29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition

OVERSIZING ARRAY-TO-INVERTER (DC-AC) RATIO:

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA AND HOW TO DEFINE THE OPTIMUM?

Romain MOUNETOU
Ivan BEJAR ALCANTARA
Alessandro INCALZA
Juan Pablo JUSTINIANO
Philippe LOISEAU
Grégory PIGUET
Adriano SABENE
ENEL GREEN POWER
Viale Regina Margherita 125
00198 Rome
ITALY

ABSTRACT: The paper investigates the real potential of oversizing DC-AC ratio (PV array peak power over
inverters nominal power), analyzing advantages, drawbacks and limitations of such practice. Instead of setting
commonly used semi-empirical values for this ratio considered optimal up to now, it has been analyzed the technical
and economical aspects through a parametric study including sensitivity analysis on the DC-AC ratio. Thus, it has
been possible to define a methodology for optimizing this ratio. The approach consisted in assessing technically and
economically PV projects in various locations with different climatic conditions and/or technologies while varying
the DC-AC ratio. The configurations were analyzed based on financial Key Performance Indicators (KPI) such as
Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), in order to find the optimal DC-AC ratio on a
case by case basis.
The method and the results lead to the development of tools giving the possibility of estimating the project specific
optimal DC-AC ratio in the preliminary design phase considering the local features and the financial information
available at that time.
Keywords: DC-AC ratio, Design, Economic analysis, Simulation, Sizing

1 INTRODUCTION like modules annual power degradation, plant lifetime or

By optimizing, and generally increasing, the DC-AC
ratio (PV array peak power at STC over inverters
nominal power), solar production sites can increase their
overall technical/economical effectiveness and optimize
their Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) or Internal Rate
of Return (IRR).
Until recent years, the cost of the PV modules was
still high and the logic for solar projects design was to
maximize the energy production per PV module. Now,
with the drastic decrease of the cost of the modules, the
trend changes in direction of optimizing other fixed costs,
i.e. mainly on structure and inverters side, by considering
sometimes not the maximum specific yield but an
optimal balance between annual production performance
and economic impact.
One of the main difficulties for the technical
designers is to find the optimal economical DC-AC ratio,
considering all technical and economical parameters of a
solar project as well as the technical features or
constraints of the inverters. Indeed, for each location, due
to site specificities, the optimal settings are different.
In this paper, the detailed analysis for several ground
mounted solar plants cases is presented. Simulations were
performed on several projects configurations, in different
climatic areas, with different technologies and different
plant layouts in which the DC-AC ratio was varying
between 100% and 150%. Then, the combined analyses
of the costs and the revenues were performed for each
case for highlighting financial savings, including tariff
sensitivity, by considering fixed structures and horizontal
trackers differences, technology influence, climate and
altitude impact. Further analyses have also been
performed for the consideration of additional parameters
reactive power control needs.
Obviously, the technical constraints and/or
limitations and/or drawbacks linked to the increase of the
DC-AC ratio have been considered in the
simulations/analyses in order to propose a complete and
realistic study with valuable results and for finding the
best balance.
The method and the results lead, in a first stage, to
characterize the main technical and economical drivers to
be considered. Then, considering this set of parameters,
the study leads to the definition of the strategy in order to
find the optimal DC-AC ratio case by case.
Several configuration cases have been explored for
quantifying the benefits that could be brought in such
circumstances. For example, in case of a grid
interconnection power limitation, the array oversizing
allows maximizing, up to a certain limit, the production
under this constraint and the methodology allows
defining the optimal configuration. Also, in case of a
limited available area, the methodology allows
optimizing the decrease of inverters number and the
associated fixed cost without critical impact on the
production and the related revenues.
In conclusion, this study leads to a powerful method
and efficient tools giving the possibility to estimate the
project specific optimal DC-AC ratio in the preliminary
design phase considering the local features and the
financial information available at that time.
Such technical/economical method is a very
important support tool for decision making in the solar
projects preliminary design and evaluation phases. This is
now fully integrated into the Enel Green Power process
of GO/STOP decision during the development phase.

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 29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
2 ANALYSIS OF ADVANTAGES AND
DRAWBACKS OF DC-AC RATIO OVERSIZING
The DC-AC ratio, also known as “Array-to-Inverter
ratio”, “Oversizing ratio” or “Overloading ratio”, is the
ratio between the array’s nameplate power rating at
Standard Test Conditions (STC) and the inverter’s rated
AC output nominal power [1]. DC-AC ratio sizing is one
of the most important parameter to be defined and it has
to be done at an early stage of the project considering all
the parameters of the site, respecting all the technical
limitations of the electrical components for optimizing
the balance between costs and revenues.
2.1 Technical aspects
The increase of the DC-AC ratio exposes the
inverters to an increased input DC power and short circuit
current from the array and, consequently, to the increase
of the full load hours. However, when the DC input
power becomes higher than the possible output AC
power of the inverter, this leads to an output power
limitation. This power limiting (clipping) effect at the
inverters occurs with higher probability and during longer
periods for high DC-AC ratio than for a lower one
(Figure 1).
Figure 1: Comparison between two DC-AC ratios and
two different days (with different irradiance level, for
example), non-power limiting day and power limiting
day.
When the clipping effect occurs, there is no power to
dissipate; because inverter shifts the array’s operating
point on the I-V curve to a higher voltage and lower
current operating point. Hence, cooling must be
accordingly correctly designed, because inverters are
operating more often above the maximum power point
voltage and their internal security can force the system to
shut down if critical temperatures are reached due to a
longer period of operation during the day in maximum
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power condition or close to it. Fortunately, a correct
design of small and not expensive fans to extract heat
from the inverters or the improvement of the natural
ventilation solves the issue in many cases and it does not
impact significantly the cost.
In addition the oversizing of the DC side for the same
AC power impacts on values of DC short circuit currents
in case of fault that the inverter could be asked to
manage. This is another point that must be verified with
the inverter manufacturer.
Hence, technically, there are quite few drawbacks on
inverters resulting from high DC-AC ratio (up to a certain
limit) and they are almost always compensated by
financial advantages.
2.2 Financial aspects
Increasing the DC-AC ratio makes sense
economically in term of balance of system components
savings.
Restricting the AC system size or increasing the DC
side helps improving the costs per generated kWh
associated to inverters, cabins, internal infrastructures
and specialized equipments. It allows designing an
optimized plant, in order to reach the best IRR and LCOE
and leading to deliver the maximum financial results.
In case of an optimized DC-AC ratio, even if higher
losses due to power and current limitation have to be
accepted, especially during the first years of the plant
operation, they are largely compensated during the whole
lifetime. Indeed, a high DC-AC ratio allows maintaining
a higher energy production while the PV modules power
degrades over time. Furthermore, the system produces
more energy in the morning, in the evening and during
other times of low/medium solar irradiation levels
(Figure 1).
2.3 Considerations for global optimization
Inverter manufacturers, in their specifications, allows
quite high DC-AC ratio, sometimes up to 175%.
However, from values of the order of 125% on, it could
be necessary to confirm with them, by a specific analysis
and agreements, the technical feasibility and the warranty
acceptance. Manufacturers could also apply, in some
cases, higher prices for extension of the services
packages, mainly in high irradiation conditions.
Until recently, usually the considered DC-AC ratios
were between 105% and 120%. In order to quantify the
economical gain of the increase, the so called “traditional
DC-AC ratio design value” considered in this study is
assumed equal to 110%.
Because the technical impacts are not critical, the
DC-AC ratio optimization is mainly on the financial side
by considering the material costs, the losses of revenues
due to the unexploited energy linked to the clipping
effects and the positive impact on revenues due to overall
higher energy production at some frequent periods of
time.
3 PARAMETERS AND SIMULATIONS
3.1 Method & tools
The method of analysis consists in performing
successive simulations, with a constant inverter AC
power and varying the array DC power.
The simulation program used was PVsyst, in its
versions 5.63 and 6.25 and meteorological data from
 29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Meteonorm 7, with synthetic 8760 hourly mean values.
This combination of tools and data allows reaching quite
reliable results, even if some uncertainties and limitations
should be considered [2]. The model used for sky diffuse
model was the Perez one.
Other internal and specific tools were used in order to
assess the soiling losses and other losses not included in
PVsyst due to the system unavailability, the auxiliary
consumption and the transmission line to the grid
connection point.
The PVsyst output “Loss over nominal inverter
power” was used in this study as technical indicator of
the overload. It is also named “IL Pmax”: Inverter loss
due to power overcharging. When the MPP power is over
the input power required for obtaining the specified
PNom(ac), the inverter displaces the operating point on
the I/V curve in order to get exactly the required power
for Pnom(ac). The IL Pmax value represents the
difference between the Pmpp and the adjusted power. It
is expressed as a percentage of loss.
3.2 Identification of the main influencing parameters
Influencing parameters on the ground mounted PV
power plants sizing are obviously interacting one each
other. Hence, the first objective of a PV designer is to
compile all the constraints for each specific site in order
to consider them for the optimal sizing [3].
Main parameters influencing the DC-AC ratio are below
listed.
- Site location: latitude, altitude, topography
(slopes, obstacles), environment. This allows
determining the optimal tilt (for fixed structure
configurations), the azimuth of the modules and
the PV plant rows spacing.
- Local climate: irradiation, temperatures, wind,
rain falls, snow. Meteorological data impact the
production level and its profile, considering
modules technology and the plant configuration.
- Soiling losses: the soiling losses are also
dependent on the dust and dirtiness present in
the environment as well as on the climatic
conditions (rain falls frequency and intensity,
snow falls, wind).
- Modules technology and characteristics: mono-
crystalline, polycrystalline, thin film, etc. The
various technologies have different behavior in
presence of the same local conditions.
- Mounting system: fixed structures, horizontal 1-
axis trackers, vertical 1-axis trackers, vertical 2-
axis trackers, etc.
- Inverter performances: MPPT tracking
efficiency, DC to AC conversion efficiency.
- PV modules/Inverter cost ratio.
- Module power degradation and operation life of
the plant: the PV modules power degradation
leads to a decrease of the DC load day after day
and, after several years, the clipping effect is
less important.
- Interconnection and grid rules: country by
country the local rules can limit the DC-AC
ratio.
- Energy remuneration conditions: flat
remuneration schemes during the day, seasonal
price changes and/or hourly differentiated
energy prices impact significantly on the optimal
DC-AC ratio.
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3.3 Simulations: Context & expectations
The goal of the study is to find the method for
defining the optimal DC-AC ratio for large ground
mounted PV systems at any place in the world.
Table I: Sites selected for the study
Continental Tropical Desert
Latitude 45°N 10.4°N 26.4°S
Altitude (m) 887 27 864
GHI (kWh/m²/year) * 1357 1885 2370
* GHI : Global Horizontal Irradiance (annual)
The set of simulations was defined in function of the
main parameters influencing the DC-AC ratio:
- 3 meteorological conditions, desert, equatorial
and continental (Table I). It not covers all the
climates possibilities all around the world but it
allows to have an idea of what happen at
intermediate irradiation levels by interpolation.
- 2 mounting systems, fixed structures and
East/West 1-Axis Horizontal trackers (tilt range:
±45°).
- 2 PV modules technologies: polycrystalline
(300Wp / 72 cells) and thin film a-Si/µc-Si
(135Wp).
- 1 high efficiency 1MWac typical inverter. A test
was also performed with a second high
efficiency inverter but the results were so similar
that it was decided to not consider this influence
which is of much lower magnitude (Figure 4).
- The lifetime of the plants (i.e. duration of
operation, typically 20 to 25 years) and the
degradation of materials were taken into account
according to PV modules suppliers’ information
(typically -0,3%/year to -1,0%/year).
- No grid constraints and flat remuneration curve
(hourly and daily).
In total, this led to 12 cases for the study (3 locations
x 2 systems x 2 modules technologies). For each case, the
DC-AC ratio ranged from 100% to 150% by steps of 5%,
leading to 11 simulations per case. Hence, totally 132
simulations (12 x 11) were performed for this work. For
each site location, the optimal shed to shed spacing and
tilt on fixed structures were considered.
The objective of this variety of simulations is to
perform a sensitivity analysis for evaluating the influence
of each parameter.
The final goal is to have the possibility of quantifying
potential economical savings by oversizing the DC-AC
ratio and above all to determine, for each configuration,
the maximum interesting limit of the DC-AC ratio (i.e.
optimal value).
4 RESULTS OF THE TECHNICAL AND
FINANCIAL SENSITIVITY STUDIES
4.1 Site location and climate conditions
A first important outcome of the simulations is that
the DC-AC ratio influence on the energy loss is function
of climate conditions. Continental areas are less sensitive
to the oversizing than desert.
 29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition

2700
Continental TRKH-THIN FILM
14,00%
Continental FIX-THIN FILM
Tropical TRKH-THIN FILM 2500
12,00% Tropical FIX-THIN FILM
Continental TRKH-POLY
Desert TRKH-THIN FILM
2300 Continental FIX-POLY
Desert FIX-THIN FILM
Loss over nominal inv. Power

Tropical TRKH-POLY

EOH (fed into the grid) - P50

10,00% Tropical FIX-POLY
2100 Desert TRKH-POLY
Desert FIX-POLY
8,00%
1900

6,00%
1700

4,00%
1500

2,00%
1300

0,00% 1100
100% 125% 150% 100% 110% 120% 130% 140% 150%
DC-AC ratio (%) DC-AC ratio (%)
Figure 2a: Thin Film: PVsyst output “Loss over nominal Figure 3b: Polycrystalline: Specific yield vs. DC-AC
inv. Power” vs. DC-AC ratio. ratio.

14,00%
Continental TRKH-POLY This is explained by the fact that the inverters are
Continental FIX-POLY
Tropical TRKH-POLY working at full load during longer periods, generating
12,00% Tropical FIX-POLY important clipping losses. In such extreme climates, with
Desert TRKH-POLY
high irradiations values, the influence of the DC-AC ratio
Loss over nominal inv. Power

Desert FIX-POLY
10,00%
is more important. The uncertainties of the
meteorological data also increase the risks. This is why
8,00%
the DC-AC ratio has to be validated carefully with the
6,00%
manufacturers and the internal inverters temperatures
control and cooling should be well considered and
4,00% designed for avoiding risks in term of underestimation of
the production losses and in term of losses of warranties.
2,00% The assessment of the environment and soiling losses
can impact greatly the DC-AC ratio optimization. For
0,00%
example, if high soiling losses values are estimated and
100% 125% 150%
used for performing the energy assessment, the trend
DC-AC ratio (%)
Figure 2b: Polycrystalline: PVsyst output “Loss over would be to increase the DC-AC ratio because the
nominal inv. Power” vs. DC-AC ratio. production peaks are reduced. This appears risky in dusty
desert areas because there is a higher probability of big
The “Loss over nominal inverter power” (Section rapid variations for the inverter load: low load when dirt
3.1) curves, generated fromPVSyst simulation results, covers the modules and rather rapidly high load after a
shows that by varying the DC-AC ratio, this analysis manual cleaning or a rain fall or even a wind gust. Hence,
parameter increases slower than for tropical and for it is highly recommended to take into account the soiling
desert areas for both technologies, thin film (Figure 2a) losses value for the DC-AC ratio optimization.
and polycrystalline (Figure 2b). For any solar site location, the available land and its
Hence, as a first result, it can be concluded that the constraints have an influence on the system size and it
DC-AC ratio oversizing is less risky for cold and can impact the DC-AC ratio optimization [4].
temperate climates than for high irradiation sites as desert As expected, the site location and the climate
ones. conditions are the main parameters influencing the DC-
In desert areas, the yield is strongly impacted when AC ratio optimization.
the DC-AC ratio is up to 120%~130% (Figure 3a & 3b).
4.2 Material characteristics & lifetime
2700 This section deals with the analysis of the impacts of
the inverters, the modules, the structures and the lifetime
2500
Continental TRKH-THIN FILM of the plant. Details for each item are provided in the next
Continental FIX-THIN FILM
2300
Tropical TRKH-THIN FILM paragraphs.
Tropical FIX-THIN FILM
1) Inverters
EOH (fed into the grid) - P50

Desert TRKH-THIN FILM

Desert FIX-THIN FILM
2100 A test between two high efficiency inverters was
performed to understand the influence on the DC-AC
1900
ratio optimization. The results in term of specific yield
1700
were very close (Figure 4).
The influence on the DC-AC ratio is very similar for
1500 the two high efficiency inverters. Indeed, the yield
curves, as function of the variation of the DC-AC ratio,
1300
are parallels (Figure 4).
1100
100% 110% 120% 130% 140% 150%

DC-AC ratio (%)

Figure 3a: Thin film: Specific yield vs. DC-AC ratio.

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1280
EOH (fed into the grid) - P50
1260
1240
1220
FIX-THIN FILM
FIX-THIN FILM INV2
1200
100% 110%
Figure 4: Specific yield vs. DC-AC ratio for two
different high efficiency inverters (Configuration: Fix
thin film; continental climate).
Also, this confirms that it is possible to choose wide
combinations of PV modules and inverter units without
affecting significantly the global system performances [3]
and hence, with the same range of inverter efficiency, the
influence of the variation of the DC-AC ratio remains
similar.
2) Modules
On the contrary, the PV modules technologies have a
greater influence on the DC-AC ratio optimization.
Between the studied thin film and polycrystalline PV
modules, a clear difference appears depending on the
three different meteorological conditions. Considering
the continental climate for example, significant losses
over nominal inverter power start appearing from a DC-
AC ratio of about 120%~125% for thin film, while, for
polycrystalline technology, it starts appearing later
(130%~135%) (Figure 5).
4%
TRKH-POLY
FIX-POLY
TRKH-THIN FILM
Loss over nominal inv. Power
3%
FIX-THIN FILM
2%
1%
0%
100% 110%
Figure 5: PVsyst output “Loss over nominal inv. Power”
vs. DC-AC ratio for two different modules technologies
(Continental climate).
These results lead to the preliminary conclusion that
the increasing possibilities for the DC-AC ratio are less
wide for the thin film technology than for the
polycrystalline one. This is explained by better
performance of thin film panels in indirect light and high
heat, increasing the periods of clipping.
The annual power degradation of modules, varying
between 0.3% and 1% is also an important input data,
considering the entire lifetime of the plant (explicitly
detailed in Section 4.3).
3) Structures
The structures configurations define the number of
operating hours for which the arrays (DC side) are
producing near their maximum. For example, the tracking
systems, by optimizing the orientation of the modules
with the sun path, increase the high production
occurrence. Hence, the combination of the structure and
29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
the inverter power choice (AC side) influences the
amount of clipping losses that will occur and then
influences the final production.
The spacing, the tilt and the azimuth of fixed
structures as well as the particular dispositions of 1-axis
horizontal trackers are fully manageable by simulation
software such PVsyst. This allows evaluating numerous
possibilities in parametric studies in order to determine
the optimal configuration. The comparison between the
two structures systems in term of DC-AC ratio shows the
120% 130% 140% 150% effective advantage to use horizontal trackers in term of
DC-AC ratio (%)
yield, particularly for high irradiation climates and with
high DNI (Direct Normal Irradiance) component content
(Figures 3a and 3b). Hence, it results that the DC-AC
ratio impact is higher for the 1-axis horizontal trackers
solutions than for the fixed ones. For example the “Loss
over nominal inv. Power” starts its increase from 110%
for thin film on tracker in desert conditions, while it
initiates from 115% for a fix system in similar conditions
(Figure 2a).
4.3 Lifetime of the plant
The period of operation for a ground PV solar plant is
generally considered between 20 and 25 years or even
more.
Due to the degradation of the modules power,
typically between 0.3% and 1% per year depending on
the technology and product quality, the yearly production
and the DC-AC ratio decrease (as explained below)
during the lifetime of a PV plant (Figure 6).
Yearly roduction compared to the
100,00%
first year of production (%)
98,00%
DC-AC ratio DC-AC ratio
first year = 132% year 20 = 125%
96,00%
94,00%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Year number
Figure 6: Yearly production of a PV solar plant during
20 years with an example of DC-AC ratio decrease (Fix
thin film in continental area).
120% 130% 140% 150%
Indeed, while the inverter rated power (AC side) is
DC-AC ratio (%)
almost stable with time, the array capacity (DC side)
decreases slowly. This is an important element to be
considered for the DC-AC ratio choice because, as the
clipping losses and the yearly production decrease with
time, this affects the setting of the initial optimal DC-AC
ratio.
Hence, if the definition of the DC-AC ratio is based
on the first year of production, then, year after year, it
becomes less and less optimal because of the decrease of
the DC power.
With such consideration, our approach consists in
increasing the initial ratio in order to compensate the
effects of the estimated decrease of the DC power due to
the PV module power yearly degradation.
Based on this, the two following steps were defined:
1) A “sub-optimal” DC-AC ratio is determined
without considering the PV module power degradation.
This “sub-optimal” DC-AC ratio is calculated according
to a short-term approach of the technical-economical
optimization.
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 29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition

2) This obtained “sub-optimal” ratio is then adjusted,
i.e. increased, for compensating the PV module power
degradation during the lifetime of the plant.
The results of the performed parametric studies lead
to adopt an approach consisting in increasing the “sub-
optimal” DC-AC ratio. After having done many iterative
processes to calculate the optimal DC-AC ratio in a
rigorous way, the following semi-empirical formula was
found and considered for the increase:
quite a constant energy need that doesn’t matches well
with the classical PV bell shaped curve.
4.6 Economical aspects
To find out the optimal DC-AC ratio, a
cost/performance analysis was performed on the 12
configurations, taking into account lifetime of the plant,
yield, investment, operation/maintenance costs and
financial hypothesis (Table II).

Optimal DC-AC ratio Table II: Financial hypothesis

=
[“Sub optimal” DC/AC ratio without degradation] Hypothesis
+ BOS cost (€/Wp) * 0.554 (fix) / 0.637 (tracker)
[Degradation %]*[N_years]/2 O&M cost (€/MWp*y) * 20 000 (fix) / 26 000 (tracker)
Price increase rate 1.5%
Where: Discount rate 6.7%
Optimal DC-AC ratio is the DC-AC ratio of year 1 Selling price, flat (€/kWh) 0.11
for the final design.
* BOS: Balance Of System
“Sub optimal” DC/AC is the DC-AC ratio obtained * O&M: Operation and Maintenance
with the short term technical-economical optimization.
Degradation is the average annual power degradation The analysis shows a concordance of results between
of the PV modules during the lifetime of the plant. various indicators for determining the optimal DC-AC
N_years is the number of years of the lifetime of the ratio. Yield/CAPEX (CAPEX: Capital expenditures),
plant. IRR and LCOE gave similar results in term of optimal
As a remark, the foreseen possible correction factor, DC-AC ratio estimation (Figure 7).
for strictly compensating of the power degradation during
the lifetime (i.e. [1 – Degradation]N_years/2), reveals to be
Optimal DC-AC ratio zone
less optimal. This is explained by the fact that, with such
Yield/CAPEX

compensation, the important non linear effects of the

clipping effects during the first years of the plant are not
so well considered when compared to the final proposed
approach.
The economical analysis has been performed in order
1 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5
to estimate the advantages and financial savings coming
from this DC-AC ratio increase, taking into account the
lifetime of the plant and the modules degradation rate
(Section 4.6).
LCOE

4.4 Grid connection rules possible limitations

Interconnection agreements could impose some
possible limitations for the optimization of the DC-AC 1 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5
ratio. It is important to early take it into account during
the project development process.
IRR

Also, the definition of the optimal DC-AC ratio could

be also impacted by some constraints for compliance
with the local Grid Code or some other local rules.
In the specific case of the control of reactive power
generation by PV inverters, it is needed to consider a
margin of sizing due to the requested reactive
contributions taking also into account the contribution
coming from HV/MV lines and step-up transformers.
Unfortunately, it results that sometimes, for
developers, the market and the grid connection
constraints could lead to fewer possibilities for
optimizing the DC-AC ratio.
However, the proposed methodology allows defining
the targeted optimized DC-AC ratio and the objective
remains to be as close as possible to this target, according
to the local constraints.
4.5 Energy market opportunities
The local electricity market characteristics could
lead to further increase the optimal DC-AC ratio. In fact
such increase determines a flattening of the daily
production curve that is particularly welcome by some
energy markets/customers that during the day present
1 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5
DC-AC ratio
Figure 7: Yield/CAPEX, financial indicators LCOE and
IRR and the DC-AC ratio optimization zone for the
particular case: Tropical – Fix – Thin film.
A sensitivity analysis was done to check the impact
of the energy remuneration price of the project.
The results of the tariff sensitivity study show that the
optimal DC-AC ratio is mostly independent of the tariff
in the case of flat remuneration (Figure 8).
In regions where the tariff for energy delivery in the
afternoon/evening is high, corresponding to consumption
needs in summer for example, oversizing the DC-AC
ratio brings an advantage. Indeed, the plant produces
more energy in the afternoon, when energy selling has
the greatest revenue.

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 29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition

IRR (%) Optimal DC-AC ratio The results of the DC-AC ratio technical/economical
13%
optimization compared to a baseline of 110% (considered
12%
as traditional DC-AC ratio) shows that around 0.5%~3%
(thin film) and 2.5%~6% (polycrystalline) of BOS cost
savings could be obtained depending on the
11%
environmental conditions (Table III).
It could be observed that the BOS cost savings and
10% IRR increase rates are greater in low irradiation sites like
continental climate areas than in desert conditions with
9% high level of irradiation. This is due to the reference
taken (110% “traditional” reference) and to the fact that
8% the DC-AC ratio increase possibility is greater in
continental areas than in desert ones. It comes from the
7%
fact that 110% is closer to the optimal ratio in desert
1 1,1 1,2 1,3
DC-AC ratio
1,4 1,5
areas, as previously observed.
Tariff (€/kWh) : 0,09 0,1 0,11 0,12 Indeed, there are less economical advantages to
Figure 8: Tariff sensitivity for the particular case: increase the DC-AC ratio in desert areas and it is
Tropical – Fix – Thin film. important to pay attention to it. Special attention should
be taken about this kind of site, because of the potential
As a general conclusion, the economical indicators risks linked to the extreme meteorological conditions and
show that there is a clear financial interest to increase the to the high soiling loss rate (Section 4.1). This is well
DC-AC ratio (>110%). known by the inverter manufacturers, mindful of it, and
their recommendations in high irradiation conditions are
4.7 Oversizing ratio and related financial savings more restrictive with specific analysis for agreements.
The increase of DC-AC ratio impacts on the
following parts of the BOS while maintaining the peak 4.8 Parameters influencing the limitation of the increase
power of the plant: As a synthesis of the above analysis and results, it
- Conversion unit. The increase of the DC-AC can be extracted that the increase of the DC-AC ratio
ratio impacts on a reduction of conversion units advantages are confirmed but some parameters are
inversely proportional to the ratio increase. limiting the increase possibilities, particularly in desert
- Delivery cabinet and grid connection. The areas with high irradiation. It is the case for:
oversizing impacts on a reduction of delivery - High soiling losses. When the estimated rate is
cabinet and grid connection inversely typically above 4%, it could create some big
proportional to the ratio increase. rapid variations for the inverter load at cleaning
- Electrical auxiliary components. The increase of moments and some negative impacts on the
the DC-AC ratio impacts on a reduction of MV inverter (Section 4.1).
cables supply but growing the total length of LV - High altitude, above 2000 m, to be confirmed
cables (Reduction of number of the inverters with inverter manufacturer.
with relocation of the remaining ones). - Market and grid connection possible rules and
limitations (Section 4.4).
Table III: Economical results - Inverters suppliers’ agreements and warranties
after specific analysis could be needed for the
Thin Film final confirmation.
Config. Opti. DC-AC EOH BOS* IRR* - Meteorological uncertainties in preliminary
phase.
Cont. Fix 1.33 1247 -3.0% +1.82%
Cont. Trk 1.34 1429 -3.2% +1.64%
Trop. Fix 1.29 1467 -2.6% +1.38%
5 METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING THE
Trop. Trk 1.24 1806 -2.0% +0.67%
OPTIMAL DC-AC RATIO IN THE PRELIMINARY
Des. Fix 1.18 2012 -1.2% +0.53%
PHASE
Des. Trk 1.12 2581 -0.3% 0.00%
5.1 Analysis of technical and financial results
Polycrystalline
One of the indicators that have been considered
Config. Opti. DC-AC EOH BOS* IRR* pertinent as a criterion for defining the optimal DC-AC
Cont. Fix 1.43 1193 -6.5% +4.19% ratio is the overload losses. Hence, it was examined the
Cont. Trk 1.45 1377 -5.9% +3.66% possibility of finding a correlation between the outputs of
Trop. Fix 1.43 1371 -6.5% +3.56% the PVsyst simulation and those of the economical DC-
Trop. Trk 1.37 1685 -4.8% +2.42% AC ratio optimization of this study.
Des. Fix 1.32 1907 -4.8% +0.93% In this scope, it was established that the optimal DC-
Des. Trk 1.22 2473 -2.4% +0.73% AC ratios without modules degradation considerations –
* Baseline: DCAC ratio = 110% found in correspondence of the maximum LCOE/IRR
BOS = BOS cost savings (%) point - are correlated to specific thresholds of the
IRR = IRR increase (%)
Cont. = Continental / Trop. = Tropical / Des. = Desert overload losses independently of the PV module
Fix = Fixed structure / Trk = 1-axis E/W horizontal tracker technology. Hence, for each studied configuration
meteorological conditions, those “optimal” thresholds are
associated to the optimal DC-AC ratio without
degradation considerations (Figure 9). Then, by

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considering the lifetime and degradation formula (Section
4.3) to these results, the initial optimal DC-AC ratios
could be determined.
Hence, after setting the DC power and an initial AC
size, the simulation and the analysis of the resulting
overload losses is the adopted method for assessing the
right size of the inverters. By following an iterative
process, with successive simulations where the AC power
is modified, targeting the defined “loss over nominal
inverter power” threshold, the process reaches the
technical-economical optimal DC-AC ratio.
Loss over nominal inv. Power
Common loss threshold
for all technologies
126%
100% 125%
DC-AC ratio (%)
Figure 9: PVsyst output “Loss over nominal inv. Power”
vs. DC-AC ratio: Example of a common threshold
(independent of the PV module technology) for
determining the optimal DC-AC ratio before modules
degradation consideration. Particular case: Continental –
Fix – Thin film.
The DC-AC ratio resulting from this iterative method
allows obtaining the optimal profitability for a PV plant
project from the preliminary information available at the
development phase.
5.2 Definition of the main influencing input parameters
All the input parameters could influence the optimal
DC-AC ratio determination. However, some of them are
of first importance while some others have a negligible
impact. It has been examined the related impacts of the
evaluated parameters and it has been determined the most
influencing.
The main influencing parameter, resulting from the
parametric study described above, is the meteorological
dataset. In addition, its accuracy and especially its
uncertainties are also of first importance in order to
correctly dimension the project and to assess its risks.
Indeed, when high uncertainties are linked to the
meteorological dataset, it results high uncertainties on the
determined optimal DC-AC ratio. Consequently there are
higher risks to be not in the conditions used to determine
the optimal DC-AC ratio and then to be more or less far
from the conditions of the optimal technical-economical
configuration.
Also, the soiling losses value entered as input of the
simulation model influence quite a lot the optimization
result. For high soiling losses values (>4% on yearly
average), it appears necessary to be more conservative in
order to not oversize too much the DC-AC ratio. Indeed,
oversizing too much the DC-AC ratio could eventually
create troubles at periods of cleaning and rainfalls for
which the DC power could vary rapidly.
5.3 Known limitations
Some limitations of the method come from the
simulation input data (modules, inverters) parameters, the
uncertainties on some parameters, the uncertainties on the
meteorological dataset, the assumptions on some
specifications expectations in some years, the financial
model and its assumptions, and the uncertainties on some
possible extra cost.
In the preliminary phase of a PV ground mounted
project, the uncertainties are great. Hence, in the detailed
design phase, an important work must be done in order to
decrease these uncertainties, by applying all the
constraints and limitations of the actual modules and
inverters which will be used, and finally in order to
define precisely the definitive system and its final
optimal DC-AC ratio. Inverters manufacturers validation
and agreements are recommended.
6 METHODOLOGY FOR UPDATING THE
OPTIMAL DC-AC RATIO ACCORDING TO FINAL
PARAMETERS IN DETAILED DESIGN
6.1 Final design and new parameters
Optimal DC-AC ratio without
degradation consideration
At the detailed design phase of the project, it is
necessary to update the previously simulated
150%
configuration with the finally selected materials
characteristics. Then, it is possible and recommended to
perform a new energy assessment with the determination
(through the above described iterative process) and the
related revision of the optimal DC-AC ratio. This could
be done thanks to more accurate meteorological data,
obtained from specialized suppliers and/or from own
solar stations measuring on site for a minimum of 1 year.
It is highly recommended, in this final design phase
which could occur some years after the preliminary
design phase, to analyze the necessity of revising the DC-
AC ratio based more precise and updated economical and
financial data. The method for this update is similar to the
one adopted in the preliminary phase of the project but it
should consider the update parameters and the final
project limitations constraints.
In such context, the final optimum is not always an
oversized DC-AC ratio. Indeed, in the final phase of the
design of a solar plant, all critical input parameters are
known, particularly all possible constraints linked to the
grid code and the reactive power control needs. These
eventual limitations can affect the oversizing possibilities
and the corresponding expected advantages.
6.2 Inverters manufacturers support & involvement
The inverters manufacturers should provide the
confirmation of the inverters performances and their
limitations in the final design phase according to the
expected site conditions and the final proposed design. It
is important to work closely with them in order to know
the eventual effects on the warranty of the chose DC-AC
ratio and to have a particular evaluation of the probability
of failure occurrence and impact (MTBF: Mean Time
Between Failure x repair duration). Some possible extra
costs for high DC-AC ratio for high irradiance area are
possible, and already announced by some inverters
suppliers.
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7 CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS photovoltaic systems”, Pages 1517–1539, Solar Energy
Volume 80, Issue 12, December 2006.
In this paper, the advantages, drawbacks and [4] S. Islam, A. Woyte, R. Belmans, J. Nijs,
limitations of oversizing the DC-AC ratio of a PV plant “Undersizing inverters for grid connection – What is the
are presented. optimum?”, Proceedings of the Conference PV in
The technical-economical study allows quantifying Europe. Vol. 1, pp. 780 - 783. Rome, October 2002.
the benefits of the increase of the DC-AC ratio. It also [5] R. Subbiah, M. Zerer, F. Kroemke, “Investigation
allows defining criteria and methods in order to assess an and evaluation of yield losses due to undersized /
optimal DC-AC ratio in preliminary phase of a project regulated inverters”, Proceedings of the 28th EU PVSEC,
according to the available information at that time. 2013.
Based on the proposed methodology, the important
factor which is the DC-AC ratio could be defined with
the main features of the project (location, climatic
conditions, module technology, mounting systems like
fixed structures or trackers).
Obviously, for developers, having the possibility of
optimizing the DC-AC at an early stage of the projects,
especially without precise financial data, is a good
opportunity. It allows a more objective selection of the
projects to be continued or those to be abandoned.
However, it remains that each project is a particular
case in term of optimization and some of the most
sensitive input parameters influencing the DC-AC ratio
have to be analyzed deeper and some precautions are
necessary.
For example, temperature and irradiation data,
influencing a lot the modules and the inverters
performances, are sometimes subject to high
uncertainties. This is the case, for example, when
meteorological data are obtained through satellite
database. Consequently, this induces uncertainties on the
optimal DC-AC ratio assessment [5].
In order to minimize the risks, accurate
meteorological data are recommended in the final design
phase to confirm the DC-AC ratio value. Hence, it is
recommended to use local solar station data adjusted on
the long term.
Also, in high soiling losses areas (desert, quarry, etc.)
with average yearly losses >4%~6%, it is also
recommended to be careful with the DC-AC oversizing.
The risk is to obtain more inverter overload and clipping
effects than expected, mainly after the PV modules
cleaning or after significant rainfalls.
Finally, the altitude still remains an open point of this
study. It can impact the inverters behavior, mainly
because of the pressure and low temperatures. More
specific operational feedback from the manufacturers is
necessary in order to understand the actual effects of the
altitude on the material. At the time of the publication,
not enough information was available and it couldn’t be
studied in this paper.
Despite some indicated limitations and remaining
open points of the study, the first results obtained in this
paper are positively confirming, the trend consisting in
oversizing DC-AC ratio. Furthermore it provides a
method in order to fix the optimal DC-AC ratio.

8 REFERENCES

[1] J. Fiorelli, M. Zuercher-Martinson, “Array

oversizing”, White paper, Solectria Renewables, 2013.
[2] P. Vanicek, G. Karg, R. Haselhuhn, “Quality of the
calculation of inverter losses with standard simulation
programs”, Proceedings of the 26th EU PVSEC, 2011.
[3] J. D. Mondol, Y. G. Yohanis, B. Norton, “Optimal
sizing of array and inverter for grid-connected

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