Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Plants: An Alternative Energy Source, Replacing Conventional Sources

Large photovoltaic (PV) plants are being built all over the world, commonly having ratings up to 1 MW and reaching the level of 250 MW. These plants could be an alternative energy source, replacing conventional sources and solving humanity?s energy dilemma. However, the associated electronic systems, mainly inverters used for interfacing with the grid, have to solve some problems related to the operation in the electric distribution system. They should be reliable, robust, and manageable. This article presents and discusses the most critical points existing in actual inverters, summarizing, explaining, and proposing approaches to solve or mitigate them.