PVUSA operations experience with Trace Technologies PV inverters

The Photovoltaics for Utility Scale Application (PVUSA) project was established to demonstrate photovoltaic (PV) systems in grid-connected applications. One of PVUSA's key objectives is to evaluate the performance, reliability, and cost of the PV balance of system (BOS) components. Power conditioning units (PCUs) are the interface between the DC PV arrays and the AC utility lines, and have proven the most critical element in grid-connected PV systems. This paper discusses general principles of operation, measured performance, and operating experience with several 100 to 225 kW grid-connected PV inverters manufactured by Trace Technologies Corporation (TTC; formerly known as Kenetech Windpower, Inc.) and owned by PVUSA and others. These comparatively new units are notable for their wide input voltage range and straightforward operation.