Performance model for characterizing AC modules and predicting their power

PV modules and their inverting electronics are becoming increasingly more integrated. When a PV module and microinverter are completely integrated a new class of PV system, the AC module, is created. Unfortunately, existing characterization and modeling techniques require separate characterization of PV and inverting components. Thus, existing methods are incapable of modeling AC modules. We have developed an empirical performance model capable of characterizing and modeling an AC module. The model is capable of predicting the active power from an AC module in a typical application with RMSE of approximately 1% of the reference power of the AC module. This paper describes the model form and presents the validation results in terms of model residuals.