The AC photovoltaic module concept

The concept of the AC photovoltaic module - a photovoltaic module with an integral dc to ac inverter - was conceived 20 years ago at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, but is only now reaching commercial realization. Advances in power electronics, integrated circuits, microprocessors and communications were needed before AC photovoltaic modules could become a reality. Advanced Energy Systems and Solarex (the largest US-owned PV manufacturer) are now bringing the first commercial AC PV module to market. This is a 240 Watt peak large-area (6'3" x 3'8") PV module with an integral 240 Watt inverter (4 Amps, 60 V dc input to 120V ac, 60 Hz, 2A output). The AC Module concept has many advantages over central inverter systems - the main ones being a low minimum system size (and hence a low barrier to market entry) and the ability to site individual modules without concern for shading and orientation. We believe that the AC PV module will become a significant consumer product and will have wide application as part of the emerging distributed electric utility.