Smart Solar Panels

Smart solar panel modules are typically more expensive than your standard DC solar panel due to the integrated power optimizer. The smart modules have quite a few advantages over the traditional solar setup that can make the added cost well worth it.

It’s Easier to Purchase

There’s quite a few “soft costs” that are associated with solar panel installations and though you won’t see this number definitively written out in solar quotes, they don’t contribute to the overall cost of your solar project.

There’s a soft cost that is associated with a solar panel installation, it’s the time that is required to obtain equipment. The solar installer is the one who will work with the manufacturers or distributors to buy and ship the solar panels and inverters that will end up on the rooftop. If you buy a smart module, installers can reduce the time it takes to buy and secure the equipment because the panels and optimizers are usually shipped as two separate components (and perhaps even from two separate companies) can be ordered, shipped and stored on site as one complete part.  

Installation times 

One of the most valued benefits of smart modules is how easy the installation is. The optimizer it is already merged with the panel, installers aren’t required to spend the time and the energy carrying extra materials up to the roof or deal with manually connecting the individual components. It is a faster and easier installation and it can help cut down on labor costs for you solar installer and consequently lower the total costs for you as the end purchaser.

The Module Level Performance 

When connected to string inverters, solar panels act a bit like Christmas lights. Meaning that when you hang up Christmas lights and the turn the lights on, only to find out that none of the lights will turn on all because one measly blub is out. If one panel that’s on the string isn’t producing electricity because the shading or because of a power defect,it will affect the performance of the rest of the panels that are on the circuit.

With smart modules you won’t have to deal with those issues. The power optimizers all work independent of one another, a single solar panel or power optimizer that isn’t producing electricity won’t impact the production of the rest of the solar array.

The panels operate individually, it means that you can monitor the performance of each unique panel rather than evaluating the production of the system as a whole. Because you can track the performance of the panels, it means that you will have quicker maintenance and you can fix the panel that is causing the system to underperform.

The Servicing

Because in general, solar panel systems require very little maintenance over the course their lifetime. The reason being, there are no moving parts to a solar panel system, with the exception to ground mounted systems.

If maintenance is required on a smart module, it’s easy to perform. On the smart modules the power optimizers are located on the back and they are easily detachable, therefore servicing the equipment relatively straightforward in the rare case that malfunctions.

SolarEdge 

The majority of smart modules on the market today include SolarEdge’s power optimizers. SolarEdge, is one of the leading manufacturers of power optimizers and inverters, has partnered with a few different solar panel manufacturers to collaborate in order to produce smart modules, which includes Canadian solar, Jinkosolar and Panasonic solar.

The Difference Between Smart Modules and AC Modules

Smart DC optimized modules and AC modules both include module-level power electronics, but the primary difference between the two is the location that the inverter is. The power optimizers condition the DC electricity, but the don’t convert it into AC that requires a separate central inverter. The AC modules, but, the microinverters integrated into each individual solar panel, so the conversion to AC electricity occurs right at the panel site.

Should you install smart modules?

The smart modules aren’t a one size fits all method for solar installation. There are many advantages to a smart module solar installation, but there are other good options that you could consider when you’re choosing your solar equipment.

If your roof is a southern facing roof that experiences no shade throughout the whole day, a string ineverter that is a lower cost option that is perfectly suitable for your solar system.

Depending on what your motivations for installing smart modules, the level performance characteristics, it’s always worth comparing smart modules with DC solar panels that are paired with power optimizers or AC modules they also have these capabilities.