What does a string inverter connect to?

A string inverter connects to PV source circuits that are configured in series. This configuration allows the inverter to optimize the performance of the entire string, as it converts the direct current (DC) produced by the series of solar panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for use in homes or for feeding into the grid.

When PV modules are connected in series, the voltage adds up while the current remains the same. This makes string inverters particularly efficient for larger installations where multiple panels can be wired together to create an appropriate voltage input for the inverter. The string inverter monitors the performance of the entire series of panels, allowing for maximum energy harvest and efficient management of the system.

Connecting panels in parallel (as suggested in one of the other options) would typically require multiple parallel inverters or a different kind of inverter configuration, like microinverters, which are optimized for individual panel performance rather than a string of panels. A single PV module connection is not representative of how string inverters operate, as they are designed to manage the output of multiple panels. Connecting directly to the grid is an operation performed by the inverter itself after converting the DC input but isn't a function of what it connects to.