System Integration

New inverter technologies offer installers the choice of central of distributed systems for PV arrays. Deciding which system is the most optimal to use isn’t always based on the size of a solar system, writes Alvaro Zanon.

A next-generation PV plant architecture based on increasing direct current system voltage from 1,000VDC to 1,500VDC holds the promise of a more cost-effective and productive utility-scale plant due to lower installation and maintenance costs. Mahesh Morjaria, Kevin Collins and Michael Stavish of First Solar and Greg Ball of DNV-KEMA Renewables explore some of the challenges associated with the development of the technology and the efforts to address some of those challenges.

PV modules are commonly installed with mechanical fixings. But as installers look to drive down system costs, structural bonding is emerging as a reliable and cost-effective alternative, writes Michael Niederfuehr.