microinverters vs optimizers in real world use questions

[GoingElectric]

An Optimizer does not produce power.

Yes, you are right, should have said "maximizes output".

[Ampster]

Seems like a microinverter is much easier to work with than an optimizer, but IIReadC an optimizer is cheaper?

Which will produce more power (assuming unshaded, properly balanced)

An Optimizer does not produce power. If your question is about which system produces more power, the jury is out. I have both and much depends on site and other configuration factors. Each has a use case where it will put perform the other.

[GoingElectric]

Seems like a microinverter is much easier to work with than an optimizer, but IIReadC an optimizer is cheaper?

Which will produce more power (assuming unshaded, properly balanced)

[warx]

Here's yesterday by the hour for both.

[warx]

I see, looking at the pictures the inverters are located at a lower position so are more shaded, hence the large discrepancy in output per panel?

I would say that is a factor but at 1pm both panels are getting prime sun at a good angle and the discrepancy is there. Also these micro panels get to and stay at their max for many hours so just feels capped somehow.
Yesterday I got 49.6kWh (2.4kWh/panel) and 4.5kWh (1.5kWh/panel)

As for lowest, is this based on realtime or X minute delay?

Just realtime observations via MySolarEdge phone app and the Emporia CT for the micros.

[hsnoil]

Angle is slightly higher but same orientation. They miss early morning sun (see pics). I fabricated an aluminum awning to protect our solar equipment from the elements (mainly the sun) so it seemed logical to use three more panels rather than some passive sheet material.


I thought the OP was asking at what point these panels create any sort of power at all. So at the beginning and end of days the lowest number I see (besides zero!) is about 10W.

EDIT: can't upload pics right now - the upload popup is giving me a 413 error despite resizing to 200kb)

I see, looking at the pictures the inverters are located at a lower position so are more shaded, hence the large discrepancy in output per panel?

As for lowest, is this based on realtime or X minute delay?

[warx]

20220530_195549.jpg
20220530_195637.jpg

[warx]

My 10W minimums where for the complete array (21 x 350w). I am actually impressed both these systems can contribute as low energy as that.

[Mike 134]

Today collectively 18 -405W panels lowest value I saw with optimizers was 10.7 watts. So less than 1 watt/panel starts up my inverter.

Time	Production Meter P (W)
5/31/2022 5:26	0
5/31/2022 5:31	0
5/31/2022 5:36	10.692
5/31/2022 5:41	58.752
5/31/2022 5:46	85.5691
5/31/2022 5:51	162.275
5/31/2022 5:56	194.067
5/31/2022 6:01	334.774
5/31/2022 6:06	427.123
5/31/2022 6:11	347.144
5/31/2022 6:16	423.341
5/31/2022 6:21	560.271
5/31/2022 6:26	688.084
5/31/2022 6:31	568.57
5/31/2022 6:36	653.538
5/31/2022 6:41	648.125
5/31/2022 6:46	702.85
5/31/2022 6:51	846.714

[warx]

Wait, so you are saying the SolarEdge get 820w more per day per panel? Or are those 3 on micros because they have more shading/facing different direction?

Angle is slightly higher but same orientation. They miss early morning sun (see pics). I fabricated an aluminum awning to protect our solar equipment from the elements (mainly the sun) so it seemed logical to use three more panels rather than some passive sheet material.

Also, 10w was the lowest you have seen on them? Do you have snow in your area? if so, how do they work when partly covered?

I thought the OP was asking at what point these panels create any sort of power at all. So at the beginning and end of days the lowest number I see (besides zero!) is about 10W.

EDIT: can't upload pics right now - the upload popup is giving me a 413 error despite resizing to 200kb)

[hsnoil]

I have 21 Q-Cell 350W panels on a 7.3kW SolarEdge SE7600 and 3 same panels on Enphase micros. I have seen a max 6.8kW from the SolarEdge (323W per panel) and 640W from the micros (213W). As far as daily totals I have seen 49.5kWh (2350W per panel per day) and 4.6kWh (1530W per panel per day) but the the 3 miss some morning sun but get better angle later in the day. Minimums - both report as low as 10W.

Wait, so you are saying the SolarEdge get 820w more per day per panel? Or are those 3 on micros because they have more shading/facing different direction?

Also, 10w was the lowest you have seen on them? Do you have snow in your area? if so, how do they work when partly covered?

[Ampster]

IQ 7XS. I think these are the specs:......
AC output power 315VA[/FONT]

A lot could depend on orientation and tilt. I am at 38 degrees North and have a SSE orientation with a 4/12 [pitch roof and around noon I see an average of 250 per micro. My panels are 345 Watts. I can instantaneously see micro output but have not figured out how to look at an individual micro over time. Hope that helps

[warx]

Which model of micro? What is its max output spec? My IQ7s max at 290 Watts.

IQ 7XS. I think these are the specs:

DC input range 25-79.5V
Max input short circuit current 10A.
Max input continuous current 6.5 A
AC output current 1.51/1.31 A
Ac output frequency 60HZ
AC output power 315VA

[Ampster]

Which model of micro? What is its max output spec? My IQ7s max at 290 Watts.

[warx]

I have 21 Q-Cell 350W panels on a 7.3kW SolarEdge SE7600 and 3 same panels on Enphase micros. I have seen a max 6.8kW from the SolarEdge (323W per panel) and 640W from the micros (213W). As far as daily totals I have seen 49.5kWh (2350W per panel per day) and 4.6kWh (1530W per panel per day) but the the 3 miss some morning sun but get better angle later in the day. Minimums - both report as low as 10W.