The next level of PV performance optimization
SMA ShadeFix optimization is a proprietary, integrated inverter capability that optimizes the yield of PV systems in every situation – even in shading.
Yield optimization directly from the inverter
PV Systems are generally installed in scenarios where they can convert the largest amount of sunlight into electric current. However, it is not always possible to prevent dormer windows, chimneys, trees and other obstructions from casting shadows on PV modules. This reduces energy yield and lengthens a system owner’s payback period.
This is why SMA has developed a superior optimization technique – SMA ShadeFix. And the best thing about this solution is that SMA ShadeFix optimization is integrated into SMA inverters at no extra cost.
Full Power - No Shade:
At no shade condition, the solar panels are working at full power, nothing is blocking the current flow
Without Shadefix
When there is shading on a part of one panel in a string, the total current slows down, and electricity production suffers
With ShadeFix
With SMA Shadefix Technology, the inverter searches for a higher MPPT point, which forces the shaded panel to “shutdown” its shaded part, using the built-in diodes in the panel, which results in the highest power possible
This video shows the idea
SMA ShadeFix is a software-based shade management system. Commonly this feature is used in systems with light to medium shading. Your energy yield is optimized without adding any further components to the system or PV modules. SMA ShadeFix is already integrated into SMA SUNNY BOY and SUNNY TRIPOWER inverters and activated automatically during commissioning. There are no additional costs because SMA ShadeFix is an integral part of the operation management of SMA SUNNY BOY and SUNNY TRIPOWER inverters.
SMA ShadeFix uses an intelligent and proven MPP tracking system for many years to determine the operating point with the highest output during shading conditions. With SMA ShadeFix, SMA solar inverters use the best possible energy supply from the PV modules at all times to increase yield in shaded systems.
SMA ShadeFix optimizes the energy yield in systems during standard shading conditions. This makes SMA ShadeFix the ideal solution in most shading situations to make the best use of the available power of the PV modules. SMA ShadeFix is a software-based solution and is already integrated into SMA SUNNY BOY and SUNNY TRIPOWER inverters. As with conventional power optimizers, additional installation efforts are not required. The advantage of this is a minimised risk of failure of the entire system. The costs for system planning and assembly are kept low. SMA ShadeFix is an integral part of the inverter operation management, included in the acquired scope of services of SMA SUNNY BOY and SUNNY TRIPOWER inverters. Further acquisition costs, as with other power optimizers, are no longer necessary and the amortisation period of the system is not unnecessarily extended.
SMA ShadeFix is based on shade management system OptiTrac Global Peak. In the future, SMA will place an even stronger focus on this feature and the ongoing technical development of this solution for shade management. For this reason, we have decided to reposition the feature in the market and give it the attention it deserves.
SMA ShadeFix is available in SMA SUNNY BOY and SUNNY TRIPOWER inverters (see inverter manual or technical datasheet). The parameter name may not yet be shown in the user interface. However, the feature is fully available since SMA ShadeFix is activated by default.
From September 2019, all updatable SMA solar inverters with OptiTrac Global Peak will successively receive a firmware update. The feature is updated automatically. The status of the feature remains the same and no further settings are required.
The feature is activated by default in current SMA solar inverters. If necessary, the time interval at which the inverter determines the optimum operating point can be adjusted via the user interface (see inverter manual). No further settings are necessary.
