# PV string inverter

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/pv-string-inverter
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: INV STR
Drawing use: SLD
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

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.

### Terms

- 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.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Photovoltaic technology and inverter functions](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Photovoltaic_background%2C_technology)
- [Solar electrical system architecture](https://www.ti.com/applications/industrial/energy-infrastructure/solar-energy/overview.html)


## 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.

## Important distinction

A string inverter serves a few strings near the array; a central inverter collects many combined strings at one large unit.

## Facts

- DC inputs: A few strings, multiple MPPTs
- Typical rating: A few kW to a few hundred kW
- AC collection: AC combiner board
- Preview: Independent educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Photovoltaic technology and inverter functions](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Photovoltaic_background%2C_technology) — Schneider Electric. Public photovoltaic inverter function context.
- [Solar electrical system architecture](https://www.ti.com/applications/industrial/energy-infrastructure/solar-energy/overview.html) — Texas Instruments. Public solar electrical system architecture context.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.