[RE-wrenches] SolarEdge optimizers require amp deration?

[Jason Szumlanski]

I think the answers you want might be in this document. See Page 5.

https://knowledge-center.solaredge.com/sites/kc/files/se_3p_system_design_and_nec.pdf

(this document addresses 3-phase design, but it is still applicable)

Jason Szumlanski
Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208


On Tue, Aug 13, 2024 at 3:18 PM Mick Abraham via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> 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
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