PV array
PV array
Compared with a single, central inverter, multiple inverter photovoltaic (PV) systems are considered to produce higher system energy yields by reducing mismatch losses within dc strings. This paper considers, from an economic viewpoint, whether multiple inverter systems can ever be justified for PV systems < 5kWp. Analysis of a 7.2 kWp test façade configured with string and central inverters indicates that the mismatch reductions that can be achieved do not compensate for the additional capital cost of a multiple inverter installation. In addition, unless the mean time to failure of inverters approaches that of the 25 year lifetime of the dc side of the PV system, the economics of small scale grid connected PV will remain difficult, even when the cost of PV component falls.
inverter, system sizing, economics photovoltaics
1179-1188
James, P.A.B.
da0be14a-aa63-46a7-8646-a37f9a02a71b
Bahaj, A.S.
a64074cc-2b6e-43df-adac-a8437e7f1b37
Braid, R.M.
ee314b15-09a6-415d-947a-e2850e7d4daa
2006
James, P.A.B.
da0be14a-aa63-46a7-8646-a37f9a02a71b
Bahaj, A.S.
a64074cc-2b6e-43df-adac-a8437e7f1b37
Braid, R.M.
ee314b15-09a6-415d-947a-e2850e7d4daa
Abstract
Compared with a single, central inverter, multiple inverter photovoltaic (PV) systems are considered to produce higher system energy yields by reducing mismatch losses within dc strings. This paper considers, from an economic viewpoint, whether multiple inverter systems can ever be justified for PV systems < 5kWp. Analysis of a 7.2 kWp test façade configured with string and central inverters indicates that the mismatch reductions that can be achieved do not compensate for the additional capital cost of a multiple inverter installation. In addition, unless the mean time to failure of inverters approaches that of the 25 year lifetime of the dc side of the PV system, the economics of small scale grid connected PV will remain difficult, even when the cost of PV component falls.
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Published date: 2006
Keywords:
inverter, system sizing, economics photovoltaics
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Local EPrints ID: 39453
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/39453
ISSN: 0038-092X
PURE UUID: f3ec1f20-af8e-4607-b150-7647c7127816
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Date deposited: 29 Jun 2006
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 02:45
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Author:
R.M. Braid
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