Inverter

General Description

The Functional Profile Category Inverter is used for devices that convert direct current (DC) as produced by a photovoltaic array (PVA) or a Battery into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used be a local, off-grid electrical network. It is a critical system component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary AC-powered equipment.

PV-Inverter have special functions adapted for use with photovoltaic arrays, including maximum power point tracking and anti-islanding protection.

Battery backup inverters are special inverters which are designed to draw energy from a battery, manage the battery charge via an onboard charger, and export excess energy to the utility grid. These inverters are capable of supplying AC energy to selected loads during a utility outage.

SmartGridready provides an Inverter Functional Profile that allows Modbus communication with the Product device based on the SunSpec specification.

SunSpec

The current Functional Profile targets Modbus devices that are SunSpec compliant. The Modbus SunSpec Specification defines a standardized way to communicate with and monitor solar and energy systems using the Modbus protocol. It is published by the SunSpec Alliance, an industry consortium that promotes interoperability among distributed energy components.

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

This function ensures the inverter continuously adjusts the electrical operating point of the panels to extract the most possible power at any moment, depending on light and temperature conditions.

Anti-Islanding Protection

This safety feature prevents the inverter from feeding electricity into the grid when the grid is down (e.g., during a power outage). This is critical to protect line workers and equipment.

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