In this advanced app note Microchip details the theory behind converting solar energy into usable electric power. Starting with a discussion of the electrical characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) cells, they move onto the tech behind inverters and the mathematics involved with their proper design and use. Finally a microinverter reference design is presented, using a single Microchip dsPIC33F ‘GS’ series device (dsPIC33FJ16GS504) to control power flow from the PV panel to the commercial power grid. The complete reference design and source code will be made available for download on the Microchip site for this newly released note.
This is not an app note you can use to develop a project using spare components on a Saturday afternoon. Rather, it highlights the theory and component design considerations which go into the development of real life grid-connected solar power solutions which are becoming increasingly significant.
evaluation microchip MCU