A transformerless microinverter
is described that is intended for integration
into building materials
such as residential roof shingles.
The inverter achieves low profile (3 mm),
high efficiency (95.1%)
and high reliability capacitive energy storage using 125degC
ceramics. It is intended to interface a 25 W photovoltaic array such as a small thin-film residential roof shingle to the 120 V AC utility. Design tradeoffs involving cost and efficiency are described, and operation of an experimental prototype is documented.