Solar energy application examples

DC/DC boost converter

The DC/DC boost converter scales up the output voltage of the solar panel to the level of the DC link voltage. Depending on the incidence of light on the solar cells, the MPP tracker (Maximum Power Point) controls the operating point in such a way that the product of output current and output voltage is the maximum possible (highest efficiency). The DC link voltage is converted by an inverter with IGBTs or power MOSFETs into AC voltage, and is then fed, as single- or three-phase, into the low-voltage mains system, or, via a transformer, into the medium-voltage system. 

PV systems for island operation with stand-alone inverters are not coupled to the energy grid and work independently or are synchronised with other power generators, such as diesel generators or wind power plants and energy storage units.

System designs using hybrid inverters are currently gaining in importance. These have battery storage connected to the DC link via a DC/DC converter. This allows for "private consumption", i.e. it is not compulsory for excess energy produced to be recovered by the utility companies, and systems with very high output can also contribute to support the grid. Depending on the solar panel area, output, light conditions and application, solar cells and solar inverters are interconnected differently, resulting in different inverter structures.

Module inverter

A single-phase inverter with low output is connected to each individual solar module. This model is used for sub-arrays with extremely varied orientation and shading, such as on vehicles.

String inverter

Single-phase inverter with MPP tracker for typical outputs ranging from 0.5 kW to 5 kW for a string of solar panels connected in series. These are widely used in rooftop photovoltaic systems on private dwellings. Many different, occasionally specialised topologies are used here.