Choosing the right solar transformer comes down to six things: sizing it correctly for unity power factor, matching voltage to your interconnection requirements, selecting the right type for your site conditions, accounting for harmonic distortion and thermal cycling, locking. Choosing the right solar transformer comes down to six things: sizing it correctly for unity power factor, matching voltage to your interconnection requirements, selecting the right type for your site conditions, accounting for harmonic distortion and thermal cycling, locking. Learn all about transformer sizing and design requirements for solar applications—inverters, harmonics, DC bias, overload, bi-directionality, and more. Let's start by reviewing the unique demands that solar applications face. Solar generation relies on a discontinuous power source — the sun. Day. This guide is for electrical engineers, facility managers, and EPC contractors who need to size transformers for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It solves the problem of selecting transformer kVA when load includes PV inverters with harmonic content, bidirectional power flow (grid-tied systems). A transformer for solar plant applications is not a standard distribution transformer with a new label. Solar farms require specially specified units that handle inverter harmonics, tolerate highly variable load cycles, and remain energized through long no-production periods.
