Performance Evaluation of a Grid-Connected Single-Phase PWM Inverter for Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

The increasing integration of renewable energy sources has increased the demand for efficient power electronic converters for grid-connected applications. Among renewable technologies, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely adopted due to their clean energy generation and modular design. Since PV arrays produce direct current (DC), a high-performance inverter is required to supply alternating current (AC) power to loads and the utility grid. This paper presents the design, mathematical modeling, and simulation of a single-phase Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) inverter for solar PV applications using MATLAB/Simulink. The proposed system consists of a PV array, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller, H-bridge SPWM inverter, LCL filter, transformer, and grid interface. The MPPT controller maximizes PV power extraction, while the SPWM technique ensures stable switching with low harmonic distortion. Simulation results under different operating conditions confirm that the proposed inverter delivers a stable sinusoidal AC output with good voltage regulation and low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). The LCL filter effectively suppresses switching harmonics, improving power quality and grid compatibility. The developed model provides a reliable platform for future research on advanced control strategies and smart grid integration.