How does solar power work?

Electric power is generated by converting solar energy to d.c by using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The DC generated is converted to a.c by inverters and the a.c is connected to the power grid by a step up transformer.

What is a solar transformer?

Transformers are critical components in solar energy production and distribution. Historically, transformers have ‘stepped-up’ or ‘stepped-down’ energy from non-renewable sources. There are different types of solar transformers including distribution, station, sub-station, pad mounted and grounding.

How does a solid state transformer work?

The solid state transformer works on the same principle of the conventional transformers, but at a high frequency to reduce the weight and size. The incoming voltage is converted into high frequency AC by using power electronics converters and fed to the primary of the high frequency (HF) transformer to obtain AC and / or DC output voltage.

What is a solar inverter transformer?

Inverter transformers are used in solar parks for stepping up the AC voltage output (208-690 V) from solar inverters (rating 500-2000 kVA) to MV voltages (11-33 kV) to feed the collector transformer. Transformer ratings up to 5 MVA are with double LVs and up to 16 MVA are with quadruple LV circuits.

How is solar power generated?

Solar Power is generated by photovoltaic panels or concentrated solar power plants. In case of photovoltaic power generation, electric power is generated by converting solar radiation into direct current (DC) electricity by using semiconductors that exhibit photo voltaic effect.

Why do solar transformers cost so much?

All solar transformers have specialised needs that impact costs. For example, solar power applications experience steady state loading during inverter operation. When the sun’s out, there’s a dampened reaction process and more constant loading on the transformer. Also, fault ride through has not been defined for photovoltaic systems.