New SolarEdge commercial power optimizer can sense connector problems

SolarEdge Technologies has announced at RE+ the launch of the S-Series new range of smart Power Optimizers. Now available for commercial and industrial PV applications across North America, the next generation Power Optimizers adds SolarEdge Sense Connect technology to its multi-layered approach for safety.

SolarEdge Sense Connect is an industry-first technology that detects temperature increase at the connector level to prevent potential electric arcs. By detecting and reacting to abnormal connector overheating that may happen due to faulty installations or connectors, SolarEdge Sense Connect technology stops power flow before an arc can occur. With module-level site visibility, operation and maintenance (O&M) providers are informed of the pinpointed location of the connector, so repairs can be conducted swiftly and easily. This helps maximize system safety and uptime and reduce O&M costs. The SolarEdge Sense Connect technology joins an expanded range of safety features, among them the SafeDC technology that is designed to enable PV systems’ DC voltage to be automatically reduced to touch-safe levels (1V DC per module), in grid failures or when the inverter is shut down. Adding to these, the rapid shutdown feature enables installers to activate SafeDC at the flip of a switch, discharging the conductors to safe voltage levels within just 30 seconds.

The S-Series Power Optimizer is designed to accommodate higher power modules and bifacial modules, which, due to the rear-side module mismatch can suffer from even greater potential power loss. Providing 99.5% efficiency and supporting two high-power, high-input current PV modules, the S-Series lowers Levelized Cost of Energy thanks to higher yield and enables longer and more powerful strings.

In addition, the S-Series offers a simplified cable layout, allowing faster installation and reducing potential isolation faults.

“Multi-layered safety technology and ease of installation are key differentiators of our technology, alongside advances in energy efficiency and improved economics which are additional important factors for the proliferation of solar energy,” said Peter Mathews, general manager of SolarEdge North America. “We will continue to set benchmarks in industry safety by focusing on innovative solutions that bring even more reliability to the market.“

News item from SolarEdge

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/09/new-solaredge-commercial-power-optimizer-senses-connector-problems/