Even though solar power generation has become an emerging trend in the world, its penetration into the utility grid as a distributed generation source is not a satisfactory measure due to the inherent issues related to solar photovoltaic systems (SPVSs). In addressing these issues, microgrids have been identified as suitable integrating platforms for distributed, clean energy resources such as SPV. Different SPV and microgrid architectures are available for different applications depending on the resource availability and controllability. Reconfigurability is a concept that makes a system adaptable to two or more different environments by effectively utilizing the available resources. The review explains the applications of reconfigurable approaches on solar PV systems such as reconfigurable PV arrays, power conditioning unit (DC/DC converter, DC/AC inverter), microgrid controller and topology of distribution network with relevant studies. An analysis is also presented considering the unique features of reconfigurable systems in comparison to the static systems.

This manuscript reports the monitored performance results of roof top solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in different parts of Tamilnadu, India. In this work, PV plants of capacities 84 kWp and 18 kWp located at Tirunelveli and Ranipet respectively in Tamilnadu are considered. During an eight month period, of September 2014 to April 2015, these plants had generated 43.99 MWh and 15.55 MWh units of electricity respectively. The average electricity production per day for the considered period of these plants is 181.74 kWh and 62.81 kWh respectively. The performance ratio (PR) of these plants PV1 and PV2 is found to be 0.52 and 0.86 respectively. The characteristics of poly crystalline PV modules and the performance of employed photovoltaic inverters are also analyzed.It is observed that external conditions like climate and bad weather significantly reduces the PV system output, whereas it reduces marginally due to inverter failure as observed from the values of energy yield and performance ratio of these plants. Online monitoring of PV plant with DC/AC line and phase voltages and current waveforms observed for the given day are also presented.

Multilevel inverters are becoming popular for power conversion in renewable energy systems, AC-DC hybrid micro grids etc. The voltage stress and inrush current through these inverter leg switches are quite higher as compared to the load ratings which increase the chances of inverter leg switch failure. A three level neutral point clamped quasi Z source inverter topology is discussed in this paper which has the features of lower component count, reduced capacitor voltage stress, and it can be operated at different control strategies to achieve wide range of voltage boosting ability, suited for photovoltaic (PV) systems. It also ensures continuous input current irrespective of the DC supply voltage variations and injects stable and smooth power to the load/grid. The effectiveness of the proposed inverter is verified by simulation results in MATLAB Simulink model as well as performing experiment with the help of a laboratory prototype.

India is marching towards to achieve solar power generation target of 100 GW by the year 2022. Recent progress and developments in solar power sector of India are presented. This paper supports the prevailing progressive path for solar power development and recommends future course of actions for India.

Need for alternative energy sources to satisfy the rising demand in energy consumption elicited the research in the area of power converters/inverters. An increasing interest of using Z source inverter/converter in power generation involving renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy for both off grid and grid tied schemes were originated from 2003. This paper surveys the literature of Z source inverters/converter topologies that were developed over the years.

Renewable energies can substantially improve the increasing energy demands and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides direct and indirect social benefits such as reducing the health and environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil and nuclear fuels, thereby improving standard of living, educational opportunities, creating jobs, reducing poverty, increasing gender equality and ensures energy security. Hybrid renewable energy systems comprising of solar and wind will be effective for efficient power generation, in spite of variability, intermittency and other grid related issues. Prospects and insights of solar photovoltaic and wind energy systems will be discussed by analyzing information reported in various literatures, government and international renewable energy agencies. Also policies and initiatives related to hybrid energy systems concerning environment and economy will be addressed. The progressive path for renewable energy development will be suggested through increased use of renewable energy generation with enhanced reliability, security and resiliency of the future electric grid.