Which is best: Solaredge inverters vs optimizers? People and companies have more choices than ever before when it comes to inverter technology as the solar industry continues to grow. SolarEdge and power optimizers have become two of the most popular options.
SolarEdge inverters are known for being efficient and low-cost, and power optimizers offer tracking and MPPT (Maximum PowerPoint Tracking) at the module level. As you are aware, knowing the differences between these technologies is important if you want to make a smart choice that will get the most out of your solar system and give you the best return on your investment.
We’ll talk about the main features, and compare both SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers in this in-depth blog post.
What are inverters for SolarEdge?
A type of solar inverter called SolarEdge inverter works with power optimizers to change the DC power that solar panels produce into AC power that can be used in your home or business. Traditional string inverters work with the whole solar array as a single unit. SolarEdge inverters, on the other hand, use module-level power technology to make each solar panel work as well as it can.
There are two main parts to the SolarEdge system:
- Optimizers for power: These small units are linked to every solar panel and do MPPT at the module level. This makes sure that every panel works at its full potential.
- The SolarEdge inverter is the main inverter in the system. It takes the optimal DC power from the power optimizers and turns it into AC power that your home or business can use.
One great thing about SolarEdge inverters is that they can make the system work better even if there is shade as well as dirt or panels that don’t match up. Because each panel is optimized separately, one panel that isn’t working well won’t slow down the whole array like it does with traditional string inverters.
What are Power Optimizers?
Power optimizers are power electronics that are built into solar panels and work with a central generator to make each panel work as well as it can. Power optimizers prepare the DC power and send it to a central inverter to be changed, while microinverters change DC power to AC at the module level.
Power optimizers’ main job is to do MPPT at the module level, making sure that every panel works at its full potential. This is especially important when coloring, dirt, or panels that don’t match can make the whole array work less well.
Power optimizers also have a number of other advantages, such as:
- Better system design: Power optimizers make system design more flexible by letting panels be placed in different tilts and angles without changing how well the system works overall.
- Better safety: Power optimizers have safety features like fast stop, which lowers the power of each panel quickly in case of an accident or repair.
- Better monitoring: Power optimizers offer module-level tracking, which lets you keep an eye on how each panel is doing and quickly find and fix any problems that come up.
One of the best things about power optimizers is that they can work with many different types of central generators. SolarEdge inverters are only meant to work with SolarEdge power optimizers.
Comparing SolarEdge Inverters vs Optimizers
There are a few things to think about when picking between SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers:
- Efficiency: SolarEdge inverters have an overall system efficiency of about 98%, while power optimizers only have a 97% efficiency. It might not seem like a big deal, but it can add up over the life of the system.
- Cost: SolarEdge inverters are usually less expensive than regular string inverters. This means that the full setup (optimizers plus inverter) is a better deal. But power optimizers from other brands might cost less than SolarEdge optimizers.
- Compatibility: SolarEdge inverters are made to work with SolarEdge power optimizers only. Other brands, like Tigo, make power optimizers that work with a lot of different central inverters.
- Mismatch and shade: Both SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers are great at reducing the effects of panel mismatch and shading on the total performance of the system. In the worst cases, where most of the array is in the shade, power optimizers might not work if there aren’t enough panels making enough energy to run the generator.
- Tracking: You can keep an eye on the performance of each panel by using module-level tracking that is available with both technologies. But SolarEdge’s tracking tool is known for having a simple interface and a lot of info.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers have different benefits for solar system performance and cost. SolarEdge inverters are efficient, cost-effective, and have superior monitoring, while power optimizers provide more system design freedom and compatibility with other inverter manufacturers.
Your solar project’s needs and limits determine which technology to choose. Consider shading, roof orientation, monitoring requirements, and budget while choosing. Get a Quote from our solar specialists to learn more about SolarEdge inverters, power optimizers, or solar energy.