Power optimizer

<p>A power optimizer is a <a href="/facts/DC_to_DC_converter/lVlyHrjs">DC to DC converter</a> technology developed to maximize the energy harvest from solar <a href="/facts/Photovoltaic/5Xefaayl">photovoltaic</a> or <a href="/facts/Wind_turbine/lUfWqfLg">wind turbine</a> systems. They do this by individually tuning the performance of the panel or wind turbine through <a href="/facts/Maximum_power_point_tracking/VbThh07m">maximum power point tracking</a>, and optionally tuning the output to match the performance of the <a href="/facts/String_inverter/09UxtKDy">string inverter</a> (DC to AC inverter). Power optimizers are especially useful when the performance of the power generating components in a distributed system will vary widely, such as due to differences in equipment, shading of light or wind, or being installed facing different directions or widely separated locations.
</p><p>Power optimizers for solar applications can be similar to <a href="/facts/Microinverter/CpD7xoD2">microinverters</a> in that both systems attempt to isolate individual panels in order to improve overall system performance. A <a href="/facts/Smart_module/aybVaSFj">smart module</a> is a power optimizer integrated into a solar module.  A microinverter essentially combines a power optimizer with a small inverter in a single enclosure that is used on every panel, while the power optimizer leaves the inverter in a separate box and uses only one inverter for the entire array. The claimed advantage to this "hybrid" approach is lower overall system costs, avoiding the distribution of electronics.
</p>

Power optimizer open-in-new

Power optimizer