Plan optimizers
Flag optimisers on shaded or oddly-oriented panels so each one runs at its own operating point and doesn't drag down the rest of its string.
A power optimiser lets a single panel run at its own maximum-power point instead of being pulled to the string's shared operating point. Flag them on panels that are shaded or oriented differently from their string. Each optimised panel effectively becomes its own MPP, which keeps one weak panel from holding back the others. You add optimisers per panel inside a string, alongside the inverter setup covered on Inverter / micro inverter.
Before you start
- Place your modules and create the strings first. Optimisers are flagged on panels that already belong to a string.
- Have the optimiser component selected from your components catalog. You'll pick it for the string before toggling individual panels.
- Know which panels are shaded or off-orientation. Run the shading analysis first if you're not sure which surfaces lose yield.
Flag optimisers on specific panels
- Select the string that contains the panels you want to optimise. The string form opens.
- Click Add Optimizer and choose the optimiser component from the selection modal. This sets the optimiser for the whole string. It's a string-level choice, not a per-panel one from here.
- To pick which panels actually carry the optimiser, click an individual panel on the canvas. A small popup appears above the panel with an Add optimizer / Remove optimizer toggle. Use it on each shaded or off-orientation panel.
- The simulation now treats the optimised panels as independent MPPs, so they run on their own and don't drag the rest of the string down.
Pro tip
For a heavily shaded surface, an optimiser on one panel often recovers more yield than dropping that panel position. Run the shading heatmap first, then decide where the optimisers earn their cost.
Partially optimise a string
You don't have to optimise every panel. Flag only the panels that need it: optimised panels each become their own MPP, while the remaining panels stay grouped into the string's shared MPP per orientation. This is how a string mixes optimised and standard panels in one run.
Things to know
- Optimisers are per panel, not per string. Flag them only where shading or orientation calls for it. A clean, uniform string runs fine without them.
- Optimised panels become independent MPPs. That's why mixing orientations on a string without optimisers produces a warning, while flagging the off-orientation panel clears it.
- Optimisers are stored as a per-panel flag, not a separate object in the 3D scene. If you don't see the effect you expect, confirm the panel is toggled on via the canvas popup and that an optimiser component is selected on the string.
- Wiring locks after signature, like the rest of the plan.
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