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\´×3\´8") PV module with an integral 240 Watt inverter (4 Amps, 60 V DC input to 120 V AC, 60 Hz, 2 A 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 became a significant consumer product and will have wide application as part of the emerging distributed electric utility