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To optimize or not to optimize...

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  • 11-10-2021 5:06pm
    #1
    SD_DRACULA
    Registered Users Posts: 2,227 ✭✭✭


    With the lower sun I'm starting to get shading on this string in the afternoon and is just killing all generation on it (pic taken at 5pm and the shade is from the neighboring houses)

    20211011_165212.jpg
    pv output.PNG

    I wonder if it is worth putting in 12 optimizers, eventually the house(s) might shade these completely next month until the sun will go higher next year.

    I also have some shading form a tree during summer but a lot later in the evening.



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    #2
    KCross
    Registered Users Posts: 12,070 ✭✭✭✭KCross


    Its a simple question really.... how long does it take from the first shadow to appear, to it moving onto the second row.... then figure out if the cost of the optimizers would justify that extra generation for the few weeks of the year where it would apply.... the answer is probably no.



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    #3
    SD_DRACULA
    Registered Users Posts: 2,227 ✭✭✭SD_DRACULA


    Leaning towards a no alright, as I think around 30 mins later they were fully shaded.

    Hard to tell when the first shadow comes in unless clear skies and it just happened had some clouds around those times.

    Looking at the graphs that string dropped considerably around 15:38

    I'll keep an eye on it



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    #4
    slave1
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 18,693 Mod ✭✭✭✭slave1


    Shading that occurs at this time of the year not worth it IMHO, also your panels quite flat which further adds to ignoring Winter PV potential

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    #5
    SD_DRACULA
    Registered Users Posts: 2,227 ✭✭✭SD_DRACULA


    Yes I was thinking that alright, lower angle than the house ones for sure, probably around 15 degrees and generated 21.5 today which is not bad.

    I need to wait and see a full cycle of good/bad months to make a proper calculation I'd say.

    Was looking at the dual input optimizers: https://midsummer.ie/buy/tigo-optimisers/tigo-retrofit-optimiser-duo meaning if I'd really want to, I'd only need 6 of these right?

    Panels are 335 so within the 700w limit for 2 panels but I did see this string push over 4kw in full summer so not sure the optimizers will lower that?



  • Options
    #6
    reklamos
    Registered Users Posts: 793 ✭✭✭reklamos


    If remember correctly you have Solis inverter and that should have 2 MPPT strings. Assuming only one is used just split bottom row from top row of panels.



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    #7
    SD_DRACULA
    Registered Users Posts: 2,227 ✭✭✭SD_DRACULA


    No, this is one string and the other is 9 panels on the front of the house so can't split it any further as it only has 2 MPPTs.



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