Patent attributes
The present invention provides for a photovoltaic system and circuit having array shedding functionality. The system and circuit, in general, have at least two photovoltaic strings, at least one inverter; and, an array shedding and harvesting functionality configured to monitor the inverter and either disconnect or connect inputs of the at least two photovoltaic strings as needed to produce power for the at least one inverter or to produce power for storage. The array shedding and harvesting functionality is preferably integrated between photovoltaic (PV) strings and the output of the inverter. Various embodiments provide for sensors integrated on each of the inputs of a power assembly combiner, current sensors used to sense current provided on each of multiple inputs from power sources (PV arrays or combiners), and direct current (DC) contactors used to control connection of power source inputs.
