Operation of a 10 kW PV facade with 100 W AC photovoltaic modules

Modular design of photovoltaic systems has a great significance in the built environment as well as for private customers. Several approaches of PV modules with integrated small inverters (AC modules) have been discussed in the past. ZSW developed AC-modules for an industrial company, which are in the meantime commercially available. For the first time a PV plant on the basis of only AC modules was put into operation. The 10 kW PV plant was realized with 102 AC modules in the facade of a mechanical multi-storey car park of a private investor. This contribution summarizes experiences with realization, installation and start of operation of the PV facade with AC modules. AC modules minimize losses due partial shading in comparison to a conventional plant layout. With a low cost interface and built-in data acquisition functions in each inverter, plant behaviour can be controlled in detail.