Using Auto-stringing: A step by step guide

Solargraf's new "Auto Stringing" feature streamlines the process of automatically connecting individual solar panels into strings, a critical step in solar array design that directly affects system performance.

This feature is primarily designed for systems using string inverters, which require panels to be connected in series to form strings. Because microinverter systems assign an individual inverter to each panel, eliminating the need for complex stringing calculations, the direct impact of auto-stringing is less pronounced.

String inverter

Within Solar design tab, after panel placement,

• Click the stringing icon and select "Auto stringing" (or use the shortcut "Option + B" on Mac or "ALT + B" on Windows).
• A dialog box appears. Select the string inverter and (optionally) optimizer you want to use (if not already selected in the design). Note: If you've already pre-selected these components in the design, you can simply verify them in the dialog box.
• Once you've made your selections, click "Run auto stringing” button.
• Solargraf automatically creates optimal strings within seconds, maximizing energy output and minimizing project costs by optimizing string number and length within structural and electrical limits. It also determines the number and placement of inverters.
• You can manually adjust the generated strings or inverter positions if needed.
• Solargraf will immediately notify you of any electrical validation issues, allowing you to correct them and rerun the auto-stringing tool.

• Choose auto stringing option.

• Select the string inverter and (optionally) optimizer.

Auto stringing output - Optimal strings

Electrical Validation error

Microinverter

Within Solar design tab or electrical design tab, after panels and microinverters placement,

• Click the stringing icon and select "Auto stringing" (or use the shortcut "Option + B" on Mac or "ALT + B" on Windows).
• A dialog box appears with the pre-selected microinverter. Verify it and run auto stringing.
• You can also change the microinverter model if desired at this stage.
• Solargraf automatically connects microinverters into optimal parallel branches within seconds, optimizing the number and length of branches within structural and electrical limits.
• You can manually adjust the generated branches or microinverter placement if needed. This branching is the first step in generating Single Line Diagrams (SLDs).

• Choose auto stringing option.

• Verify the microinverter selected and run auto stringing.

Auto stringing output - Optimal parallel branches

While auto-stringing's primary benefit is streamlining series connections for string inverters, it also simplifies parallel connections in microinverter systems, essential for SLD generation within Solargraf's Electrical Design tab.