Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of SMA SHADEFIX.
(1) What is SMA ShadeFix?
(2) How does SMA ShadeFix work?
(3) What distinguishes SMA ShadeFix from conventional power optimizers?
(4) What is the difference between SMA ShadeFix and OptiTrac Global Peak?
(5) In which products is SMA ShadeFix integrated?
(6) When will the SMA ShadeFix feature be visible in the inverters?
(7) How is SMA ShadeFix activated in the inverter?
(8) How can I learn more about SMA ShadeFix?
(1) What is SMA ShadeFix?
SMA ShadeFix is our software-based shade management system. Commonly this feature is used in systems with light to medium shading. Energy yields are optimized without adding any further components to the system or PV modules. SMA ShadeFix is already integrated in each SMA string inverter and activated automatically during commissioning. There are no additional costs because SMA ShadeFix is an integral part of the operation management of all SMA string inverters.
(2) How does SMA ShadeFix work?
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 string inverters use the best possible energy supply from the PV modules at all times to increase yields in shaded systems.
(3) What distinguishes SMA ShadeFix from conventional power optimizers?
SMA ShadeFix optimizes 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 in SMA string inverters. As with conventional power optimizers, additional installation efforts are not required. The advantage of this is a minimized 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 each SMA string inverter. Further acquisition costs, as with other power optimizers, are no longer necessary and the amortization period of the system is not unnecessarily extended.
(4) What is the difference between SMA ShadeFix and OptiTrac Global Peak?
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.
(5) In which products is SMA ShadeFix integrated?
SMA ShadeFix is available in all current SMA string inverters. 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.
(6) When will the SMA ShadeFix feature be visible in the inverters?
From September 2019, all service-capable SMA string 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.
(7) How is SMA ShadeFix activated in the inverter?
The feature is activated by default in current SMA string 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.
(8) How can I learn more about SMA ShadeFix?
More information is available at www.sma.de/shadefix.