Overview of Solar Power Optimisers

In standard, non-optimised solar PV systems, when the performance of one or more modules is reduced, it drags down the performance of the other modules and energy generation is reduced system-wide.

Solar optimisers prevent this, by tracking and maintaining the maximum power point of each solar panel individually. This ensures that shading, dirt, or panel orientation does not significantly impact the overall system performance, even if one the performance of one or more modules is compromised. Solar optimisers are particularly useful in environments where shading is a concern or where panels are installed in different orientations.

Solar Power Optimisers Comparison Criteria:

This 'apples to apples' comparison is based on publicly available product documentation and various independently published product reports and reviews, based on the following:

1. Efficiency
2. Failure Rate
3. Power Consumption
4. Inverter Compatibility
5. Safety Features
6. Power Generation

SolarEdge

> Efficiency: SolarEdge optimisers are known for their high efficiency, ensuring that each panel operates at its peak. The company claims that their systems can enhance energy harvest from each panel by constantly tracking the maximum power point.

> Failure Rate: According to reviews, SolarEdge has experienced issues with optimiser reliability, particularly in high-temperature environments, leading to a higher failure rate than some competitors (https://mcelectrical.com.au/blog/solaredge-inverter-optimiser-review/).

> Power Consumption: SolarEdge optimisers consume a small amount of power, but this can add up, slightly reducing overall system efficiency under certain conditions (https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/panel-optimisers-danish-study/).

> Inverter Compatibility: SolarEdge systems are designed to work exclusively with their inverters, limiting flexibility but ensuring optimal performance within their ecosystem.

> Safety Features: SolarEdge systems include advanced safety features such as rapid shutdown, which meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 690.12 requirements.

> Power Generation: The integration of MPPT at the panel level allows SolarEdge systems to maximize power generation, especially in partially shaded conditions.

SUNGO Energy

This like-for-like comparison of the solar power optimisers produced by SolarEdge, Tigo and SUNGO Energy, shows each brand has its strengths. However, SUNGO Energy stands out across multiple criteria:

> Efficiency: SUNGO Energy optimisers can increase power generation by up to 30%.
> Failure Rate: With a defect rate of only 0.04%, SUNGO Energy solar optimisers lead in reliability.
> Power Consumption: Minimal power consumption maximises system efficiency.
> Inverter Compatibility: Universal compatibility offers great flexibility.
> Safety Features: Advanced rapid shutdown technology ensures safety and compliance.
> Power Generation: Superior performance in shaded conditions and varied orientations.

For those seeking a reliable, efficient, and safe solution, SUNGO Energy's optimisers provide a superior option that can meet the demands of modern solar energy systems. By integrating advanced technology and ensuring universal compatibility, SUNGO Energy optimisers are well-suited to enhance any solar installation.

> Efficiency: Tigo optimisers offer significant efficiency improvements, particularly in shaded environments. However, there have been reports of performance issues under certain conditions (https://mcelectrical.com.au/blog/tigo-optimiser-recall/).

> Failure Rate: Tigo has faced reliability challenges, with some batches requiring firmware updates to function correctly. There have been calls for recalls due to these issues (https://mcelectrical.com.au/blog/tigo-optimiser-recall/).

> Power Consumption: Similar to other optimisers, Tigo devices consume a small amount of power, which can affect overall system efficiency (https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/panel-optimisers-danish-study/).

> Inverter Compatibility: Tigo optimisers claim universal compatibility, working with most major inverter brands, providing greater flexibility in system design.

> Safety Features: Tigo includes rapid shutdown capabilities, enhancing safety and compliance with NEC standards.

> Power Generation: Tigo optimisers improve power generation, especially is systems with shading or varied panel orientations. However, performance can be inconsistent depending on firmware versions.

Tigo Energy

> Efficiency: SUNGO Energy optimisers use module-level MPPT to increase power generation by up to 30%, making them one of the most efficient options available.

> Failure Rate: SUNGO Energy optimisers boast the lowest defect rate in the industry at 0.04%, highlighting their reliability and long-term performance.

> Power Consumption: SUNGO Energy optimisers are designed to consume minimal power, maximising the overall efficiency of the solar PV system.

> Inverter Compatibility: SUNGO Energy optimisers offer universal compatibility, working seamlessly with most inverter brands, providing excellent flexibility in system design and meaning they can be readily retro-fitted to existing solar PV systems.

> Safety Features: SUNGO Energy solar optimisers include advanced safety features such as rapid shutdown technology, complying with NEC Article 690.12. This feature can be initiated manually, automatically, or remotely, ensuring comprehensive safety.

> Power Generation: The solar power optimisers produced by SUNGO Energy significantly enhance power generation, especially in systems facing shading or varied panel orientations. Their advanced MPPT technology ensures each panel contributes maximally to the overall system's output.

Conclusion

Get Started Today! To find out more about how SUNGO Energy can support your renewable energy needs, please call SUNGO Energy UK on 0330 122 6559 or use our Contact Form.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Comparable SUNGO Energy, SolarEdge & TIGO Solar Power Optimisers

The tables below, sourced from the relevant brand websites and publicly available datasheets, highlights the relative features and characteristics of comparable Solar Power Optimisers from SUNGO Energy, SolarEdge and TIGO.

While all 3 brands are closely matched in many areas, SolarEdge Optimisers are notably more expensive AND are built on closed architecture, which means they are only compatible with SolarEdge Inverters. SUNGO Energy's Optimisers are built on open architecture and are designed to be almost universally compatible with all brands of inverters and PV panels, as well as boasting the most advanced, fastest Rapid Shutdown performance and a significantly lower unit price than TIGO or SolarEdge.

About SUNGO Energy

SUNGO Energy was established in 2016 and is global manufacturer of Smart Solar Power Optimisers with Rapid Shutdown, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS/ESS), Remote PV Solar System Performance Optimisation & Monitoring solutions and related products.

SUNGO Energy has its worldwide headquarters in Suzhou, China (near Shanghai), supported by SUNGO Energy offices in the UK, EU, Japan and the USA, with a global network of distributors and partner organisations.

Please download the SUNGO Energy company overview and/or Contact Us to learn more.

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