AC

Abbreviation for Alternating Current (AC).

In photovoltaics, AC refers to electrical current that alternates direction. Unlike direct current (DC), alternating current is suitable for direct use in most household appliances and the public power grid.

Function in Photovoltaics:

• Inverter: The direct current (DC) generated in a solar cell must first be converted into alternating current (AC). This task is handled by the inverter.
• Grid Feed-In: The generated alternating current can then either be used directly in the household or fed into the public power grid.
• Battery Storage: Modern battery storage systems can handle both direct and alternating current. In AC-coupled systems, the current is converted to direct current before being stored in the battery and then converted back to alternating current as needed.

Advantages of AC:

• Direct Use: Alternating current can be used directly by most electrical appliances without further conversion.
• Grid Feed-In: Feeding alternating current into the public power grid is straightforward.
• Flexibility: AC systems are generally more flexible and easier to retrofit.

Disadvantages of AC:

• Conversion Losses: Converting direct current to alternating current results in slight energy losses.

Conclusion:

AC is crucial in photovoltaics because it enables the use of generated solar power in households and the feed-in to the public grid. The choice between AC and DC systems depends on various factors, such as the existing installation, individual needs, and technical possibilities.

Additional Keywords: Inverter, Solar Power, Feed-In, Battery Storage, Direct Current (DC)