What is a Solar Optimizer? How we Supercharge your Solar Production What is a Solar Optimizer? If you're researching home solar panel systems, you might have heard about optimizers as a way to improve performance. But what exactly is an optimizer, and how does it benefit your solar installation? An optimizer, or a solar power [...]

What is a Solar Optimizer? How we Supercharge your Solar Production

What is a Solar Optimizer?

If you’re researching home solar panel systems, you might have heard about optimizers as a way to improve performance. But what exactly is an optimizer, and how does it benefit your solar installation?

An optimizer, or a solar power optimizer, is a device installed on individual solar panels to increase the overall efficiency of a solar energy system. It works by maximizing the energy output of each panel, so that your system can maximize the electricity generated even when solar conditions aren’t ideal.

Optimizers are paired with a string inverter. They monitor and adjust the performance of individual panels, allowing for a more fine-tuned approach to solar energy production. This contrasts with traditional string inverter systems where all panels in a series produce the same amount of energy, which can result in lower performance if one panel underperforms.

If you’ve read our blog post on inverters, then this should sound similar to how microinverters maximize each panel’s production. By using a string inverter system with optimizers, you can reach the same per panel efficiency outcome as a microinverter system – but you’ll save thousands of dollars on equipment with next to no ongoing maintenance costs.

How Do Solar Optimizers Work?

Solar optimizers work by tracking the maximum power point of each solar panel
individually. Here’s how they function:

Monitoring Individual Panels: Each optimizer is connected to a specific solar panel and tracks its performance in real-time. It monitors factors such as voltage, current, and sunlight exposure.
Adjusting for Maximum Output: The optimizer adjusts the performance of the panel to ensure it’s producing as much electricity as possible, given the available sunlight. This is known as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), a key function that helps the panel operate at its highest efficiency.
Overcoming Shading Issues: In traditional solar systems, if one panel is shaded or obstructed, the performance of the entire string of panels is reduced. Optimizers prevent this issue by ensuring that the shaded panel’s performance doesn’t affect the other panels in the system.
Sending Optimized Energy to the Inverter: Once the optimizer has maximized the output of the panel, it sends the optimized energy to the inverter, where it’s converted from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) for use in your home.

Benefits of Using Optimizers

The primary benefit of using optimizers is improved energy production. By ensuring that each panel operates at its highest possible efficiency, optimizers increase the total energy output of your system.

When there is any shading from trees, nearby buildings, a solar panel system without optimizers would have its performance severely reduced. Optimizers mitigate these losses by isolating the underperforming panel so it doesn’t affect the entire system. Even if one or two panels are shaded, the rest of the system will continue to perform at its peak.

Optimizers also come with monitoring capabilities that allow you to track the performance of each individual panel when connected to your energy monitor. Through a mobile app or online dashboard, you can monitor energy production in real-time and identify if any panels are underperforming or need maintenance.

By increasing the efficiency of each solar panel, optimizers help maximize your return on investment (ROI). Over time, the additional energy produced can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills, making your solar system even more cost-effective.

Get a state-of-the-art Setup with XOLAR

Features and equipment that most solar panel companies make an optional add-on – we make a standard of our system build. Every solar panel system we work on includes solar optimizers to make sure your energy production is never left in the dark.

Interested in going solar?

The first step is to acquire a solar proposal. By understanding your energy consumption, sunlight exposure, and roof orientation and space, we can design a solar solution that meets your needs both now and in the future. A well-sized solar system can help you achieve your energy goals and reduce your carbon footprint.

Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required and make sure you maximize the value of the provincial or federal programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your residential project’s energy needs.

Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.