-- 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.
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.
Project Presentation (click to download)
Solar electric systems based on the integration of micro-inverters and PV modules now represent ~8% of the U.S. residential market and offer many advantages related to safety, performance, and simplified installation. Deficiencies in the performance and mechanical configuration of existing micro-inverters along with functional redundancies present barriers to achieving an unsubsidized residential system cost ($3.00/W) and corresponding levelized cost of electricity (LCOE=$0.13/W) competitive with average U.S. retail electricity price.
The “Module Embedded Micro-inverter Smart Grid Ready Residential Solar Electric System” program will develop and demonstrate a systems approach that will result in a cost take-out for the ACPV module through innovations in microinverter design and system integration. The program is focused on developing innovative concepts for residential photovoltaic (PV) systems with the following objectives:
- An Innovative micro-inverter topology that reduces the cost from the best in class micro-inverter and provides high efficiency (>96% CEC - California Energy Commission), and 25+ year warranty, as well as reactive power support
- Integration of micro-inverter and PV module to reduce system price by at least $0.25/W through a) accentuating dual use of the module metal frame as a large area heat spreader reducing operating temperature, and b) eliminating redundant wiring and connectors
- Integrate micro-inverter smart grid and safety functions within the micro-inverter control for system cost optimization.
At this time, this project does not have published articles, patents, or awards.