Publisher's Note: Here is an article that suggests it is possible to increase electrical production on existing PV installations.
National Semiconductor Corporation has developed a new accessory that would increase the efficiency of solar panels – the SolarMagic chipset. The chipset uses sensors to automatically detect disparities in the input voltage and the current electrical flow throughout the solar array.
SolarMagic is a “thinking” chipset installed directly into the solar power system’s junction box – the container where the solar modules are electrically wired together with the fusing.
The chipset uses sensors to automatically detect disparities in the input voltage and the current electrical flow throughout the solar array.
Mismatch losses are critical problems hounding solar power modules and arrays today. In worst cases, the power production of an entire solar power installation could be significantly driven down as the output of an entire system is determined by the solar cells with the lowest output.
SolarMagic uses a step-by-step process to determine the optimum levels for voltage and current. It then adjusts these to maximize the flow of energy throughout the system and into the grid. The enhanced flow of electricity increases the efficiency of the solar power system.
Simply put, the chipset determines and corrects the differences among the solar panels to maximize the flow of energy. The system can also gather information from each solar panel and report these through the internet.
National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) claims that the chipset can recover up to 71 percent of power lost under such circumstances. The chipset also offers additional features such as a fire safety panel shut-off.
SolarMagic is a “thinking” chipset installed directly into the solar power system’s junction box – the container where the solar modules are electrically wired together with the fusing.
The chipset uses sensors to automatically detect disparities in the input voltage and the current electrical flow throughout the solar array.
Mismatch losses are critical problems hounding solar power modules and arrays today. In worst cases, the power production of an entire solar power installation could be significantly driven down as the output of an entire system is determined by the solar cells with the lowest output.
SolarMagic uses a step-by-step process to determine the optimum levels for voltage and current. It then adjusts these to maximize the flow of energy throughout the system and into the grid. The enhanced flow of electricity increases the efficiency of the solar power system.
Simply put, the chipset determines and corrects the differences among the solar panels to maximize the flow of energy. The system can also gather information from each solar panel and report these through the internet.
National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) claims that the chipset can recover up to 71 percent of power lost under such circumstances. The chipset also offers additional features such as a fire safety panel shut-off.
The power optimization chipset has reportedly been tested on a SunEdison solar power installation in Oakland, California, with good results.
"For over four years, our Oak Street installation has been helping residents pay less electricity. SolarMagic is helping us to get 22.6 percent more power out of the same panels, making the system even more productive and cost effective," said Jigar Shah, SunEdison founder.
"For over four years, our Oak Street installation has been helping residents pay less electricity. SolarMagic is helping us to get 22.6 percent more power out of the same panels, making the system even more productive and cost effective," said Jigar Shah, SunEdison founder.
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