string inverter systems.
Unlike microinverters, SolarEdge power optimizers only use one inverter for multiple panels. Each panel will be connected to a power optimizer that will transfer the energy being converted by the Solar Edge inverter into alternating current, which is the type of electricity used in your home.
POWER OPTIMIZER …
A step forward.
Power optimizers: Power optimizers are a hybrid inverter, combining the micro-inverter and string inverter systems. Similar in arrangement to microinverter systems, power optimizers are installed at each panel. However, with power optimizers, the conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity does not happen at the back of each panel. Instead, optimizers “condition” the DC current before sending it to a large central inverter from the solar panels, to be transformed into usable AC electricity.
In power optimizer configurations, all the panels are connected by wires running to the inverter, converting the DC energy to AC energy for your home to use. While this system does eliminate micro inverters on your roof, it may result in one or multiple power optimizers on the side of your home or in your garage.
The Texas residential solar consumer should be aware that power optimizer systems will still have high voltage current running through attics or roofs.
Also, choosing a power optimizer may limit your system’s compatibility with the latest battery storage and monitoring systems available, as compared to the Enphase IQ8.
The Power Optimizer Vulnerability
Due to a bottleneck at a single inverter, power optimizer systems are still vulnerable to an entire system shutdown – as opposed to a micro inverter system experiencing a single panel going out.
Imagine every car having its own lane, but all the lanes are forced through a single toll booth.
Like microinverter systems, power optimizers will perform when one or more panels of an array are shaded or when arrays are designed with panels facing various directions.
Solar systems using power optimizers will generally cost a little less than micro inverter systems, but more than string inverter systems.
When considering performance, cost and system integrity, Power Optimizers systems are generally more desirable than outdated systems using String Inverter technology. However, Power Optimizers may not always be the first choice if you have the option to install the latest generation micro inverter system such as the Enphase IQ8 series.
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Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology
For North America
SE3000H-US/SE3800H-US / SE5000H-US/SE6000H-US/
SE7600H-US/SE10000H-US/SE11400H-US
Optimized installation with HD-Wave technology
- Specifically designed to work with power optimizers
- Record-breaking 99% weighted efficiency
- Quick and easy inverter commissioning directly from a smartphone using the SolarEdge Set App
- Fixed voltage inverter for longer strings
- Integrated arc fault protection and rapid shutdown for NEC 2014, NEC 2017 and NEC 2020 per article 690.11 and 690.12
- UL1741 SA certified, for CPUC Rule 21 grid compliance
- Small, lightweight, and easy to install both outdoors or indoors
- Built-in module-level monitoring
- Optional: Faster installations with built-in consumption metering (1% accuracy) and production revenue grade metering (0.5% accuracy, ANSI C12.20)
