Are solar panel optimisers worth it?
What are solar panel optimisers?
You might have heard about solar panel optimisers, or been advised to include them in your solar panel installation. But what exactly are they and how do they work? Here we’re going to break down what you need to know so you can decide whether they might be a good idea for your home.
So, let’s get to it! Solar panel optimisers are small devices installed on individual solar panels or integrated into the panel itself. Solar optimisers only come into play for solar setups that are partially shaded. This is because they have the potential to give shaded solar panels systems a worthwhile performance boost.
How do solar panel optimisers work?
Put simply, solar optimisers work by monitoring the performance of each panel and adjusting its output to generate as much energy, as efficiently as possible. They do this by using a technology called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for each panel. This is the same technology that a standard solar panel string inverter uses to optimise a whole array of panels, but in this case each individual panel is optimised to give the best possible output
Each optimiser is connected to a single solar panel and acts as a DC-to-DC converter. It continuously monitors each panel's output and adjusts the voltage and current to ensure it operates at its maximum power point (MPP) – the point where the panel produces the highest amount of electricity.
This is especially helpful when an individual panel is shaded. In this situation the optimiser will adjust to extract the maximum possible power under those conditions. In the meantime, other unshaded panels can continue to work at their full potential. This means that the solar system's overall output isn't compromised. With the latest solar panel optimisers, you can monitor your solar setup performance via an app.
What are the benefits of using solar panel optimisers?
Solar optimisers offer good scope to improve the performance of solar panel installations, especially if your setup lies in shade at any point in the day. Read on for a quick run-through of the main benefits they offer to see whether they might be right for you.
Increased efficiency:
Solar panel optimisers make the most of each panel in a solar setup, making sure that the whole system is performing as efficiently as possible. In doing so, they could cut your energy bills and therefore reduce the time it takes to recoup the initial investment cost of your solar panel installation.
Performance improvement:
Solar optimisers have enhanced the way solar energy is harvested and managed in solar panel systems by enabling each panel to produce the maximum energy possible regardless of the performance of other panels in the setup. This means that solar panel installations are no longer limited by the poorest performing panel in the setup.
Solar optimisers also give homeowners the flexibility to fit solar panels across awkward or complex roof structures that are sometimes shaded, knowing that each panel’s performance can be managed individually.
Longevity:
Optimisers can maximise output across a solar setup for many years. Panels in a string (or series) system are linked into one electrical circuit. Without an optimiser, systems like this are limited by the lowest-performing panel. As panels degrade at slightly different rates, optimisers can potentially extend the performance of a panel setup across many years.
Safety:
While the main function of solar panel optimisers is to improve and stabilise performance, some models also offer safety benefits. These can include things like panel level shutdown to isolate individual panels in case of a fault. This can make your solar setup safer to inspect and cut the chance of electrical accidents.
Some models also offer features that allow monitoring for overheating, real time alerts for issues and easy ways to shut down whole solar systems at the flick of a switch.
How much do optimisers cost?
There’s a range of solar optimisers on the market in the UK ranging from about £40 - £150 per panel, but bear in mind that installation costs can add to the price. If you’re an E.ON or E.ON Next customer when you buy a solar system from us, then you can add solar optimisers to your setup for around £100 per panel including installation. For more information, get in touch.
How much could they save you?
If you are likely to have problems with shading over your solar panels then solar optimisers could make your solar panels a good deal more effective. Some manufacturers estimate that an optimised system can produce up to 25% more generation than a non-optimised system.
Can solar optimisers be installed on existing systems?
Yes, they can, as long as you choose optimisers that are compatible with your panels. Most panel-level optimisers are attached to the back of each panel and require minimal wiring. However, this would likely be a job that you’d need a solar professional to help you with.
It’s expensive to install optimisers on an existing system though as it requires scaffolding the whole roof, removing every panel, fitting the optimisers, refitting the panels and then replacing the inverter. So in most cases it’s not really worth it.
How about warranties?
The SolarEdge optimisers we offer come with 25 year warranties. This is in line with typical warranties for solar panels and other optimiser brands. If you install optimisers at the same time as your solar system then you should see the same lifespan for all of your kit.
How about microinverters?
Solar panel optimisers don’t do any DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) conversion themselves. Instead, this is tackled by a central (or string) inverter. Microinverters offer another way to boost the performance of a solar setup. These work by converting an individual panel’s DC electricity into AC on the roof.
This means that each panel operates independently, rather than in a connected string or series circuit. As with optimisers, if one panel underperforms it doesn’t drag down the performance of the others.
Microinverters are generally more expensive than solar optimisers, but both offer a flexible way to optimise a solar system, particularly one setup across a complex roof layout. As they work at a panel level, if a fault occurs with one panel, only that panel will shut down rather than the entire system.
As current inversion takes place at panel level, systems with microinverters can also be easier to expand than systems using optimisers and a central string inverter. This is because if you expand your solar system, you won’t need to match the string inverter power output with the larger output of your new expanded system.
Like solar optimisers, microinverters are attached to each panel, so it’s worth considering that if they need maintenance, it’ll be at roof level.
Making the most of your solar setup.
Whether or not you need to consider upgrades to your existing solar panel installation, or a new installation will depend on your specific circumstances. In certain situations, like shaded panels, extra equipment like solar panel optimisers or microinverters to improve your solar panel performance may well be a good investment.
If you’re looking to take a step towards sustainability with a solar panel setup, then get in touch with us for more information and a quote. Our professional installers can discuss your proposed setup and advise whether you might need optimisers.
