AC solar module assembly underway in North Queensland

In an Australian first, Evolve Energy this week commenced the local assembly of smart grid enabled AC solar modules.  These AC solar modules consist of a conventional photovoltaic solar panel combined with a high efficiency smart grid enabled micro-inverter.

Each AC solar module produces electricity at 240 volts and the modules simply plug together and connect directly into the consumer’s switchboard.  The metering arrangement is similar to that used for conventional DC solar systems.

The smart AC solar modules are capable of generating both active power (Watts) and reactive power (vars).  Its expected that by remotely controlling the amount and type of power generated by the solar array, the problems that large numbers of PV systems can cause within electricity distribution networks can be managed.   The reactive power can be generated at the same time as the real power, and can be supplied 24 hours a day.

Following on from the success of a recent trial of these modules on Magnetic Island, the locally assembled smart AC solar modules are being deployed as part of a medium-scale deployment of the technology to assess its potential to reduce the impact of PV systems on the electricity distribution network.

AC solar modules are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the US however the technology is relatively new to the Australian market.  The use of AC solar modules eliminates the electrical hazards associated with the high DC voltages present on many conventional solar systems.  AC solar systems are able to be installed in less time than conventional PV systems due to their significantly reduced component count.  The energy generated by AC Solar systems can also be significantly higher than for a similarly sized conventional DC solar system due to module-level maximum power point tracking and reduced susceptibility to shading.  AC Solar systems are typically monitored at individual module level, which provides a greater level of visibility over the performance of the system.  A unique feature of AC solar systems is that one or more additional modules can be added at any time in the future, and can be placed at any angle to the sun without affecting the performance of other modules.

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