PV 250, Lesson 6
Inverter Installation

The AES GC-1000 inverter (Click on link for specifications) produces 120 volt single phase AC power directly from the DC output of the PV array. The GC-1000 accepts an input voltage within a range of 47.5 to 92 Volts DC and offers Maximum Power Point Tracking over a voltage range of 47.5 to 68 volts DC.

A 48 volt (nominal) PV array is appropriate for use with this inverter. Using the AstroPower-100 PV modules, each sub-array has an open circuit voltage of 80.4 volts and an operating voltage (at maximum power point) of 64.4 volts, so both are within the acceptable operating range of the inverter.

The GC-1000 will accept a maximum of 6 input PV arrays and a total maximum input of 1200 Watts. The PV array at the Hall's residence is a total of 1600 Watts (at STC) divided into 4 sub-arrays. Therefore we used two GC-1000 inverters with two sub-arrays and a total of 800 Watts connected to each. Therefore Chris can expand with up to another 400 Watts of PV array on each inverter.

The primary features that make this inverter appropriate for this project are:

DC/ GFI Disconnect
The DC Ground Fault Interruptor Disconnect is required by NEC Article 690-5 for PV arrays mounted on the roof of a residence. This feature would not be necessary on a pole or other ground mounted PV array.

Anti-islanding
Meets UL 1741 and IEEE 929 requirements including anti-islanding and over/under frequency and voltage shift detection. Without this feature, this inverter would not meet Interconnection requirements to be connected to a utility grid..

Certification
Certified by New York State Public Service Commission for utility interconnection

A valuable optional feature of this inverter is the AM-100 Inverter Monitor for data monitoring and diagnosis. This meter will display Inverter performnce parameters. Data is stored in memory and may be downloaded into a computer.

Advanced Energy Products
This link includes links to Installation Manuals, Certification Letters, &
Warranty. It also includes informatin regarding other Advanced Energy inverters and products

See Inverter Installation Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

1.1 Why don't more people use Photovoltaics now?

1.2 Can I run my whole house with solar electricity?

1.3 Can I heat my hot water with PV?

1.4 I live in the cloudy Northeastern US. Aren't PV systems mostly for sunny climates?

Related Resources