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