Comparision between two stand-alone PV configurations: Series PVs versus series VSCs

Abstract

In this paper, two standalone PV systems are compared. One of them has two series PVs that are connected to DC/DC and then DC/AC converters for feeding the AC load. The other configuration uses two separate PV and DC/DC converters, with series DC/AC converters on the AC load side. It is shown that the series inverter has advantages like improved harmonic condition, keeping both PVs in maximum power point, especially in shading condition. But, it has disadvantages like increasing the number of components and cost, decreasing reliability and unequal power absorption from each PV.