Ever heard of a DC Power Optimizer from SDO. Certainly you have heard of them from your parents or any friend who is a solar panel pro. But what are they really? DC power optimizers, in other words, are add-ons to solar panels that allow them function more efficiently. They are used an analogy you can think of them as little helpers that takes the load off current and voltage levels in solar panels. Like any technology, the DC power optimizer has its fans and it foes.
However, the good news is that DC power optimizers can increase a solar panel system's performance by up to 25%! This causes less sunlight to be used in case of the solar panels but also a high amount of energy is released using this sunlight. That’s pretty impressive! They also contribute to extending the life of solar panels by alleviating stress on them and preserving their state. One great advantage of them is that they work on a per-panel basis, which DC power optimizers do not. This means that if one solar panel is shaded or has some sort of issue, it will not affect the other panels. This way, the system can continue to produce electricity efficiently as a whole.
That said, the DC power optimizers can also be quite hefty to your pocket and complicate your solar panel system much more than it needs. This has in turn give the additional installation costs that might bother a lot of people. At best, they might break down more frequently than other parts of the solar panel system. So it is even more important to consider if DC power optimizers are best suited for your kind of solar panel in use.
Top 3 Misconceptions About DC Power Optimizers
Traditional DC power optimizers are surrounded by many myths and misunderstandings. So let us examine what is and isn't true.
Misconception 1: DC power optimizers solve payload issues.
The receiving side of the string to which they attach is typically continuous duty rated and fed with a rugged catenary full sized power cable. — Fact : DC power optimisers can help, but cannot cure system shading problems Varying that shading is still to be avoided as much as possible given it contributes to efficiency loss for the solar panels.
Myth 2: Every solar panel system must have Solar DC optimizer.
Truth: While DC power optimizers can greatly benefit specific solar panel systems, they are not a requirement for all Homeowners. If a system is placed in area with very little shading and was well designed than it may not need any DC power optimizers.
Myth 3: Solar Panels Can Only Be Made Better With DC Power Optimizers
Actually, fact: there are other methods you can use to get even more performance out of your solar panels - micro-inverters and string inverters... All of these will have their own pros and cons, so it pays to consider which one is the most suitable for your solar system.
When DC Power Optimizers are a Bad Option
But how come traditional DC power optimizers may not be best suited for your solar panel system? As already said they're expensive and make systems complex. Plus, they run at a fixed voltage. This means that the effectiveness of such a system can be seriously impaired should there occur any temperature changes.
Micro-invertersvs DC power optimizers are a familiar offshoot of this. Similar to DC optimizer, are micro-inverters that work as small converters for installing separate on every single solar panel. So, instead of changing the voltage and current per panel they convert them DC-AC right on each panels. The design lets every panel operate separately, helping to mitigate any negative impact shading and other issues could have on performance.
Another choice to consider is string inverters. String inverters: (Convert DC to AC for each string or "group" of solar panels instead on an individual panel) String InvertersWhile string inverters may not be quite as efficient as micro-inverters or DC power optimizers, they tend to cost considerably less and are easier to install for most people.
Dispelling Myths About DC Power Optimizers
So, having established a little bit on traditional DC power optimizers and their alternatives, we take some time to debunk popular rumors that muddy the water as for what is the ideal option in your solar panel system.
Myth #1: Traditional DC power optimizers are the way to go.
Bottom Line: While DC power optimizers can be a really valuable tool for some solar panel systems, they may not always make the best sense in every situation. Which solution is best for you really does depend on a number of factors like shading, your system design and budget.
Note 2: that micro-inverters are always better than other DC power optimizers is a myth.
Truth: While micro-inverters can be a great replacement of traditional DC optimisers, we don't have to go and just say that they are the better option aller sie Zeit. In some cases they may actually be pricier than standard DC power optimizers, and for others, just not the best match based on a particular solar panel installation.
Myth 3: String inverters = the lowest cost option
As for the string inverters, it could be less costly and simple to install since compared with micro-inverters or PandP optimizers but not as efficient or effective comparing to all solar panel systems in practice. The really vital part of it all is to pay attention meticulously upon arriving at an ultimate conclusion.