SolarEdge S500B power optimiser S500B-1GM4MBM500W high-voltage module optimiser with bent bracket

Overview

The S500B-1GM4MBM is the bent-bracket version of the SolarEdge S500B residential power optimiser. It is rated 500W per module, or 550W for installations after 1 April 2024, and accepts modules with up to 125V open-circuit voltage and 15A Isc over a 12.5–105V MPPT range, so it covers high-voltage and large-format modules beyond the S440's 60V limit. Output is up to 15A at 80V. Strings on a 230/400V three-phase inverter take 14 to 50 units. The 790g IP68 housing measures 129×165×45mm and derates above +75°C.

• One optimiser per module, 99.5% maximum efficiency
• S440 for modules up to 60V Voc
• S500B up to 125V Voc, S650A up to 650W
• 1V safety voltage per optimiser when the inverter is off
• IP68, -40…+85°C, MC4 connectors
• 25-year warranty

How it works

Each S-Series optimiser is a DC/DC converter fitted to one PV module. It tracks that module's maximum power point and feeds a series string that the SolarEdge inverter holds at a fixed voltage, so mismatch from manufacturing tolerance, partial shading or soiling stays local. The optimisers send module-level data to the monitoring platform and drop to a safe 1V each when the inverter is switched off or disconnected, which SolarEdge calls SafeDC. They also detect abnormal behaviour of the PV connectors.

Key features

The S440 is rated 440W, or 490W with 15A module Isc for installations after 1 April 2024, and accepts up to 60V Voc. The S500B is rated 500W, or 550W after the same date, with a 12.5–105V MPPT range and 125V Voc limit. The S650A, for SolarEdge three-phase Home Wave and Home Hub inverters, takes 650W and up to 80V Voc. All three handle 15A output current, reach 99.5% peak efficiency and work with bifacial modules.

Installation and compatibility

On a 230/400V three-phase inverter, strings take 16 to 50 S440 units or 14 to 50 S500B units, with 11,250W continuous and up to 13,500W connected per string when strings differ by 2,000W or less. Single-phase Home Wave inverters accept 8 to 25 S440 or 6 to 25 S500B units. The S650A runs 10 to 38 per string and may not share an inverter with any other optimiser type, while S-Series and P-Series optimisers may not be mixed in one string in new installations.

Mounting and cabling

The optimiser is fixed with a single bolt to the racking or module frame; the S440 has a flat bracket, while the S500B comes with a flat (S500B-1GM4MRM) or bent (S500B-1GM4MBM) bracket. Input cables are 0.1m long and the output has 2.3m on the plus side. Extension cables between module and optimiser may total no more than 1.8m. Keep the clearance specified for heat dissipation; power is derated above +85°C for the S440 and above +75°C for the S500B and S650A.

Questions and answers