Tokyo Metropolitan Government Certifies SolarEdge's Residential Power Optimizers as "Solar Power Generation System with Superior Functionality"

April 21, 2023 – SolarEdge Technologies Japan K.K. (Head Office: Yokohama, Japan Masa Sato Country head, hereinafter 'SolarEdge' ) announced today that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has certified SolarEdge’s 7 model of residential Power Optimizers as “a solar power generation system with superior functionality²” (Hereinafter ’Functional PV) as of 31 March. SolarEdge Power Optimizers will be eligible for additional subsidies¹ under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's projects to promote the introduction of “zero-emission housing, support the introduction of specific projects” and “expand the spread of disaster-resistant”, “health-conscious”, insulated and solar homes from 2023.  The upper subsidy amount for functional PV as peripheral equipment (PV output optimization products) is up to JPY 20,000/kW.
 
SolarEdge's power optimizers maximize the power generation of each module through MLPE (Module-Level Power Electronic) technology, and mismatch losses of all types of solar modules due to shadowing, dirt, manufacturing tolerances and ageing of the solar module. It reduces and overcomes the challenges of conventional power conditioners, where the entire system is affected by modules with low power output. In addition, as each module operates independently, modules placed on different sides of the solar radiation can be connected to the same string³. This allows more modules to be installed than would normally be the case.

SolarEdge Power Optimiser Features:

• MPPT (maximum power point tracking control) works on a module-by-module basis to optimize output
• Highly flexible string design for complex roof shapes.
• Safety features per module
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government List of certified photovoltaic systems with excellent functionality (selected Solar Edge products) Category: peripherals PV output optimisation (PDF)

• SolarEdge products adapted to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Notes on the installation of photovoltaic systems with excellent functionality.(Category: peripheral equipment PV output optimisation）

¹ The Tokyo Metropolitan Government established and expanded various support measures in FY2023 to promote energy conservation and increase the introduction of renewable energy in housing, etc., in order to realize the Carbon Half by 2030 and to ensure the smooth implementation of the Building Environmental Reporting System, which will be implemented in April 2025. This time, the support measures are part of these measures.
² Detailed information, see Cool Net Tokyo's 'Certification of photovoltaic systems with superior functionality'.
³ A lumped circuit of solar modules connected in series.

When the string is composed of different azimuths

With typical power conditioners, connecting modules of different orientations in the same string causes an output mismatch, resulting in lower power generation efficiency. Solar Edge power conditioners and power optimizers meet the requirements of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government when used in combination with Solar Edge power conditioners and power optimizers to configure strings in different orientations.

When permanent partial shadows occur

In a typical power conditioner, the performance of all modules is affected by the lowest output module due to shadows and other effects. In Solar Edge systems, MLPE technology ensures that the power output of each module is always maximized without the influence of the module with the lowest output, thus meeting the requirements of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in cases of permanent partial shadows.