SolarMagic Power Optimizer
Detailed Description:
When it comes to solar energy, the power of the solar array is only
as strong as the weakest-performing panel. And in real-world
conditions, where shade is common from sources like trees, chimneys,
power lines and even bird droppings, solar efficiency can be decreased
significantly. In fact, as little as 10% shade on an array can result
in as much as 50% lost energy. SolarMagic power optimizers maximize the
energy potential of each individual panel so as much as 50% of the lost
energy can be reclaimed.
You don’t have to be living in the desert to have an efficient solar
system installed. SolarMagic power optimizers can help make solar a
reality by maximizing the solar energy harvest and increasing kilowatt
hours when real-world conditions exist.
SolarMagic Power Optimizer by National Semiconductor
Today’s photovoltaic arrays are defined as strings of
series-connected PV panels, which are then paralleled together and
converted to AC power through an inverter. The key challenge of these
arrays is how a small amount of real-world mismatch with just a few of
the PV panels can cut the power output of the entire array in half.
This mismatch 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.
As a result of these mismatches, system integrators are often forced
to compromise their installation by various methods, such as reducing
the size of the array to avoid shade, accepting a lower energy output
per square meter, or adding extra panels in a different part of the
array, all of which cost money, efficiency, and/or aesthetics for the
system owner.
To maximize the energy output of each solar PV panel in the array,
National Semiconductor has developed SolarMagic technology, which
enables each solar panel to produce the maximum energy regardless of
whether other panels in the array are under-performing due to mismatch.
SolarMagic technology monitors and maximizes the energy harvest of each
individual PV panel through advanced algorithms combined with
leading-edge mixed-signal technology, thereby recouping up to 57% of
the lost energy due to mismatches.
The SolarMagic power optimizer is designed to be installed quickly
and easily within the traditional architecture of a solar array. Each
power optimizer comes with a universal mounting bracket for easy
attachment to a racking system. The output wires of each solar panel
are simply series-connected to a power optimizer (positive wire to
positive wire, negative to negative), with the power optimizer output
wires correspondingly connecting into the next solar panel’s power
optimizer.
All SolarMagic power optimizers come with a limited 20-year
warranty, thereby ensuring the reliability of the panel-mounted
electronics matches the panels themselves.
Easy to install and highly effective.
Besides reclaiming up to 50% of the energy lost from mismatch
conditions like shade and infrastructure, SolarMagic power optimizers
offer extensive flexibility. In fact, as many as 87% of installers say
they design solar panel configurations around shade, often resulting in
awkward or unattractive configurations. SolarMagic technology gives
installers the freedom to position panels sensibly, without working
around shade.
Blocking Diode
The blocking diode is designed to block reverse current flow by
allowing current to flow in one direction and [Blocking Diode]
disconnect the circuit if current attempts to flow in the opposite
direction. Due to the interaction, strings with SolarMagic power
optimizers installed – also referred to as assisted strings – will have
varying voltage levels during energy production hours. A single
blocking diode must be installed in each assisted string to protect the
SolarMagic power optimizers from damage.
All SolarMagic blocking diodes come with a full 20-year warranty.
