National Semiconductor’s SolarMagic optimizers boost small plant output by 22.6%

SolarMagic, the National Semiconductor power optimizer, has returned at 22.6% increase in power output on a 30kW solar system in Oakland, California. One third of the 204 solar panels on the affordable housing project were retrofitted with the SolarMagic optimizers in March 2009, resulting in a 22.6% increase in power output.

The Oak Street Terrace is a 39-unit affordable housing development specifically designed for low-income senior citizens. The solar system was installed by SunEdison in 2005, which also provides power via a power purchase agreement that guarantees residents a low, fixed rate for electricity.

"For over four years, our Oak Street installation has been helping residents pay less for electricity, and the addition of SolarMagic has dramatically boosted system performance," said Jigar Shah, founder of SunEdison. "SolarMagic is helping us get 22.6 percent more power out of the same panels, making the system even more productive and cost-effective.”

Details of the case study can be downloaded here.

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