Technical Information

Module Technology
SMA inverters provide the optimal solution for any module

Contents
Besides conventional PV modules, new cell technologies and/or advancements of conventional modules can more and more be found on the market for some time. Innovative technologies, such as thin-film modules and back contact cells, provide trend-setting advantages, e. g. low manufacturing costs, short energy return times or exceptionally high efficiencies. Please note that some technologies should be used only under specific conditions. For this reason, when employing PV modules the manufacturers' installation recommendations must be observed. The versatile range of different topologies makes a flexible application of SMA's inverters combined with the suitable grounding set possible, in order to provide the optimal device for any module technology. Moreover, we are in close contact with the module manufacturers, which means that current installation recommendations can be effortlessly observed.

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Optimal Operation of PV Generators with New Technologies

1 Optimal Operation of PV Generators with New Technologies

1.1Polarization effect: prevention by positive grounding of the PV generator
An increasing reduction of the module efficiency was observed during operation of back contact modules, e. g. with the cell type SunPower A-300. Reasons In addition to the photons from the light, an electric field separating the negative charge carriers from the positive ones and preventing their immediate recombination is required for the photovoltaic effect. If the two solar cell terminals are on one side as in case of back contact cells the structure of this electric field is more complex than that of a standard cell. Operation with higher voltages (> 20 V) can result in static charge at the cell surface. The rate of recombination of the charge carriers thus increases resulting in a reduction of the efficiency. The so-called polarization effect reversible. Once the negative charges in the EVA foil have been removed the efficiency "recovers" [1]. Frame Passivation crystalline Si Substrate Counter Measures When using galvanically isolating inverters and grounding the positive generator terminal with the SMA grounding set (ordering number: ESHV-P-NR) the polarization effect is avoided from the outset. In case the generator is or was not grounded, it is possible to restore the original state and/or efficiency of the cells by temporarily applying a high negative voltage to the damaged modules. The exact procedure of regeneration should be agreed upon with the module manufacturer. However, regenerating the modules does not prevent the phenomenon to reappear. Only the positive grounding is a helpful measure. Plating

Laminating film

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Optimal Operation of PV Generators with New Technologies

1.2TCO corrosion: prevention by negative grounding of the PV generator

Already after a comparatively short operating time, a damage of the so-called TCO layer (Transparent Conductive Oxide) of some of the thin-film modules was observed. The damage of this electrically conductive cover on the inside the cover glass cannot be repaired and results in substantial power losses. Reasons The reasons of the TCO corrosion have been examined by Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) as of 2000. This examination proved that especially modules with cells made of a-Si and CdTe which are manufactured with superstrate technology are affected. In case of this production process the single layers of the module are structured starting with the cover glass. The TCO corrosion results from the reaction of sodium with water, due to the fact that the cover glass contains about 15 % sodium. Cracks, which can penetrate the entire cell structure and permanently damage the module, are preferably developed at the edge of the module. Counter Measures Cover glass Laminating film Substrate Cover glass Laminating film Backside cover TCO / plating a-Si / CIS Plating TCO a-Si / CdTe Plating

a-Si amorphous silicon CIS Copper-Indium-Diselenid CdTe Cadmiumtelluride

By using galvanically isolating inverters and the negative grounding of the PV generator with the SMA grounding set (order number: ESHV-N-NR) an electric field, where the positively charged sodium ions are drawn towards the negative pole, thus away from the TCO layer, is generated. A corrosion is therefore prevented. This measure should be preferred. An optional measure is to seal the module edges. Infiltration by moisture is thus prevented and the second important basis for the corrosion is missing. Reducing possible leakage currents by maximizing the distance between modules and grounded structures (such as modules frames) is also advantageous. The two effects described directly relate to the potential of the generator, which means in this case to the voltage of the generator with respect to earth. In contrast to the operating voltage of the PV modules (between plus and minus terminal) the voltage with respect to earth is not considered when designing the system. In addition, the voltage can be very different depending on the inverter topology (see chart "Generator Potentials Sunny Boys"). But the selection of a specific inverter topology alone does not prevent the problems described above. Only by (additionally) grounding a pole it is possible to specify the field direction for the entire PV generator and thus prevent the TCO corrosion and/or the polarization effect.

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Optimal Operation of PV Generators with New Technologies

1.3High discharge current: prevention by inverter with a quiet-rail topology

During operation the capacitive discharge current can achieve impermissible values and result in activation of the RCD (Resid l Current protective Device) or disconnection of the inverter. Reasons The generator potential always features a ripple content with a frequency and amplitude depending on the inverter's topology. An electric alternating field producing a capacitive discharge current in the cables is generated between the module and the environment. The value of this discharge current also depends on the PV generator's capacity. It can thus be said that the larger the module surface, the higher the capacity and the higher the discharge current. Generators consisting of thin-film modules are therefore more affected. Metal foils within the modules can dramatically increase the generator capacity resulting in the maximum discharge of an inverter. Counter Measures Already when planning the system the modules' design should be considered more closely and an SMA inverter with suitable topology and lower discharge current be selected, if required when the maximum discharge current is expected to be higher than 50 mA. Sunny Boys with transformer are particularly suitable since the galvanic isolation prevents a discharge current within the grid. But the transformerless inverter types of the TL-HC series with their Quiet-Rail topology are suitable as well because the operational discharge current is negligibly low. When using the other Sunny Boys it must be ensured already in the system planning phase that an RCD/FI circuit breaker does not have to be used. A disconnection threshold of 300 mA required according to valid VDE standards is no problem.

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Grounding of the Generator: Simple and Easy with the SMA Grounding Set

2 Grounding of the Generator: Simple and Easy with the SMA Grounding Set
In order to find the inverter suitable for any of the PV module requirements described, the generator potential which is set during operation with the different inverter topologies must be known [2].

The chart below shows the chronological sequence of the potential of the positive (red) and negative (blue) generator terminal when operated with different inverters.

The chart of the generator potentials shows that the inverter topologies are different. But the selection of a specific inverter technology alone does not ensure a negative or positive bias of the PV modules compared to their environment, as recommended by some manufacturers. Only in combination with the SMA grounding set it is possible to easily ground PV generators. One of the generator terminals is grounded via a fuse (see the positive grounding in the illustration), in order to ensure the safety and insulation monitoring of the generator. This internationally accepted (and required to some extent) grounding can be installed in any Sunny Boy with transformer in just a few simple steps.

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Further literature

The grounding set provides the following advantages in detail: The grounding set is available for both the positive and negative grounding. Due to the internal grounding, changes to the external generator cabling is not required and saves time. The grounding is fused by an internal thermal fuse and therefore provides additional safety (fire protection). Due to the suitable grounding sets developed by SMA and the seamless integration into the inverter, the insulation monitoring can be completely maintained. This important safety feature of SMA devices can identify possible insulation faults within the generator. The grounding set makes it possible to set the polarity of the generator potential. In addition, the impact of the grid voltage on the generator potential displayed for two grid periods, each, (see chart) is different. Transformerless inverters are directly coupled with the grid and their potential follows the potential of the grid voltage. An exception are the transformerless inverters with Quiet-Rail topology. Their AC portion on the generator potential is as low as the AC portion of inverters with galvanic isolation (transformer) between PV generator and grid. The value of the AC portion is decisive for the value of a generator leakage current and should be minimized in case of modules with integrated metal foil.

3 Further literature
[1] SunPower Application Note: SunPower Discovers the Surface Polarization Effect in High Efficiency Solar Cells, www.sunpowercorp.com; 2005 [2] H. Schmidt, B. Burger, K. Kiefer: Welcher Wechselrichter fr welche Modultechnologie?; 21. Symp. Photovoltaische Solarenergie, 8.-10.03.2006, Kloster Banz / Staffelstein; Tagungsband p. 220 et seqq. [3] C.R. Osterwald, T.J. MCMahon, J.A. del Cueto, J. Adelstein und J. Pruett: Accelerated Stress Testing of Thin-Film Modules with SnO2:F Transpararent Conductors; National Center for Photovoltaics and Solar Program Review Meeting, 24.-26.03.2003, Denver / Colorado; NREL/CP-520-33567. [4] N.G. Dhere, H.P. Patil, S.M. Bet, A.U. Pai, V.V. Hadagali and U.S. Avachat: Investigation of Degradation Aspects of Field Deployed Photovoltaic Modules; National Center for Photovoltaics and Solar Program Review Meeting, 24.-26.03.2003, Denver / Colorado; NREL/CD-520-33586, p. 958.

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Check List

4 Check List
In order to easier select the right inverter for each module type, we have put together for you the most important recommendations to date: 1. Check if the manufacturer of the PV modules issues recommendations on the grounding of the generator or the topology of the inverter to be used. Example: The company Sunpower suggests grounding the positive terminal for PV generators including modules with the A-300 cell type. The right choice: Sunny Boy with transformer and a positive grounding set. See section 1.1"Polarization effect: prevention by positive grounding of the PV generator" (page2). 2. Should the manufacturer of the PV modules not offer any specification for the use of its products, we recommend choosing the inverter based on the PV modules' characteristics listed in the following table. In case our recommendations do not correspond with those of the module manufacturer, follow the recommendations of the module manufacturer. transformerless inverters SB xxxxTL SB xxxxTL-HC SMC xxxxTL Inverters with transformers Series devices SB xxxx SMC xxxx without with neg. with pos. grounding grounding grounding kit set set

Cell technology / Module design

monocrystalline Si polycrystalline Si CdTe amorphous Si (superstrate design) amorphous Si (substrate design) CIS monocrystalline Si (A-300) Metal foil as substrate or in module design Caption: recommended;

recommended to a limited extent; not recommended

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Check List

Example: Thin-film modules with cells made of CdTe and/or amorphous silicon often use a TCO coated piece of glass as a substrate for the cell design. The right choice: Sunny Boy with transformer and a negative grounding set. See section 1.2"TCO corrosion: prevention by negative grounding of the PV generator" (page3). Example: In case of flexible thin-film cells, a stainless steel foil is often used as substrate. The correct selection: Sunny Boy with transformer or transformerless Sunny Boy with Quiet-Rail topology (Sunny Boy xxxxTL-HC). See section 1.3"High discharge current: prevention by inverter with a quiet-rail topology" (page4).

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