Optimisers and Micro-Inverters

What is an Optimiser?

Solar panel optimisers are an additional feature that can be fitted to a standard solar panel
system. An optimiser is fitted to each solar panel to optimise the power output generated by
each panel independently.
It is an electrical component added to a solar system
to increase performance optimising the array. Power
optimizers are thought of as MLPE (Module-level power
electronics). The Direct Current (DC) energy is then sent
to an inverter to be changed to Alternating Current (AC)
energy after being adjusted for condition and voltage.
Since power optimizers are unable to invert energy on their own, they are typically coupled
with centralized string inverters.
This process helps improve the performance of a PV system when conditions like shading
can cause some panels to underperform while allowing the rest of the string to operate
normally.

Solar optimisation is about getting the maximum amount of usable electricity from each solar
panel in a string and is unaffected by a single panel that is not performing as efficiently as it
should. Each panel in the string generates maximum output irrespective of the performance
of other panels. It does this by adding an extra feature to the modules.

External conditions like shading/ dirt/ leaves

from nearby trees can cause reduced
performance in solar panels. If one panel in a
string has a “problem” and performs poorly in
a conventional solar installation, it will force
the rest of the panels to perform at the
affected level.
For example, if a panel is shaded and only
generates 50% output, the other panels in the
string, though unshaded, will mirror the output
of the affected panel – averaging a 50%
output.

Shading on a solar panel array is one of the biggest issues that owners face with
performance. If the roof is complicated or prone to partial shading during the day, soiled with
bird mess or other foreign matter it can reduce the system performance. In areas that
experience high levels of dust and grime, such as city or industrial locations, your panels
may need extra cleaning as rainfall may not be enough. We always recommend that you
have your solar panels cleaned regularly to help maintain best performance.

• Cleaning if you are unable to do this yourself, will come at an extra cost – Long term
would this be cheaper or more expensive than an optimiser?
• How much of an effect does the current shading/ dirt reduce your array’s production?
• How much improved savings would you see with a clean optimised array?

A power optimiser increases the efficiency of

electricity production from your solar system.
You can also use it to easily conduct
maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting by
keeping an eye on the performance of
individual modules. A power optimizer will
assist in fixing these problems and increase
energy output if your modules that are prone
to mismatch loss because of degradation,
partial shading, or foreign matter.

If panel optimisers are installed on each solar panel in the system, it ensures they can pass
the maximum current. No matter what shading is affecting a panel in the system the others
in the string are not affected.

Using solar panel optimisers confines any reduction in one panel and ensures the rest of the
system can still perform at its maximum efficiency giving you optimum payback periods.
If you already have an existing solar panel system, it is possible to retro fit optimisers to your
solar panels to ensure best performance and energy generation.

• Power optimisers could assist you in understanding how each individual panel is
working when you want to monitor the performance of your panels. This makes it
possible to easily examine and fix any problematic panels.
• A power optimiser makes sure that each panel performs to its full potential whenever
it receives sunlight if your panels are facing various directions because of a complex
roof.
• For roofs that receive only minor daytime shading, electricity production is optimized.

When to consider a Solar Optimiser?

A solar optimiser could be helpful for any of the following:

• Complicated rooftops
• Excessive shade
• Optimising your system
• Panel-level monitoring

Complicated Rooftops

If you have a simple rooftop (one which faces only 1 or 2 directions), you may not require
solar optimisers. The only exception, in this case, is if your simple rooftop is typically shaded.

However, if your rooftop is complicated (facing more than

three directions), you could probably benefit from a solar
optimiser. This is because one of the elements that affect the
production of solar systems is the direction that the panels
face.
To get the best overall performance throughout the year from
PV, your roof should ideally face south at a pitched angle of 30
to 40 degrees from the horizontal. However, east- or west-
facing roofs can provide up to 85% of this performance and
could even support you using more of your own generated
electricity if your energy habits mean you’re more likely to use more electricity during the
morning or afternoon. Installation is not recommended on roofs facing north.
That said, if your complicated roof causes your solar panels to face different directions, you
will likely benefit from optimisers, as they can maximise the output of your panels.

Excessive Shade
If one panel in a solar system is shaded, energy production is
significantly affected. So, if you constantly experience even
partial shading, you can consider solar optimisers. The
optimisers will ensure that unshaded panels operate optimally
while also providing the best possible power output from the
shaded panel.

Optimising and Maintaining Your System

Even if you have a simple rooftop and don’t suffer from shading, you may still consider
installing optimisers if you desire optimal production from your system. This is because
several factors can affect a panel’s efficiency.
For example, a cloud moving in the sky can cast a shadow on your solar panels to
temporarily cause a drop in energy production. Dirt on a solar panel can also reduce its
efficiency, lowering the amount of power produced. If the electrical parameters of some solar
cells or modules differ from those of other cells or modules, the mismatch effect can cause
power losses. This can also be resolved via cleaning your solar panels.
With optimisers, your solar power system will capably address these situations (solar module
mismatch, soiling, and cloud cover). It’ll could provide you with more energy from your
system.

Panel-level Monitoring

The solar panels that form a string operate as “one” unit in a

conventional solar panel installation. So, you can monitor the
production of the line instead of the performance of individual
panels in the series. But in optimised systems, the optimiser
attached to each solar panel makes it possible to view the output of
each unit, giving you individual panel monitoring.

Points to consider before selecting an optimizer.

• Efficiency - Like solar panels, power optimizers have varying efficiencies. How much
energy is wasted during the conversion of energy from DC to AC serves as a gauge
for a solar optimizer’s efficiency. The best optimisers to purchase will produce more
solar energy and have better efficiencies.
• Price - Although power optimizers are not as costly as solar panels, it is still important
to understand their price. Power optimizers with better efficiencies and longer
warranties are typically more expensive than those with lower efficiencies and shorter
warranties. Your money and preferences will determine which device you select.
• Warranty - Most makers provide power optimizers with a 25-year
warranty. Customers are covered by this guarantee in the event of manufacturing
flaws. A distinct warranty that could last 5 to 15 years is also included with the string
inverters and optimisers when purchased together. Prior to making a purchase, make
sure you understand the warranty agreement on each product.
• Size - For use with various energy voltages, solar optimisers, and inverters come in a
variety of sizes. Larger optimisers and converters will typically be more expensive
than smaller ones. Inverter and optimizer compatibility are important when
purchasing.
 Some Advantages
Increased effectiveness of panels with
partial shading: When a panel is shaded or
does not receive direct sunlight, a power
optimizer boosts its output. This boosts
your system’s total power output.
Smaller-sized inverter: Voltage cleaning
and monitoring take place at the level of the
individual panels, so the inverter will could
be smaller.
Individual screens for monitors: Solar
optimisers are module-level power
electronics (MLPEs) that gather information
about the optimum efficiency and output
voltage of each solar panel. The
performance of each solar cell can then be
updated in real time for you.
Some Disadvantages
The high expense of installation: Each solar
panel has a power optimiser fitted, so every
solar module will have a separate optimiser.
When compared to conventional string
inverters, this raises the expense of
installation.
Limited inverters: Power optimisers need to
be paired with matching solar inverters,
meaning you need newer model inverters
for it to work.
Additional equipment: More equipment may
mean a higher likelihood of breakdowns.
With an optimiser on each panel, the more
parts involved, the more there is that can go
wrong.

An optimiser is a luxury item. It isn’t always appropriate to spend the extra money on power
optimisers. This should only be considered where partial shade or complicated roofing will
have a detrimental impact on the efficiency of the solar system. If you have an
uncomplicated, unshaded roof, there might be a better option.

When you could consider Discrete DC Optimisers:

If you face only minimal shading as an obstacle. Discrete DC optimisers have the benefit of
being separate from the solar panel. As a result, you can attach them to some panels and
leave them off others.

This works well if you only got a few shaded panels every now and then. Instead of having
optimisers on all panels (including those operating optimally), you can simply attach the
optimisers to panels whose outputs are likely to be affected by the shading. Having fewer
optimisers relative to solar panels means you’ll also save more with discrete DC optimisers
than with integrated DC optimisers.

When you could consider Microinverters:

Rooftop safety is a significant concern. Properly installed solar energy systems carry a very
low risk of danger. All optimisers also have built-in safety mechanisms that shut down the
solar panels if a fault is detected.

However, microinverters are safer by design. With the other optimiser options, the power
generated is transmitted in high voltage DC that can reach up to 600 V. In the case of DC
arcing, having such high voltage shooting across the roof can be frightening.

But in microinverter installations, the power generated is quickly converted to AC power and
then transmitted across the rooftop at a relatively low voltage (240 V).
Further information:

Knowing the similarities and differences between DC optimisers and microinverters will also
help you choose the correct solar panel optimiser.
For example:

DC optimisers can be easier to integrate with solar batteries, so you may decide on the
discrete DC optimisers or smart panels if your solar system includes battery storage.
Microinverter systems are easily scalable because each solar panel works independently.
You can quickly expand your existing system by adding a new “micro-inverter + solar
module combo.” The solar modules are sized according to the DC power input of the string
inverter. You may have to adjust the string inverter if you need to increase the size of your
system.

So, if you want to start small and later increase the size of your solar system, you may find
microinverters the sensible option.

Micro-inverters get around the need for all panels to have the same characteristics and be
operating under the same conditions by having an inverter installed to the back of each
panel. This means when the performance of a panel is affected, for example by shading or
from obstructions from leaves or debris, it will not affect the overall performance of the
system, as would a string inverter.

Micro-inverters also include Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), a system used to
maximise the power output of PV systems. Micro-inverter manufacturers claim this works
more effectively than it does in string inverters where something as small as an antenna
could reduce the performance of the whole system. However, micro-inverters tend to have a
higher upfront cost than string inverters.
In addition to these traditional inverter systems, there are also newer types of inverter
technologies. These include string inverter set-ups where each panel has an individual
‘power optimiser’, avoiding some of the problems associated with traditional string inverters.
It’s worth researching some of the new technologies available if you are considering
getting panels installed.