What Are DC Power Optimizers and Their Functions?

How Do Power Optimizers Work?

DC power optimizers are devices that are used when there may be issues with low power output. Low power output for solar panels can occur if certain panels become shaded due to the sun's orientation. It can take only one solar panel in the shade to lower the amount of generated power, which can impact the efficiency of operations. If you have multiple solar panel arrays positioned at different angles, then at some point during the day there will be panels that receive less direct sunlight.

Solar panels are strung together as they take in the sunlight and transform it into DC electricity. This DC electricity travels down a main line to a central string inverter that turns it into AC power.

Each panel can produce different levels of power due to various factors such as positioning and temperature. A DC optimizer attaches to each solar panel. It monitors the amount of power generated using maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technologies to turn each panel into a smart module.

The optimizers track the maximum power point in real time and conditions the incoming electricity to smooth out the voltage before sending it to the central string inverter. This helps to provide more consistent power even if a panel receives less sunlight, is shaded, or becomes damaged.

Advantages of DC Optimizers

The main advantage of DC optimizers is to smooth out uneven voltages from panels and to boost power efficiency. The optimizers can increase output performance for the entire array. They also record the MPPT data and upload it to the crowd for easy access. Business owners and facility managers can better understand output voltage and power performance for the entire solar panel array as they can make comprehensive decisions when operating machinery and emergency lighting systems.

DC optimizers also allow you to feed the DC power directly to backup battery systems used for emergency lighting since the power does not need to be converted. Business owners have the option to integrate larger solar panel systems into their inverter to bring in more power. You also have the option of using smaller inverters that can free up valuable facility space.

Disadvantages of DC Optimizers

Understanding the disadvantages of DC optimizers allows business owners to make the best choice regarding how to power their emergency lighting systems. The biggest hurdles to optimizers are that they are still relatively new to the market and the cost. Since they are new, there are limited selections available, you're stuck paying for what is available. Also, each solar panel requires its own DC optimizer, which increases the initial purchase costs. You have to ensure that all components are compatible and configured properly so they work seamlessly without any problems or increased wear and tear.

Another disadvantage is the varying warranties on the connected equipment. While DC optimizer manufacturers state that their products can last for 25 years, which is about the life of the solar panels themselves, the inverters for the solar panels have shorter lifespans. These can lead to constant maintenance costs in replacing the inverters separately instead of replacing the entire system all at once.

Power Optimizers vs Microinverters

There are several similarities and differences when comparing microinverters to power optimizers. Like power optimizers, microinverters are installed onto each individual solar panel. However, they do not send the generated electricity to a central string inverter. They convert the DC electricity to AC power directly and then send the power to connected systems.

Both power optimizers and microinverters provide panel monitoring and can offer great performance for shaded panels and panels at multiple orientations. Yet microinverters are easier to install, and they allow for expansion of the solar panel array in the future when the power needs of the facility change and grow. A disadvantage to the microinverter is the cost. They are more expensive than DC power optimizers during installation and have bulky systems.

When deciding between DC power optimizers and microinverters, consider the solar panel array. Both technologies are designed to help facilities that are dealing with outside factors that impact the amount of generated electricity from the panels due to shade and low sunlight. Your existing solar power needs, the size of your solar power array, and future operational growth are also deciding factors when selecting between these two products. If you see the facility upgrading the emergency lighting system and you are looking for ways to provide optimal power to backup batteries, these devices can offer the right solutions.

How Can Lighting Inverter Supply Help?

Lighting inverter supply offers centralized inverter products for emergency lighting systems. We offer a multitude of inverter products for varying facilities, including single-phase inverters and three-phase inverters. When it comes to protecting your facility and safeguarding it against power outages, central lighting inverters provide an affordable and easy means to control your emergency lighting systems throughout the facility.

If you have a solar panel array that will power backup battery systems for emergency lighting, understanding how to integrate central lighting inverters, DC power optimizers, and microinverters can help you have a comprehensive system that provides emergency lighting to keep both workers and customers safe. You'll be able to better manage your systems without issues that can damage your emergency lighting system. For more information, contact us today.