Analysis of electromagnetic compatibility in photovoltaic installations validated by site measurements

The paper presents an analysis on electromagnetic compatibility issues in photovoltaic installations. The main purpose is a qualitative investigation of the effect of a solar power optimizer in combination to inverter’s operation from an electromagnetic compatibility and interference perspective. Extended measurements have been conducted in a real photovoltaic installation in the range of 3-500 MHz. The first series of the measured frequency spectrums are presented in this paper and indicate interference in the lower frequencies due to the optimizer operation that also depend on the operational ON/OFF state of the inverter. In particular, the measured data rise questions regarding the conformity with the regulations of the installations from a systems’ perspective while on components level, the individual units might successfully meet the requirements. Finally, the findings are evaluated from a technical point of view by taking into account the European and Swedish regulations about electromagnetic compatibility and interference issues.