To analyze the application and performance of SolarUnit, we installed it in the city of Dourados, in Mato Grosso do Sul, with a 20° tilt and facing north. The main objective is to compare the performance of SolarUnit with another system that uses microinverters and modules widely sold in the national market, in addition to evaluating the advantages of SolarUnit in of agility in installation and operation.
In the practical demonstration, three 550 W modules from DAH Solar were used, totaling a continuous power of 1.650 W, together with a 1.500 W DAH Solar microinverter. For the comparison system, four 550 W modules were used, totaling a continuous power of 2.200 W, and a 2.000 W microinverter. Both systems have the same 10% overload.
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The comparison started on 09/05/2024, when we started collecting performance data. Due to the power difference between the two systems, the best analysis comes from specific energy (kWh/kWp).
This parameter is widely used for comparative analyses between photovoltaic systems, as it indicates the amount of energy effectively produced by each kWp installed in the system. This makes it possible to compare the efficiencies of systems with different powers.
Below is a graph showing the specific energy (kWh/kWp) of each system, considering a 30-day operating period.
It can be seen that the system experienced sunny, cloudy and rainy days. Every day, the SolarUnit system generated more energy than its competitor. On average, over the 30 days, we had 9,8% more generation in the SolarUnit for each kWp installed in the system. In other words, the SolarUnit makes the same module power generate more energy, optimizing the system's energy.
The increased performance of SolarUnit is also attributed to the use of modules with full-screen technology, which eliminates edges and reduces the accumulation of dirt. This results in more efficient energy production and reduces the need for preventive maintenance. Full-screen technology is a global patent of DAH Solar and has been widely adopted in several systems in Brazil.
SolarUnit system modules use cells cut into three parts, which reduces the current of both the cells and the modules, as illustrated in Figure 2.
It can be seen that the current at maximum power (Imp) of the conventional module is 12,97 A, while the current of the module used in the SolarUnit is 4,39 A, that is, almost three times lower. This difference is due to the construction methodology of the photovoltaic cells.
DAH Solar's microinverters, manufactured by the company itself, have a 12-year warranty. The topology adopted presents a significant innovation: the operating current is lower compared to traditional microinverters. This is due to the photovoltaic module used on the direct current side of the equipment.
This approach reduces stress on the microinverter and the operating temperature, resulting in greater durability and equipment lifespan. Also for microinverters, DAH is the first company to use GaN (Gallium Nitride) semiconductor technology, resulting in greater conversion efficiency and low internal consumption in power generation.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
An answer
Ok – it generates 10% more, what is the average cost compared to the competition? Proportionally speaking – if it costs more than 10% more, the cost can be blocked, if it is the same cost = great.