A solar panel installation consists of several parts. The solar panels together form the inverters, the heart of the installation. Solar panels produce direct current, inverters convert this current into alternating current usable for us.
In solar panel land there are two ways to connect the panels to an inverter: per string (a long series) or connected in pairs. A traditional string inverter can be compared to the old Christmas light garland. The panels are connected to each other in series. The panel that generates the least energy, for example due to age, dirt or shade, reduces the power of all panels in that string. The weakest link determines.
SolarEdge with Power Optimizers
There are parties who think that is a sin. In the above situation, most solar panels are not used optimally. That's why they prefer to work with Power Optimizers. A Power Optimizer is a small box that connects a maximum of one or two panels together. Does a panel perform less due to shadow or power loss? Then only the duo is bothered by it. The rest of the installation still performs optimally.
Revenue model
The solar panel specialist Energy Shift from Barneveld is one of those parties. "An installation with Power Optimizers is a bit more expensive to purchase. Entrepreneurs who only look at the price, therefore, quickly give up. What a shame, what an installation with Power Optimizers can easily generate 8 to 12% more energy than the same installation without Power Optimizers And if you calculate that over a period of thirty years, you find out that the revenue model is much better," said technical director Van Eeken.
Longer working days
And that is not all. Power Optimizers have another feature that provides additional solar energy. Every installation needs time to start up in the morning – just like us. Power Optimizers get a boost from their inverter in the morning. As a result, the installation starts up earlier and needs less time to switch back in the evening. The installation therefore makes longer working days.
Warranties and Safety
Van Eeken: "Perhaps even more important, Power Optimizers also make an installation safer. It detects electric arcs (short circuits where sparks are released), immediately excludes an installation in the event of danger and makes an installation safe to touch." As a result, according to Van Eeken, there is much less chance of accidents, for example during maintenance work on the roof.
And that is reflected in the guarantees: Power Optimizers come standard with a 25-year warranty. The inverters that work with it have a twelve-year warranty, compared to five years with standard inverters.
Calculate your benefit
Would you like to know how much electricity you can generate and what you can earn with solar panels? Calculate it easily with this free online solar panels calculator.