SG80KTL-M PID Solution

SG80KTL-M PID Solution

Version Date Author Approved by
V10 May 25, 2018 Xie CY Zheng W

1.Introduction

This document describes the principles of Sungrow PID (Potential Induced Degradation) solution for SG80KTL-M
string inverter.

This document is intended to be used by the specific addressees. No part of this document may be reproduced or
distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.

2.PID Solution

2.1. What is PID?

Potential Induced Degradation (PID) is potential-induced performance degradation in crystalline photovoltaic

modules, caused by so-called stray currents. PID occurs mostly at negative voltage with respect to the ground
potential and is accelerated by high system voltages, high temperatures, and high humidity.

 Cell level: The cell was found to be the precondition for PID. Some process steps as well as the quality of the base
material have been identified to significantly contribute to the extent of PID tendency on cell level.

 Panel level: The choice of glass, encapsulation (ENC), and diffusion barriers have all been shown to have an
impact on PID.

 System level: At the system level, the most significant impacts are the module’s voltage potential and sign, which
is determined by both the module’s position in the array and the system grounding configuration.

Sungrow Single Phase String

Inverter without Transformer
PV Voltage to ground [V]

Sungrow Three Phase String

Inverter without Transformer

0
Sungrow Central Inverter with
Transformer

Sungrow Central Inverter with

Transformer and Negative
grounding set

Fig.1 Voltage Potential Depends On the Grounding Configuration of the PV System.

2.2. How to prevent PID?

The PID can be prevented by:
-PV module level:
 Front glass with less mobile ions (quartz glass), increasing the resistance of glass (Rglass);
 Encapsulates with reduced mobility of ions, increasing the resistance of poly (Rpoly).
-System level:
 For the transformer isolated inverters, DC negative polarity direct grounding;
 For the transformerless inverters, raise the potential voltage of the PV positive or negative pole to the
grounding point.

1
SG80KTL-M PID Solution

The PID is also a reversible process, which can be reversed by applying a positive potential on the negative pole of
the PV modules.
2.3. PID Solution Principles of SG80KTL-M

The PID function module is integrated in the inverter and is fully automatic in operation, through the closed-loop
regulation of the output voltage. It starts up and stands by automatically. The PID function module supports PID
recovery mode.

Transformer Grid
Potential of Upv- to
ground >0

Inverter
Power
Module AC
PV

Positive PID Function

potential Module

PV Strings Inverter

Fig. 2 PID Function Principle of SG80KTL-M

PID Recovery (Night Mode)

As soon as the inverter shuts down in the evening, the PID recovery mode is enabled. The PID function module
increases the PV- to ground to a high, positive potential thus reversing the polarization effect that arises during
operation. When the inverter starts working in the morning, the PID function module automatically switches to
standby mode. The figure below shows the negative to ground voltage is determined by the PID Recovery Mode.
The maximum output voltage can be individually adapted. The setting range is 500V~1000V.

1100V
Negative to ground [V]

0 24h
On Off On

-1100V

Fig.3 Negative to Ground Voltage

2.4. Conclusion

Negative grounding is a very simple way to solve the PID issue. For transformerless inverters, the DC voltage is
coupled to the grid voltage. This means a hard grounding (e.g. negative grounding of DC input) is not possible.
Fortunately, the SG80KTL-M integrated PID solution provides PID recovery mode which can solve the PID issue.
To avoid potential induced degradation, Sungrow recommends to check the PV module manufacturer regarding any
recommendation concerning this topic and to follow any instructions given.

2
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
All rights reserved. Subject to change without notice.

www.sungrowpower.com