Photovoltaic inverter efficiency test method

What is a test protocol for inverter efficiency?

Sandia National Laboratories and BEW have worked together to develop a test protocol to measure inverter efficiency as a function of AC output power and DC voltage. This protocol has been adopted by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and any inverter used in a CEC approved PV system must be tested by an independent lab to this protocol.

How to analyze solar power efficiency and inverter efficiency?

With the growing use of PV systems, interest in their operation and maintenance (O&M) is increasing. In this regard, analyses of power generation efficiency and inverter efficiency are very important. The first step in efficiency analysis is solar power estimation based on environment sensor data.

How efficient is a PV inverter?

The first one was the effect of the duration of inverter operations. Analysis of the operation of a PV system that has been operating four years showed an annual average inverter efficiency of 0.90, almost equal to the manufacturer’s specification of 0.91.

What is inverter efficiency analysis model?

The inverter efficiency analysis model was used to determine the real time inverter efficiency during the operation of PV system, and to identify the proper maintenance time.

Why is inverter efficiency important in the photovoltaic industry?

The photovoltaic (PV) industry is an important part of the renewable energy industry. With the growing use of PV systems, interest in their operation and maintenance (O&M) is increasing. In this regard, analyses of power generation efficiency and inverter efficiency are very important.

Does PV module technology affect inverter efficiency?

The second analysis investigated the effect of the power input from different types of PV module technology. The study showed that the inverter connected to p-Si PV modules operated the highest efficiency at 0.91. However, detailed analyses showed that PV module technology had less or minimal impact on inverter efficiency.