PV INV
Photovoltaic inverter
A photovoltaic inverter converts a documented PV DC input into an AC output and provides the selected PV control functions.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · INV STR
PV string inverter
A solar inverter connecting a small number of PV strings directly, each group tracked by its own MPPT input.
In plain English
What does PV string inverter mean?
A string inverter connects one or a few PV strings directly to its DC inputs, usually with two or more independent maximum power point trackers. In commercial and utility plants many string inverters are spread across the array and their AC outputs are collected at an AC combiner board.
A simple example
Single-line diagrams show the inverter box with several DC inputs, each labelled by MPPT and string count, plus a DC isolator and sometimes string fuses inside the inverter. The AC side shows the output breaker and the combiner or distribution board.
What the drawings help you do
The symbol does not tell you whether strings on the same tracker share orientation, which affects yield, nor whether the inverter has integrated arc fault detection. The string configuration schedule carries that detail.
This particular reference
A solar inverter connecting a small number of PV strings directly, each group tracked by its own MPPT input. A string inverter serves a few strings near the array; a central inverter collects many combined strings at one large unit.
- DC
- Direct current: electricity flowing in one direction.
- AC
- Alternating current: electricity whose direction changes periodically.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
Read the source: Photovoltaic technology and inverter functions · Solar electrical system architecture
SLD · INV STR
What it represents
A string inverter connects one or a few PV strings directly to its DC inputs, usually with two or more independent maximum power point trackers. In commercial and utility plants many string inverters are spread across the array and their AC outputs are collected at an AC combiner board.
Single-line diagrams show the inverter box with several DC inputs, each labelled by MPPT and string count, plus a DC isolator and sometimes string fuses inside the inverter. The AC side shows the output breaker and the combiner or distribution board.
The symbol does not tell you whether strings on the same tracker share orientation, which affects yield, nor whether the inverter has integrated arc fault detection. The string configuration schedule carries that detail.
How to read it
- Count MPPT inputs and the strings on each.
- Check for DC isolators on each input.
Information to show or reference
- State number of MPPTs and strings per MPPT.
- Show DC isolation and AC protection.
- Reference string configuration schedule.
A distinction that matters
A string inverter serves a few strings near the array; a central inverter collects many combined strings at one large unit.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Photovoltaic technology and inverter functions
Public photovoltaic inverter function context.
Solar electrical system architecture
Public solar electrical system architecture context.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
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