Towards next generation photovoltaic inverters

Solar energy is under push to reach "grid parity" without additional subsidies and favorable policies. While cost and reliability are major concerns for both photovoltaic (PV) panels and PV inverters, comparable or exceeded grid functions and power quality can further help solar power become competitive to conventional generation technologies in the wholesale electricity market. This paper gives an overview of future development trends of PV inverters and proposes new requirements for next generation PV inverters under smart grid and/or microgrid environments. Approaches to address these requirements are also discussed from the research methodology perspectives. The goal of this paper is to draw the interests of the industry and academia in the new technical challenges of next generation smart PV inverters in addition to the "dollar per watt" overall PV system cost target.