Past, present and future of grid connected photovoltaic- and hybrid-power-systems

Abstract
As a short introduction on the general development and forecast of world market in photovoltaics (PV) are presented. The general classification introduces grid connected, stand alone, large scale and roof-top PV-systems. The core of presentation concentrates on the development and trends of converters for grid connected PV-systems. The novel multi-string converter is introduced representing one of the major trends in PV system technology towards modular PV-system design based on string converter technology with low specific costs and optimal energy yield. A brief excursion into the area of hybrid power systems deals with the development of hybrid power system technology using some representative examples installed by SMA around the world. As one of the future trends in that area a new bi-directional battery-converter for a modularly-structured hybrid power system technology is introduced.