Photovoltaic Power Optimizer

Architectures based on power optimizers are composed of three main functional blocks connected as shown in the pictures.

The power optimizer implements, at the panel level, the DC-DC power conversion with MPPT and the communication capability.
The inverter implements the DC-AC power conversion, the communication capability and the connection to the AC grid.
The data concentrator collects the data (voltage value, current value, etc.) from all the panels and from the inverter and sends it to a local or remote monitoring and control access point.

Two power optimizer architectures can be identified depending on the output voltage of the DC-DC converter:

low-voltage architecture, in each string the power optimizers are connected in series
high-voltage architecture, the power optimizers are connected directly in parallel to the main inverter

These architectures have the following benefits:

more energy production: the MPPT at panel level maximizes system energy production
communication and monitoring capabilities at panel level

The block diagram will help you make the right choice for each functional block from a wide range of recommended products.

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