2 What is a solar power optimizer?

Figure 1 illustrates a PV system with a solar power optimizer installed on an individual PV panel.

Think of a power optimizer as a compromise between a microinverter and a string inverter. It is installed on individual solar panels like a microinverter, but its function has nothing to do with converting DC to AC electricity. A power optimizer tracks the maximum power of each solar panel in real time and regulates the output voltage before sending it to the inverter. Therefore, the inverter can process much more electricity. The result is optimized power-yield performance for every single solar panel, regardless of orientation to the sun, shade or even damage to one or more panels. Solar systems with power optimizers installed at each PV panel can be 20% to 30% higher in efficiency compared to one without an individual panel-level optimizer.