SolarMagic improves the output of solar arrays
Most homes and businesses lose solar energy whenever there are problems with shading or solar panel orientations. Field tests in Munich Germany showed SolarMagic Power Optimizers can increase energy output of solar panels and arrays by around 54 percent.
Most solar arrays have what what are called “mismatches”. These mismatches “can come in the form of shading (e.g. trees, chimneys, overhead power lines, bird droppings, handrails, etc.), panel-to-panel mismatch, different panel orientations and tilts, or different string lengths.” Essentially that means that all of the connected PV panels will collect only the amount of solar energy harvested by the poorest performing panel.
A loss of energy from 10 percent of shade can mean a 50 percent loss of power from the whole array. SolarMagic by National Semiconductor has developed a PV connector that optimizes each individual solar panel. This allows each panel to gather the most solar energy possible rather than being limited by a shaded panel or two. The solar gains of an entire optimized array can be up to 57 percent increasing the energy output between 10 and 40 percent.
The Power Optimizers are attached to each individual panel in a solar array. SolarMagic Power Optimizers can be included in new solar array installations and retrofitted into old solar arrays. This allows all solar arrays whether still on the planning board or 10 years old to optimize solar power collection and energy output.
Also used with the Power Optimizers are Blocking Diodes. The blocking diodes prevent reverse current flow by channeling the current in one direction and disconnecting the circuit if current tries to run backwards. Each string of solar panels that have Power Optimizers, also need to have a Blocking Diode installed.
Field trials in HaWi Energietechnik AG of Eggenfelden/Munich, Germany have proven the wisdom of installing SolarMagic Power Optimizers and Blocking Diodes. In fact, SolarMagic and Suntech, “the world’s largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer” will be exploring the products of both companies as a package.
For such a small thing, the SunMagic Power Optimizer packs a big punch.
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