New to Magnet’s extensive range of components for solar power systems, are SolarEdge intelligent inverter solutions that enhance the performance of clean, renewable solar energy in residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, as well as in small utility-scale solar installations.
“SolarEdge technology, which optimises the way power is harvested and managed, consists of power optimisers, inverters, storage solutions and a cloud-based monitoring platform,” explains Ryan Groger, head of projects, Magnet Energy. “The SolarEdge direct current (DC) optimised inverter system maximises power generation at the individual PV module level, while lowering the cost of energy produced by the solar PV system.
“Apart from new installations, this system has also been designed for safe and easy retrofit, to extract more energy from existing underperforming PV systems. By replacing the conventional inverter with a compact and lightweight SolarEdge inverter and adding power optimisers to every module on the roof, efficiency of the PV system is significantly improved.
“For additional safety, this system has a module level voltage shutdown mechanism, where the PV array is reduced to a safe DC voltage in the event of AC shut down during installation, maintenance, firefighting and other emergencies. Built-in module level monitoring provides full visibility of system performance, fault detection and remote troubleshooting via an easily accessible cloud-based monitoring platform. This system also indicates exactly how much more energy the upgraded system is producing.”
Stronger than the weakest link
Unlike conventional PV installations, where string inverter systems lower output to the level of the lowest performing module, the SolarEdge system alleviates power losses due to mismatch between modules and extracts the maximum energy from every module, regardless of the performance of other modules in the string. With this system, weaker-performing modules do not affect strong ones.
The SolarEdge power optimiser is a DC/DC converter, which is connected by installers to each PV module, or embedded by module manufacturers, replacing the traditional solar junction box.
Power optimisers increase energy output from PV systems by constantly tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of each module individually. They also communicate performance data to the monitoring portal for enhanced, cost-effective module level maintenance. Each power optimiser is equipped with a safety mechanism, which automatically reduces the module DC voltage to a safe level (1 V) in the event of the inverter or grid power shutting down.
Safe and efficient design
Connectors or cables in a PV system that are improperly connected or damaged may cause an electric arc, which can start a fire and they also pose an electrocution risk to those working near them. SolarEdge inverters comply with the UL1699B arc detection standard and are designed to detect arcs as specified in this standard.
SolarEdge DC-AC three-phase inverters operate in conjunction with power optimisers to combine digital control technology with an efficient power conversion design, to achieve reliable solar power harvesting. Fixed-voltage technology ensures the solar inverter always operates at its optimal input voltage in all environmental conditions, regardless of the number of modules in a string. Because maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and voltage management are handled separately for each module by the power optimiser, the inverter is only responsible for DC to AC inversion and is therefore much more compact than equivalent string inverters.
When working with inverters, power optimisers automatically maintain a fixed string voltage. This feature, coupled with MPPT per module, which allows for multiple orientations, tilts and module types in the same string, gives installers greater flexibility to design optimal PV systems.
A proprietary data monitoring receiver is integrated into the inverter and aggregates the power optimiser performance data from each PV module. This data is then transmitted to the web and accessed via the SolarEdge monitoring platform.
The portal, which is localised on a virtual site map for on-site and remote troubleshooting at the module level, automatically provides alerts for accurate and immediate fault detection. Module performance is communicated across the existing DC cabling, so no extra wiring is required.
PV installers and system owners can also use their mobile devices to view the most updated data for remote monitoring, in order to maximise solar energy harvesting and uptime of the system.
SolarEdge technology enables module manufacturers, installers and system owners to maximise power production. This is achieved through module-level MPPT, optimal roof utilisation through constraint-free design, and accurate troubleshooting through module-level monitoring. An important safety benefit of the SolarEdge system is the DC shutdown mechanism during maintenance, or in the event of an emergency.
For more information contact Ryan Groger, Magnet Energy, +27 (0)31 274 1998, ryang@magnetgroup.co.za, www.magnetgroup.co.za
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