Inverter configuration

Introduction

 At this stage, you have set up your inverters in the Component library, and selected and placed them in your layout. 
This article details how to configure them during the electrical design process.

To start, you can select between two Configuration options:  

• With MPPTs
• Basic

Then, depending on the level of control and customization you need, you have different options for String distribution and String assignment:

• Equal / Chronological
• Automatic (Auto) / Manual

In addition, depending on your preferences, the menu allows you to:

• Edit string labels 
• Highlight unassigned strings
• Print MPPTs
• Color your layout components

You can see more details about each setup in the article sections below.  
 

Configuration

Basic configuration

The Basic configuration assumes that you want to use generic inverters without any MPPT inputs — just with a simple string configuration.
This setup suits simple designs with generic inverters, ideal for consistent solar conditions due to simplified wiring and lower costs. 
Its efficiency can be affected by varying panel conditions like shading. This is because the weakest panel influences the string's output. However, it's still suitable for smaller systems with uniform sunlight.

With MPPTs

Ideal for detailed electrical design, inverter configuration With MPPTs allows selection of MPPTs and inputs per inverter. 
MPPT configuration is more sophisticated, optimizing each panel's output, crucial for varying conditions like partial shading, preventing underperformance from affecting the entire string, and increasing energy yield. Though slightly more expensive initially, long-term energy production gains often make it more economical for larger, complex, or less consistently exposed projects.

Once you have assigned strings, they will be distributed to MPPTs based on the:

• String size
• String direction (E/W)

In the brackets (e.g.16) you will be able to see the string size (module quantity).
 

You can edit the number of MPPTs, the inputs per inverter, and the rest of the electrical parameters of your inverters in the Component library. 

String distribution

There are two string distribution options you can choose from:

• Equal
• Chronological

Equal string distribution

This option prioritizes the use of all available MPPTs, and distributes strings evenly across all inputs. 

The string assignment process consists of the following steps: 

1. Initial balance: Assigning one string to every available MPPT
2. Balanced filling: Distributing the remaining strings across all MPPTs, prioritizing strings with the same length for optimal performance
3. Proximity optimization: Grouping strings that are physically closest to the inverter

This option optimizes your system by maximizing inverter utilization, since no MPPT input is left unused. 

Chronological string distribution

This option fills MPPTs sequentially. This means that the system will attempt to fill each MPPT to its maximum capacity before moving on to the next available MPPT.

A direct consequence of this sequential filling approach is that it can often lead to certain MPPT inputs being left unused. This can occur, for instance, if the total number of modules or strings available for connection does not perfectly align with the exact capacity required to fully populate all MPPT inputs. In such scenarios, the remaining, unfilled capacity will simply be skipped, resulting in those specific inputs on the last partially filled or subsequent MPPTs being idle.

String assignment

To assign strings to your inverters, you have two options to choose from:

• Automatic string assignment (Auto): The selected strings are automatically assigned to the selected inverters.
• Manual string assignment: You need to manually assign the selected strings to your selected inverters.

• Automatic string assignment (Auto): The selected strings are automatically distributed to the selected inverters.
• Manual string assignment: You need to manually assign the selected strings to your selected inverters.

You can assign strings to all inverters at once or to one specific inverter at a time (recommended option). See the steps for each option below. 

Option 1: One inverter at a time 

To assign a string to a specific inverter:

1. Select the inverter
2. Click Assign strings
3. Select the strings
4. Press Space or Enter to finalize the selection

The selected strings will be assigned to the selected inverter.
 

Option 2: All inverters

To assign all strings to all inverters at once:

1. Click the Select all checkbox
2. Click Assign strings
3. Select the strings once prompted
4. Click Space or Enter to finalize the selection

The strings will be assigned to inverters.

Unassign and swap strings

Regardless of the configuration you have selected, you can unassign strings at any point. Using the corresponding Unassign button, you can: 

• Unassign all strings from an inverter

• Unassign a specific string from an inverter 

If you have selected the configuration with MPPTs, you can also edit a string, moving it to another inverter. To do so, use the Swap button. This will trigger a window to pop up, where you’ll be able to edit your preferences: 

Print MPPTs

As soon as the strings are assigned to the inverters you can print all information about your inverters configuration. To print your MPPT’s connections:

1. Click on Print MPPTs.
2. Left-click and place the table at a desired location.

String labels

You can adjust the naming of your devices, using the Edit labels feature:

1. Click Edit labels — a new window will pop up

2. Click on any selected name and change it
3. Click Update to apply the changes

Coloring

Coloring your layout allows you to keep it visually organized. 
You can color your strings in a few steps:

1. Click String (next to Color by)
2. Choose your preferred color from the Select color pop-up
3. Click OK to finalize the selection

You can add more colors by clicking the plus sign, or remove colors by clicking the minus sign (at the top right corner of the color squares). 

You can also color the modules that are connected to the inverter. To color the modules that are connected to the inverter:

1. Click Inverter (next to Color by)
2. Click on the color square; then choose your preferred color from the Select color pop-up
3. Click OK to finalize the selection

The modules will be colored in the specified color.