After setting up a module layout, you can divide the modules into a number of string groups. A string group is defined as a set of modules in an area that may be strung together if they also share the same azimuth.

So, a string group is not exactly the same as a string. A string group could represent multiple strings.

Creating string groups will mitigate the effects of shading on the modules. If no string groups are defined, the most shaded module within an installation area is used to calculate shade loss for all modules in that area. By creating string groups, shaded modules only affect the yield of the string group where they are part of.

In practice this means:

• If shading effects are limited, you don’t need to divide the modules in string groups.
• You may create one or two string groups to exclude the most shaded modules from the rest of the system, while leaving all other (unshaded) modules in one other string group.
• When your layout and inverter configuration is definitive, you may create string groups according to the desired string plan, to get the most accurate yield calculations.
• When multiple strings are connected to a single MPPT, they will share the same yields. This means that all these modules should be within the same string group.

Creating and editing string groups goes like this:

• Create a string group by selecting the modules and clicking ‘Create new group from selection’. This will then add the first string group, and show how many modules it contains as well as how many modules are unassigned.
• After creating one or more string groups, you can select modules and either click ‘Remove selection from group’, to take the selected modules out of the string group they are in.
• Selected modules can also be added to other existing groups, by clicking the ‘+’ button next to one of the string groups. 
• The ‘bin’ button lets you delete a complete string group.

Of course you can. This works perfectly fine.

String Groups are designed for ultimate flexibility so as not to enforce time consuming string plans in Helios unless they are necessary.

In future, Helios string functionality will grow in scope and power. If you have any requests please feel free to let us know.

It is important to make realistic string groups, otherwise it will not be possible to complete the string plan. A valid string plan must be created prior to submitting registration for Autarco’s guarantees.

Actual monitoring data will be used to verify the accuracy of the string plans and guarantees will not be issued if actual data does not match the expectations based on the string plan.

See String Plans for more information.