[RE-wrenches] SolarEdge optimizers require amp deration?

[Mick Abraham]

Hi, Wrench List colleagues~ I have a minor dispute with a technician at one
of the solar superstores. He says the amp rating on SolarEdge optimizers
needs a 25% "safety factor".

SolarEdge's spec sheet says "Maximum Output Current" for model S500 is 15
amps. I'm not sure if the technician would take 25% off the 15a or if he
boosts the Isc amps (on the PV datasheet) by 25%. In one case, his
allowable short circuit amps (from the datasheet) would be 11.25a and in
the other case it's 12a.

If he's right, this "500 watt optimizer" could only process 500 watts in an
unusual combination of Vmp and Imp. I know the PV's open circuit voltage
should be calculated higher based on the lowest possible cell temperature,
but I can't find any SolarEdge reference materials that address the
amperage. I checked the SolarEdge videos, installation documents, and I
even spent time in voicemail perdition.  Their design tool at
designer.solaredge.com did suggest the S500 optimizer after I entered all
the parameters for my preferred module.

Nothing else from SolarEdge so far...so it's Wrenchie time. It would be
especially helpful if someone has a white paper or other document to clear
this up. I'm pretty sure the technician wrong on this point, but I'd like
to offer more than just my opinion. BTW, the PV's that I'd like to use are
450 watt monocrystalline, two strings of 54 cells and 14.55 amps short
circuit current. The relatively low cell count does translate into higher
amps per rated watt compared to a module with more cells in series.

Thanks as always; the Wrench List is the Bomb!

Mick Abraham, Proprietor
www.abrahamsolar.com

Landline: 970-731-4675
Cell phone or for text messaging: 970-946-6584
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