SolarUnit: PV module with integrated microinverter from DAH Solar

O SolarUnit is a product from DAH Solar that combines the advantages of a high-tech photovoltaic module and the benefits of microinverters.

O  photovoltaic module with integrated microinverter It is an easy-to-install product that combines simplicity and safety by avoiding the use of cables and connectors to connect photovoltaic modules.

In practice, the SolarUnit is like a photovoltaic module with alternating current output, ready to be connected to the electrical network. According to the manufacturer, it is the first integrated photovoltaic system in the world.

Figure 2 shows how the SolarUnit modules are connected to the alternating current bus.

The bus is made up of a trunk cable provided by the manufacturer. The trunk cable has branch connectors spaced to allow sequential connection and electrical parallelism of several SolarUnit units.

This type of solution, with photovoltaic modules integrated with microinverters, allows great flexibility in photovoltaic system designs, especially for residential customers.

Figure 3 illustrates a situation in which the photovoltaic module solution with integrated microinverter is very attractive.

With this type of solution, it is possible to achieve great flexibility for projects, as it is possible to install photovoltaic modules in different orientations and with different inclination angles, following the roof designs.

Another advantage, in addition to the ease and flexibility of SolarUnit installation, is its shadow immunity. Each photovoltaic module, as it has an integrated microinverter, has its own MPPT system (maximum power point tracking), which eliminates the problem of partial shading that occurs in traditional strings of photovoltaic modules.

As if the advantages of a photovoltaic module with an integrated microinverter were not enough, the SolarUnit also has state-of-the-art features, using full-screen technology and tripartite cells (cut into three equal parts).

Full-screen technology consists of manufacturing the module with a frame perfectly integrated into its body, with no gap between the frame and the glass surface on the front. In other words, a frameless front design with no difference in height between module and frame.

This facilitates the drainage of water over the front surface of the module and prevents the accumulation of dirt, increasing energy generation.

As for tripartite cell technology, this is a technological innovation that, instead of large cells, uses cells fragmented into three parts.

The use of tripartite cells gives the manufacturer more flexibility in product sizing and allows for increased efficiency, since cells with a smaller area provide lower intensity electrical current, reducing internal energy losses.

DAH also offers an ECU (energy communication unit), which is a module that communicates with the microinverters through the PLC (power line communication) system, which uses the power cable itself to exchange information.

The ECU monitors the power generation of the modules and allows remote monitoring of the photovoltaic plant, in addition to allowing the photovoltaic system to be turned off with the press of just one button.

Table with the technical characteristics of the SolarUnit photovoltaic module with integrated microinverter.

The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.