Question

It is standard practice for PV designers to specify an inverter which has a LOWER power rating than the maximum output of the PV array. Give TWO (2) reasons why this may benefit the design.

Answer 1

Two reasons are:

1)One of the prominent reason is that the actual Power generated at PV cells is Derated or get reduced by 20% with respect to 100% standard operating conditions , so Inverter has to be made of lower rating than actual power rating so that it should work efficiently with respect to power input from PV cell units .

So, PV array will rarely deliver its rated power, sizing an inverter to match that PV typical peak power can make better use of the inverter’s AC output capacity.

2) The output power cost will get reduced significantly with optimum and lower rated inverters than PV array as required output capacity will be better utilised and optimum number of inverter will be required to operate solar plant and hence giving max power at minimum cost !!

**Please rate!!