Solar PV Transformers

[EngGarr]

Hello
Im relatively new to Solar PV installations with MV connections. Ive been seeing a lot of transformer manufacturers selling "Solar" Transformers. What is the key difference between a "solar" transformer and your regular run of the mill distribution transformer? Also - any preference for copper wound over aluminum for solar transformers?

 

[electrofelon]

IMO there is nothing special about a "solar transformer" and they are not needed. I have worked on quite a few multi megawatt installs where the POCO owned and supplied the transformers, and they were just regular wye wye transformers.


Here is a quick article from Eaton on AL vs CU windings:

https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/products/medium-voltage-power-distribution-control-systems/cooper-power-series-transformers/copper-vs-aluminum-conductor-product-aid-pa202008en.pdf

 

[pv_n00b]

There is no standard for a "solar" transformer, it's a marketing term. That being said your inverter manufacturer will often have a specification the MV transformer has to meet.