Possibilities and benefits of using photovoltaic power plants with microinverters in rural areas

Abstract

The article provides a brief overview of research on solar power plants with microinverters, highlighting their viability and input for reducing environmental pollution by greenhouse gases and halting the progression of climate change globally. Scientific articles indicate significant potential for using photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs) in both rural and urban areas. The reviewed articles disclosed that PVPPs with microinverters (MI) have significant advantages compared to PVPPs based on one common inverter for the entire PV array (or several powerful inverters for separated PV array branches). MI boosts the efficiency of PVPPs operation and quantities of produced electric power because MPPT tracks only a small group of solar modules per group (1, 2 or 4). Reliability of operation of more powerful PVPPs with MI is evident, as the failure of one MI or one solar module, only affects a small part of the entire PVPP, leaving the remainder operational. It also simplifies the installation, repair, maintenance, and dismantling of PVPP after the end of the power plant operation period, reduces power and energy losses, amplifying overall efficiency and shortening the payback period of PVPP. The electricity produced by PVPP with MI is primarily consumed by the building where the power plant is switched on, and the unused electric energy flows into the external power network. Research suggests integrating at least a few powerful PVPPs with MI into the internal network of a low-power hydroelectric power plant could enhance electricity production. The conclusions of the article include this statement.