Onsite Power Optimizer Troubleshooting

When Should You Use this Procedure?

This procedure describes how to test a Power Optimizer that does not produce power or is not recognized by the SolarEdge Inverter.
Each step in the process includes taking a voltage, current or resistance measurement. As in multiple troubleshooting processes, once a measurement result is in the correct range or criteria- you should proceed to the next step until the issue is located.

What tools are needed?

a. Multimeter
b. Current clamp

Test Procedure

• Step 1
  Pairing
  If the Power Optimizer is not recognized by the inverter, initiate the Pairing process. After pairing is complete, wait 15 minutes for the inverter to try and recognize all the Power Optimizers.

• Step 2
  Test Power Production
  Test if the Power Optimizer is producing power by using a Current Clamp on the input cables and check for current.

Before you proceed, switch the Inverter ON/OFF switch to OFF and wait until the DC voltage drops below 50V. 

Test Power Optimizer connection and output voltage

• Step 3
  Check Polarity
  Check that the Power Optimizer is not connected in a reverse polarity or has a loose connector. If you find a reverse polarity connection or a loose connection, fix the connection and try pairing again. 

• Step 4
  Measure output voltage
  If the connection is OK: Disconnect the Power Optimizer from the string (not from the module) and measure the output voltage of the Power Optimizer:
  
  Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) output connector and (–) probe to the optimizer (–) output connector
  
  If 𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 < 𝟎.9𝑽 - Replace the Power Optimizer
  If 𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 > 𝟏.1𝑽 - Replace the Power Optimizer

Test the Power Optimizer resistance

• Step 5
  Resistance test
  If 𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 is correct (in range 𝟎.9v to 𝟏.1 v), disconnect the Power Optimizer from the string and module and perform the following Resistance tests.
  If any of the following tests show under 100 Ω, replace the Power Optimizer:

• Step 6
  Input resistance test
  Test the Input (short Power Optimizer cables): Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) input connector and (–) probe to the Power Optimizer (–) input connector

• Step 7
  Output resistance test
  Test the Output (Power Optimizer long cables): Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) output connector and (–) probe to the Power Optimizer (–) output connector

Test the PV module output voltage (Voc)

• Step 8
  Measure module voltage
  Measure the Voc (output voltage) of the module and compare the results to the module datasheet - a different value means there is an issue with the module. 

Diode Test

• Step 9
  Input Side Diode Test
  Switch your multimeter to "Diode Test Mode",
  Test the Input (short Power Optimizer cables ): Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) input connector and (–) probe to the Power Optimizer (-) input connector.
  The correct voltage reading should be ~1.0V.

• Step 10
  Input Side Diode Test - Reverse Polarity
  Test the Input: Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimizer (-) input connector and (–) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) input connector.
  The correct voltage reading should be O.L (open circuit).

• Step 11
  Output Side Diode Test
  Test the Output (long Power Optimizer cables ): Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimize (+) output connector, and (–) probe to the Power Optimizer (-) output connector.
  The correct voltage reading should be ~0.5V

• Step 12
  Output Side Diode Test - Reverse Polarity
  Test the Output: Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimizer (-) output connector, and (–) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) output connector.
  The correct voltage reading should be O.L (open circuit)

• Step 12
  Output-Input Diode Test
  Test the Input-Output: Connect the (+) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) input connector and (–) probe to the Power Optimizer (+) output.
  The correct voltage reading should be O.L (open circuit)