Photovoltaic Unit, Photovoltaic System, Method for Operating a Photovoltaic Unit, and Method for Operating a Photovoltaic System

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This invention introduces a new photovoltaic unit and system architecture where each solar module is combined with its own resonant-controlled boost converter, which allows independent and highly efficient power extraction from each module, regardless of orientation or shade. The modules' outputs are then connected in parallel, enabling flexible system design, better performance, and easier integration of energy storage. The approach involves a control unit operating the boost converter in resonance, minimizing energy losses and maximizing the efficiency of solar energy conversion.

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• Residential rooftop solar installations with solar panels facing different directions or subject to partial shading.
• Large commercial or industrial solar power plants aiming for maximum efficiency and modular scalability.
• Retrofitting or upgrading existing photovoltaic systems to increase performance and fault tolerance.
• Microgrid or off-grid power supplies where independent module optimization and battery integration are desirable.
• Solar systems designed for locations with architectural constraints or non-ideal panel placement.

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• Dramatically higher efficiency—conversion efficiencies above 99% are achievable, even under partial load conditions.
• Each photovoltaic module can operate independently at its optimal power point, maximizing overall system output regardless of irradiation or shading differences.
• No performance bottleneck from the weakest module, overcoming the main disadvantage of series string configurations.
• Easy, safe, and modular scalability of solar installations: facilities can be expanded by simply adding more photovoltaic units in parallel.
• Less complex, lower-cost, and more efficient power electronics compared to traditional inverter or module-level solutions.
• Simplified integration of various energy storage devices, enhancing flexibility and futureproofing.
• Greater system resilience—failure of individual modules does not compromise the rest of the installation.
• Reduced installation and operational costs due to minimized wiring complexity and lower-rated central inverters.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic unit (1) comprising a photovoltaic module (2), a controllable step-up converter (3) and a control unit (9). The control unit (9) controls the step-up converter (3) such that resonant operation occurs. The invention also relates to a photovoltaic system comprising a plurality of photovoltaic units (1), each photovoltaic unit (1) having a photovoltaic module (2) and a controllable step-up converter (3). Each photovoltaic unit (1) is connected in parallel to the output side of its step-up converter (3). Corresponding operating methods are likewise disclosed.