1 Introduction

Chapter 1 contains information about the features and functions of the

Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter.

About the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter

The Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter (GT Inverter) is designed to convert solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) power into utility-grade electricity that can be used by the home or sold to the local power company.

Installing the GT Inverter consists of mounting it to the wall and connecting the DC input to a PV array and the AC output to the utility. See Figure 1-1 for a simple diagram of a typical installation.

In order to operate, the GT Inverter must have grid power available and connected. It will not provide backup power if the AC grid fails.

Photovoltaic (PV)

Panels - PV Array

 

Utility

 

Meter

Harvested

Utility Grid

 

solar energy

Surplus power routed

 

to Utility Grid

 

 

Power routed

 

DC converted

to loads

 

 

 

to AC

 

 

 

Main Utility

Grid Tie Inverter

 

Service Panel

Xantrex

 

GT Inverter

Loads

Figure 1-1Basic System Overview