Brandie Leathers, SMA America
Growing levels of distributed PV in all market segments in the United States have created increased challenges associated with the corresponding grid-integrated power. In areas where solar has grown exponentially in recent years, utility companies and electrical grids need to keep up with the increased volume and the intermittent nature of PV power.
The smart inverter of 2015 must have advanced grid management features to solve these technologically complex challenges. Smart inverters with grid management capabilities are already helping to meet the needs of the utility market. However, the PV market segment is expected to experience the most growth in coming years is the commercial sector, which will require state-of-the-art PV components to combat the effects of increased PV penetration. These devices must bring the sophistication of utility-scale technology to commercial applications. Likewise, in select markets — such as Hawaii — where PV penetration levels have become significant or where modern electrical infrastructure is lacking, grid management functions will be required in residential inverters too.
The suite of grid management features of tomorrow’s smart inverter will be comprehensive and customizable based on local regulations. It will include reactive power with fixed, on-demand or dynamic control, and frequency-dependent power reduction that provides responsive grid stability. Also included will be on-demand power reduction for grid safety management, as well as low-voltage ride-through for complete, dynamic grid support.
Monitoring communications tools that complement the inverter will play a large role in initiating these grid management capabilities. These devices provide reliable monitoring and control of several inverters at a time for larger plants and simple plug-and-play usage for small systems. Myriad sensor connection options allow for precise evaluation. Backstopping these integrated technologies will be a service center capable of actively managing system portfolios, interpreting data to improve performance, and dispatching operation and maintenance crews.
To perform successfully, the smart inverter of 2015 must be extremely reliable and efficient, while also offering design flexibility and enhanced safety. It will have high conversion efficiency and advanced maximum power point tracker (MPPT) algorithms that minimize the effects of shade for maximum energy production. Residential and commercial inverters will feature greater design flexibility through wide input voltage ranges, multiple independent MPPT inputs and the ability to mount the inverter in a variety of ways. They will also be safer with AFCI functionality. The utility sector will leverage products with greater system integration including power conversion, plant control and medium-voltage technologies.
Luckily for installers looking for smart technologies and solutions today, leading PV manufacturers already offer inverters with these functions, which are able to help increase PV penetration on the grid. Regardless of application, the key is to plan for the future while offsetting the challenges of today by choosing an inverter with advanced features and a support team that can make their business goals a reality.
By: Brandie Leathers, Director of Application Engineering and Project Management, SMA America
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