Performance Evaluation of the First AC BIPV Installation in Canada

Initial performance measures and operating experience with a 1 kW_p grid-connected array near Vancouver (BC, Canada) demonstrate the viability of AC building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) module technology. Low current draw by the inverter, and continued operation at very low insolation levels contribute to a performance benefit over small photovoltaic arrays with DC wiring and central inverters. Maximum power point tracking of individual modules is analyzed, and an increase in array power output of between 0.6% and 3.2% is observed when compared with a DC configured photovoltaic array.