At the core of the system is the  Grid Smart Inverter Architecture (GSIA), which offers remote communication/control capability and advanced power management functionality and provides utilities with valued monitoring and control. This functionality includes but isn’t limited to; the ability to monitor inverter output and site conditions, start and stop inverters installed out in the field, and control VAR output and real power ramp rate.

The shared inverter configuration offers these same “utility-friendly” features along with DC-DC conversion and Maximum Power-Point Tracking at the string level. These additional features can significantly increase efficiency, reduce system downtime, aid in troubleshooting, increase safety, and allow system designer’s to mix and match modules of different makes, models, vintages, and orientation using the same inverter (which may be owned by the utility or other third party).

The Power Line Carrier (PLC) Permissive feature of this system injects a PLC signal into the grid upstream of the inverter. This signal interrogates the distribution line continuity and identifies potential islanding situations. Using PLC receivers, located on either sites consisting of multiple inverters or within individual inverters, local micro-grids can be instantly created during periods when the utility is down. This functionality allows these inverters to continue operation when the grid needs them the most.