Inside inverters. How they work, and what is on the market

In this article the author takes a timely look at the latest trends in the inverter market, and discusses some of the irregularities in global grid regulations that affect these essential elements of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The inverter is by far the most complicated part of a PV system, as it has a wider range of functions to perform than any other component in the system. The inverter has to act as the interface between the PV modules, the load and the grid (or batteries). It also has to cope with variations in the electricity it receives due to varying levels of solar radiation, varying loads and varying grid voltages. The inverter takes most of the burden of meeting the complicated sets of regulations relating to electrical safety and power quality. These regulations vary from country to country, making the job of inverter manufacturers many times more complicated that they would be in an ideal world. The author goes into some detail about the regulation differences in Europe and the USA, market trends and the future for inverters is also discussed