Module Embedded Microinverter Smart Grid Ready Residential Solar Electric System

-- This project is inactive --

This project is developing and demonstrating a cost-reduction approach for an alternating-current (AC) photovoltaic (PV) module that is driven by innovations in microinverter design, module integration and packaging, and integration with a new intelligent circuit breaker. GE Global Research will develop and demonstrate a new microinverter that is functionally integrated with the AC module to reduce packaging and materials cost for both the microinverter and the module laminate, and a new intelligent circuit breaker that reduces microinverter cost by offloading duplicate safety and protection functions in an AC module system to a dedicated branch circuit. 

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    Link URL
    https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/ge_summary%20poster.pdf

    Project Poster (click to expand)

    Microinverter-based PV systems represent an increasing percentage of the U.S. residential market and offer many advantages related to safety, performance, and simplified installation. However, deficiencies in the performance and mechanical configuration of existing microinverters, along with functional redundancies, present barriers to achieving an unsubsidized residential system cost that is competitive with the average U.S. retail electricity price. Hence, GE Global Research proposes to develop and demonstrate  power electronics technologies that address the microinverter system limitations. Specifically, the cost-reduction approach includes:

    • A new microinverter that is functionally integrated with the AC module to reduce packaging and materials cost for both the microinverter and the module laminate
    • A new intelligent circuit breaker that reduces microinverter cost by offloading duplicate safety and protection functions in an AC module system to a dedicated branch circuit.