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 Today’s photovoltaic arrays are defined as strings of series-connected PV panels, which are then paralleled together and converted to AC power through an inverter. The key challenge of these arrays is how a small amount of real-world mismatch with just a few of the PV panels can cut the power output of the entire array in half. This mismatch can come in the form of shading (e.g. trees, chimneys, overhead power lines, bird droppings, handrails, etc.), panel-to-panel mismatch, different panel orientations and tilts, or different string lengths.
 As a result of these mismatches, system integrators are often forced to compromise their installation by various methods, such as reducing the size of the array to avoid shade, accepting a lower energy output per square meter, or adding extra panels in a different part of the array, all of which cost money, efficiency, and/or aesthetics for the system owner.
To maximize the energy output of each solar PV panel in the array, National Semiconductor has developed SolarMagic technology, which enables each solar panel to produce the maximum energy regardless of whether other panels in the array are under-performing due to mismatch. SolarMagic technology monitors and maximizes the energy harvest of each individual PV panel through advanced algorithms combined with leading-edge mixed-signal technology, thereby recouping up to 57% of the lost energy due to mismatches.
The SolarMagic power optimizer is designed to be installed quickly and easily within the traditional architecture of a solar array. Each power optimizer comes with a universal mounting bracket for easy attachment to a racking system. The output wires of each solar panel are simply series-connected to a power optimizer (positive wire to positive wire, negative to negative), with the power optimizer output wires correspondingly connecting into the next solar panel’s power optimizer.
All SolarMagic power optimizers come with a limited 20-year warranty, thereby ensuring the reliability of the panel-mounted electronics matches the panels themselves.
| Part Number |
Title |
Spec Sheet |
| SM1230-3A1 |
Low voltage MC3 connectors - single pak |
PDF |
| SM1230-3A1X |
Low voltage MC3 connectors - 9 pak |
| SM1230-3B1 |
High voltage MC3 connectors - single pak |
| SM1230-3B1X |
High voltage MC3 connectors - 9 pak |
| SM1230-4A1 |
Low voltage MC4 connectors - single pak |
| SM1230-4A1X |
Low voltage MC4 connectors - 9 pak |
| SM1230-4B1 |
High voltage MC4 connectors - single pak |
| SM1230-4B1X |
High voltage MC4 connectors - 9 pak |
The blocking diode is designed to block reverse current flow by allowing current to flow in one direction and  disconnect the circuit if current attempts to flow in the opposite direction. Due to the interaction, strings with SolarMagic power optimizers installed – also referred to as assisted strings – will have varying voltage levels during energy production hours. A single blocking diode must be installed in each assisted string to protect the SolarMagic power optimizers from damage.
All SolarMagic blocking diodes come with a full 20-year warranty.
| Part Number |
Title |
Spec Sheet |
| SM2060-3A1 |
600V Blocking Diode w/ MC3 connectors |
PDF |
| SM2060-4A1 |
600V Blocking Diode w/ MC4 connectors |
SolarMagic Monitoring Systems
The SolarMagic family now includes proven solar system performance monitoring and management solutions, assuring the maximum performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems of all sizes, from residential and commercial systems to utility-scale projects. For more about performance monitoring hardware and software, visit the SolarMagic Monitoring Systems page.
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