Central or String Inverters in Utility Scale PV; what’s really the best solution?

Until recently, the price differential between three phase string inverters and central inverters was so large that the decision to use central inverters in utility scale solar systems was straightforward. That price gap has greatly diminished, resulting in a heightened debate on the relative merits of these devices on the system level because no single decision has more impact on utility scale solar project cost and performance today than the choice to use central or three phase string inverters.

In this webinar, Chris Chappell and Chris Lomibao from Rosendin Electric, a premier EPC, will discuss their knowledge and experience concerning inverter architecture selection in utility scale solar projects. Schneider Electric’s Evan Vogel will analyze the relative merits of central vs. three phase string by comparing a 20MW basic system building block built with these architectures, focusing on the following areas:

• Initial system cost: CAPEX Labor & Materials
• O&M costs over system life
• System and technology risks for long term investors