Measurements of conducted and radiated emissions from solar panel installations

Authors:

  • Sara Linder
  • Kia Wiklundh
  • Mikael Alexandersson

Publish date: 2022-04-27

Report number: FOI-R--5308--SE

Pages: 57

Written in: English

Keywords:

  • photovoltaic systems
  • PV
  • EMC
  • EMI
  • interference
  • radiated emission measurement

Abstract

The report summarizes results from measurements at photovoltaic systems that were carried out in Bergshamra in Solna during 22-23 June 2021. Photovoltaic systems in three tenant-owner associations are covered and all were using optimizers at the solar panels. Emissions from photovoltaic systems have previously disrupted radio communication and the purpose of the measurements was to map how emissions from photovoltaic systems can occur. Measurements were made on both conducted signals and radiated emissions. Conducted signals were measured for frequencies 10 kHz-200 MHz and emission for 10 kHz-1 GHz. Measurements were carried out with inverters in the facilities both on and off. The conducted measurements showed that even if the inverter is turned off, there are signals in the system. When the inverter was on, a number of characteristic signals were generated which were repetitive in frequency, for example at 200 kHz intervals. These signals were also present in several of the emission measurements on different frequency bands. The measured disturbance levels varied for the different frequency bands, the different installations and the different measuring points, but showed a clear increase when the inverter was switched on.