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SolarEdge S optimizers: installer guide

Autor: Paweł Iżykowski | 9/25/25 3:36 PM

SolarEdge S-Series: a complete installer's guide

Models, parameters, SafeDC™ and Sense Connect, meaning of designations (M4M/MYM/MXM/MZM, RM/BM/BV/BT/BWD, 1G/1D) and practical design tips. The study is based solely on official SolarEdge materials.

 

Model overview (EU)

Residential (1:1 - one module per optimizer)

  • S440 - for typical ~440 W modules (Voc up to 60 V).
  • S500 - for ~500 W modules (Voc up to 60 V).
  • S500B - high-power, bifacial variant; higher allowable input voltage, 80 V output.
  • S650A - 650 W variant with higher output voltage (~110 V); see table.
  • S650B - 650 W variant, bifacial with 80 V output; EU standard; see table.

Commercial (2:1 - two modules per optimizer)

  • S1000 - for a pair of ~2×500 W modules; longer inputs facilitate pairing.
  • S1200 - for a pair of modules ~2×600 W; higher output current.
  • S1400 - for a pair of modules ~2×700 W; longer strings

Note: always check the exact values (Voc/Isc, MPPT ranges, cable lengths) in the current datasheet of the respective SKU and regional version for EU.

Comparison tables

 

Residential (1:1)

 

Model Rated Input DC Power Voc max (input) MPPT range Isc of module (max) Vout max Iout max Output (type.)
S440 440 W 60 V 8-60 V 14,5 A 60 V 15 A (+) ~2.3 m / (-) ~0.1 m
S500 500 W 60 V 8-60 V 15 A 60 V 15 A (+) ~2.3 m / (-) ~0.1 m
S500B 650 W 125 V 12,5-105 V 15 A 80 V 15 A (+) ~2.3 m / (-) ~0.1 m
S650A 650 W ~85 V 12,5-~85 V 15 A ~110 V 15 A (+) ~2.3 m / (-) ~0.1 m
S650B 650 W ~85 V 12,5-~85 V 15 A 80 V 15 A (+) ~2.3 m / (-) ~0.1 m

 

Commercial (2:1)

 

Model Total input power Voc max MPPT range Isc of module (max) Vout max Iout max Input (2 wires) Output
S1000 ~1100 W (2×~500 W) 125 V 12,5-105 V up to 20 A 80 V 18 A ~0.1 m + ~1.3 m (+) ~4.7 m / (-) ~0.1 m
S1200 ~1300 W (2×~600 W) 125 V 12,5-105 V up to 20 A 80 V 20 A ~0.1 m + ~1.6 m (+) ~5.3 m / (-) ~0.1 m
S1400 ~1400 W (2×~700 W) 125 V ~12-105+ V up to 20 A 80 V up to ~24 A ~0.1 m + ~1.8 m (variants) different variants

Practice: input/output cable lengths vary between SKUs - select variant under module layout and cable route.

Markings in model names - how to read them

 

Codes 1G/1D/1R

1G, 1D, 1R - SolarEdge does not publish an official definition of these abbreviations. Consider them as internal version/SKU designations that do not change performance.

Input cables (length)

 

M4M / MYM / MXM / MZM

  • M4M - variant with short input wires (approx. 0.1 m).
  • MYM / MXM / MZM - variants with longer input wires (typically about 1.3 m / 1.6 m / 1.8 m - lengths depend on model and SKU).

Important: SolarEdge does not publish a single table assigning letters to specific meters. However, the documents show that these codes are used to distinguish input wiring variants; exact lengths are listed in the table of the respective model/SKU.

Type of mount - RM / BM mount

  • RM - rail-mount; flat mount
  • BM - bracket-mount; frame-mount/curved bracket ("bent bracket" variant).


MC4 connector compatibility:

  • SolarEdge recommends using identical connectors on both sides of the connection (optimizer - PV module). The most common are Staubli MC4 or compatible MC4-EVO2.

  • Amphenol H4 and UTX are mentioned in SolarEdge documents, but in practice they refer to the P-series (Power Optimizers), not the S-series.

  • Canadian Solar T4 and Trina TS4 appear in the technical note tables, but are not standard on S-series optimizers for the European market.

  • If a connector type other than MC4 is used (e.g., Amphenol in the P-series), the manufacturer requires a compatibility report and independent testing - otherwise the SolarEdge warranty may not cover problems arising from these connectors.

Application for S-series (EU): in practice, only optimizers with MC4/MC4-EVO2 connectors are available, and these should be relied upon. This is also a condition that often appears in warranty documents and insurers' requirements.

Design guidelines

 

  • Chain uniformity: S1400 - only with S1400; S1200 - do not mix with other models; run S1000 and S1200 in separate chains.
  • Cable lengths and directions: select SKUs so that the longer cable (often "+") reaches the next device in the string lead.
  • Output currents: S1200 to 20 A, S1400 to ~24 A - confirm compatibility on the inverter side (use neutral-link according to SE recommendations in case of integrated DC fuses).
  • Module power selection: do not exceed the declared input power of the optimizer (small tolerance allowed); always verify with current data sheet information.
  • Designer: for better verification of circuits use SolarEdge Designer - takes into account min/max numbers of optimizers, voltages, currents and tolerances. If you need help then our specialist will verify / prepare the design for you to ensure correct operation of the circuit.
  • Compatibility of connectors: the safest and preferred option: use the same connectors (the same manufacturer and type) in the module and in the optimizer, check if they are compatible with each other. If not - ask the module manufacturer if it has documentation confirming that modules can be combined with optimizers, along with Solaredge's required compatibility report and independent tests.

Security features

 

SafeDC™

In standby mode, each S-Series device reduces the output voltage to approximately 1 V per optimizer, significantly improving service and fire safety.

Sense Connect

Technology monitors the condition of DC connectors (temperature/contact resistance), detecting loose or overheating connections. For variants with long input cables, sensors operate on the output side of the optimizer.

Summary

The S SolarEdge series covers a generation of optimizers - from compact 1:1 models (S440-S650A/B) to 2:1 variants for C&I (S1000-S1400). Key features include: SafeDC™, Sense Connect, informed selection of cable variants(M4M/MYM/MXM/MZM) and mounting(RM/BM/BV/BT/BWD), and the principle of not mixing selected models in one chain. Always confirm technical details and cable lengths in the current SolarEdge data sheet for a specific SKU or in the Solaredge designer - https://designer.solaredge.com/

Sources

  • Data sheets for the S - Residential series (S440 / S500 / S500B / S650A / S650B) - EU/ROW versions.
  • Data sheets for the S - Commercial series (S1000 / S1200 / S1400) - ROW/EU versions.
  • SolarEdge application notes and installation guides (SafeDC™, Sense Connect, wire lengths, "Ordering Information").
  • SolarEdge official product pages for S-Series (EU) models.

Disclaimer: for the 1G/1D abbreviations and some of the mounting designations(BV/BT/BWD), SolarEdge does not publish a detailed legend; the content uses neutral descriptions and indicates the need to verify with the ordering tables of the SKU in question.

Prepared based on official SolarEdge materials. For design concerns, always verify recommendations in SolarEdge Designer or have us do it for you!
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