Balance-of-system improvements for photovoltaic applications resulting from the PVMaT Phase 4A1 program

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology Program (PVMaT) began in 1990 as a cost-shared partnership among the photovoltaic industry and the Unites States National Photovoltaic Program. It has been conducted in several phases that were staggered to support technology evolution in the industry. Phase 4A goals broadened the scope of PVMaT resulting in a proposal solicitation that was divided into two parts: (1) Phase 4A1-product-driven system and component technology-with goals to improve system integration, improve component efficiency, and support manufacturing and system or component integration to bring together all elements for a PV product; and (2) Phase 4A2-product-driven PV module manufacturing technology-which addressed PV cell and module manufacturing to maximize the flexibility of applications and to reduce costs for PV products. Of the thirteen awards made in Phase 4A, eight were in 4A1. Developments through these subcontracts include advanced system integration, new and innovative inverter products for a broad range of PV applications and product modifications intended to result in improved reliability and reduced manufacturing costs. This paper summarizes the research, development and progress under phase 4A1.