Sungrow unveils power optimizer for rooftop PV systems the SP600S. The MLPE product has an input power rating of 600 W and an impressive maximum efficiency of 99.4%. Remarkably compact and lightweight, the optimizer stands out with its ability to handle up to 30 modules per string. It is equipped with shade-proofing and supports multiple installations, simultaneously increasing capacity by 20% to 30%. Moreover, its tool-free design makes installation easier, cutting setup time by 40%.
Sungrow, the Chinese inverter manufacturer, has introduced SP600S, a new power optimizer specifically designed for rooftop PV systems. It is a Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) product that comes with a rated input power of 600 W, a maximum efficiency rating of 99.4%, and a weighted efficiency of around 98.8%. Plus, it has the remarkable capability to accommodate up to 30 modules per string. The device provides an impressive maximum output current of 16 A and an equally impressive maximum output voltage of 80 V.
This device is compact, measuring 86mm x 108mm x 25mm (about 3.39 in x 4.25 in x 0.98 in), and lightweight, weighing only 0.5 kg. It is also equipped with an IP68 enclosure, ensuring its durability. The exciting news is that the manufacturer claims this innovative product has the potential to significantly enhance the power output of a PV system. Depending on the array’s operating conditions, the device can increase the power yield by an impressive range of 4% to 30%.
Benefits of SP600S Power Optimizer
The SP600S aims to increase generating capacity and rooftop installation capacity, while improving safety and efficiency of PV systems. It leads the way in product innovation and transformation, making PV modules more efficient and safer throughout their lifecycle. The following are its benefits:
1. Module-level Optimization
Sungrow’s innovative shade-proof control technology has revolutionized the way solar panels adapt to changing shading conditions caused by varying sunlight angles and orientations. This detects the sun exposure of each module in real time, ensuring maximum efficiency at all times.
When a module is shaded, the SP600S optimizer takes immediate action by switching to the BUCK operating mode to optimize its performance individually, while the unshaded modules continue to operate seamlessly. This also enhances the capacity to around 30%.
As soon as the shading is removed, the optimizer intelligently switches to power-saving mode, conserving energy and minimizing operating losses. With the SP600S, your PV system will always be operating at its optimal state, guaranteeing unrivalled power output.
2. Customizable Design
The SP600S offers a wide range of customization options for various rooftop types, allowing for single-string multi-orientation installation. With the ability to accommodate up to 30 modules per string, it maximizes installation capacity. Additionally, it supports mixed installation of strings with different lengths and modules with different power ratings, giving you unique flexibility in system design. It can boost rooftop installation capacity by an average of 20% to 30%, greatly improving the utilization rate of your precious rooftop resources.
3. Tool-free installation
Installing the SP600S is simple and can be done with regular bolts and fasteners or with a mounting buckle that doesn’t need any extra tools. The buckle design can handle forces up to 16 times its weight without needing extra tools. This design makes installation 40% more efficient and hassle-free.
Also See: 5 Types of Solar PV Modules Mounting Structure
4. Protection at Shutdown
Sungrow unveils power optimizer for rooftop PV systems that ensures module-level rapid shutdown, providing a safe DC voltage for the PV power plant throughout its lifespan. During installation, the optimizer keeps the output voltage at 1V in an inactive state, ensuring a safe low-voltage installation process.
To ensure safety during routine maintenance, the module voltage can be lowered to 1V by disconnecting the AC power supply or activating an external switch.
In emergency situations, such as fires, the optimizer rapidly shuts down modules, ensuring compliance with safety standards even faster than NEC 2017/2020. This lowers the voltage to keep firefighters safe and prevent project losses.
5. Efficient MBS O&M
This system allows for efficient MBS operation and maintenance. Users can use the iSolarCloud app to get a diagram of the module twin layout after installing the SP600S. This diagram helps users in the following ways:
- To easily identify modules that are sub-healthy or faulty
- The status of each module is displayed in real-time with different colors.
- Dark blue means the modules are running optimally
- Light blue means they are in a sub-healthy state
- Red means they are faulty.
It effectively addresses issues by conducting module-level IV scanning, which automatically detects faults, determines their origins, and offers troubleshooting suggestions. This not only enhances operation and maintenance efficiency but also streamlines the entire process. It also reduces system power losses by 8% to 30% compared to the traditional string-level IV scan. The SP600S can identify eight types of faults accurately. Healthy modules operate normally and generate electricity without any issues during diagnosis.
Sungrow SP600S General Specifications
The following is the table for Sungrow SP600S specifications.
| Parameters | |
| Allowable relative humidity range (non-condensing) | 0 % – 100 % |
| Communication | PLC ＜ 300 m |
| Compatible products (Consult Sungrow before ordering optimizers and inverters) |
|
| Degree of protection | IP 68 |
| Max. operating altitude | 4000 m |
| Mounting method | Push-in or bolt installation |
| Operating ambient temperature range | -40 ℃ – 85 ℃ |
| PV input / output connector | MC4 or MC4 Compatible |
| Standard compliance | IEC61000-6-2, IEC61000-6-3, IEC62109-1 (class II safety) |
