A multi-objective study for down selection of a micro-inverter topology for residential applications

Micro-inverter based photovoltaic (PV) systems now represent about 8% of the U.S. residential market, and offer many advantages including safety, performance, and simplified installation. This paper presents a detailed trade-off study of micro-inverter circuit topologies. In addition to standard criteria of efficiency, reliability and cost, this study takes into account grid Volt/VAR support functions of each topology. The trade-off study concludes in the identification of a new micro-inverter architecture with high efficiency and Volt/VAR support capability suitable for application over a wide range of PV module technologies.