mspohr
Well-Known Member
Most of this discussion has been about microinverters (Enphase) rather than optimizers. Microinverters are more expensive.
The last array I installed I used Tigo optimizers. These are panel level and can be used with a wide variety of panel sizes, voltages, capacities. (16-80 volts, 15 amps, 700 W)
These are only $40 each and can be used with any string inverter. You only need to put them on the panels subject to shading. You can leave them off of other panels in the string which aren't shaded.
Nice panel level monitoring along with a useful depiction of "reclaimed" energy (i.e. extra energy available due to the optimizer).
I chose these for this particular array since there is extensive seasonal shading of part of this array.
At times they show up to double the energy due to their ability to compensate for the shading. (Design using unequal string lengths, mixed orientations, or areas of mismatch. Install in shaded areas with a reduced setback ratio. In addition to optimization, the TS4-A-O enables module level monitoring, and rapid shutdown in compliance with NEC 2014, 2017, 2020.)
For this array they were a good investment.
The last array I installed I used Tigo optimizers. These are panel level and can be used with a wide variety of panel sizes, voltages, capacities. (16-80 volts, 15 amps, 700 W)
These are only $40 each and can be used with any string inverter. You only need to put them on the panels subject to shading. You can leave them off of other panels in the string which aren't shaded.
Nice panel level monitoring along with a useful depiction of "reclaimed" energy (i.e. extra energy available due to the optimizer).
I chose these for this particular array since there is extensive seasonal shading of part of this array.
At times they show up to double the energy due to their ability to compensate for the shading. (Design using unequal string lengths, mixed orientations, or areas of mismatch. Install in shaded areas with a reduced setback ratio. In addition to optimization, the TS4-A-O enables module level monitoring, and rapid shutdown in compliance with NEC 2014, 2017, 2020.)
For this array they were a good investment.