Solar Panel "Voltage Optimisers"

[MartinC]

Panels are wired up as a few parallel strings. If a panel is shaded, it doesn't produce much current and limits the current of that entire string. There is not much you can do about it, maybe bypass the shaded panel, if the remaining panels in that string are producing enough power. Avoiding getting a panel in deep shade is very important

That's not correct for SolarEdge systems. See below. My guess is that the DC to DC conversion boosts the voltage of each panel to match the voltage of the highest voltage panel in the string. The optimizers must communicate with the central inverter and operate as active devices in the system. This is how our system is configured and works very well as we have panels at multiple roof locations.

SolarEdge power optimizers are DC/DC converters which , once installed on solar panels, turns the module into a “smart module”. Optimizers take DC energy, regulates the output of the module and delivers energy to the central inverter for final DC to AC usable energy conversion. The optimizers increase the overall energy output of your PV array by consistently tracking the maximum power point (MPPT) of each individual module in your system. Tracking the modules MPPT increases the efficiency of DC power from the solar cell, and down to the central inverter where that power is converted to usable AC power.

Additionally, power optimizers allow you to monitor the performance of the individual modules in your system through the SolarEdge monitoring platform for quick and easy troubleshooting and maintenance. In summary, optimizers mitigate module mismatch-loss that may be caused by manufacturing tolerance, partial shading, degradation and so on.

 

[davidsrsb]

That's not correct for SolarEdge systems. See below. My guess is that the DC to DC conversion boosts the voltage of each panel to match the voltage of the highest voltage panel in the string. The optimizers must communicate with the central inverter and operate as active devices in the system. This is how our system is configured and works very well as we have panels at multiple roof locations.

SolarEdge power optimizers are DC/DC converters which , once installed on solar panels, turns the module into a “smart module”. Optimizers take DC energy, regulates the output of the module and delivers energy to the central inverter for final DC to AC usable energy conversion. The optimizers increase the overall energy output of your PV array by consistently tracking the maximum power point (MPPT) of each individual module in your system. Tracking the modules MPPT increases the efficiency of DC power from the solar cell, and down to the central inverter where that power is converted to usable AC power.

Additionally, power optimizers allow you to monitor the performance of the individual modules in your system through the SolarEdge monitoring platform for quick and easy troubleshooting and maintenance. In summary, optimizers mitigate module mismatch-loss that may be caused by manufacturing tolerance, partial shading, degradation and so on.

A lot of cost and some efficiency loss then when the panels are all lit. These modules have to be close to their panels and in a harsh environment where lifetime could be a problem.
One day I may have panels - the sun goes straight overhead where I live in KL and no shading.