Path-Q Solar
Could adding optimizers reduce production losses from panels with different shading patterns?
Answer
Yes, optimizers can reduce some mismatch losses when panels in the same string receive different amounts or timing of shade. The recoverable amount depends on the shade pattern and the baseline string design, and it may be small if the affected panels are rarely shaded or already electrically separated.
Key points
- Optimizers can reduce the effect of a weak panel on other panels in a shared electrical path.
- They do not make shaded panels produce as much as unshaded panels.
- Panel-level modeling is needed to estimate the actual annual gain.
- Separate strings or microinverters may offer similar or better performance in some layouts.
What it depends on
- Timing, severity, and location of shade
- Number of affected panels
- Existing string arrangement
- Alternative inverter architecture
- Optimizer and installation cost
Risks and trade-offs
- The incremental production may not offset the added equipment cost.
- Additional rooftop electronics add failure and service considerations.
- Predictions based only on a single shade snapshot may overstate annual benefit.
Information you may need
- Time-based shade study
- Panel-level layout and stringing
- Modeled output with and without optimizers
- Warranty and replacement assumptions
Your next step
What to do next
Have the designer quantify mismatch losses and recovered production using a time-based shade model, then compare the result with the optimizer's added cost.
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SQ00272