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A PlantPredict inverter file contains all electrical and performance parameters required to model inverter behavior. Inverter files are organized across four tabs, each containing related parameters.

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Tab Overview

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Parameters Tab

The Parameters tab contains general inverter information and electrical ratings.
Inverter File Parameters

Inverter File - Parameters Tab

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General

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Ratings & Characteristics

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Notes

See Inverter Operating Regions for how voltage and power thresholds affect inverter behavior.

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Efficiency Tab

The Efficiency tab contains power-efficiency curves at multiple DC voltage levels. These curves define how efficiently the inverter converts DC power to AC power across its operating range.
Inverter File Efficiency

Inverter File - Efficiency Tab

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Voltage Curves

Efficiency curves are defined at multiple DC voltage levels (typically minimum, nominal, and maximum MPPT voltage). Each curve contains power-efficiency pairs.

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Efficiency Data

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Efficiency Chart

The chart displays efficiency (%) vs. AC Power (kW) for all voltage curves. Different colors represent different voltage levels, allowing visual comparison of efficiency across the operating range.
PlantPredict requires a minimum of 3 efficiency curves (at different voltage levels) for proper interpolation. Efficiency values typically range from 97-99% for modern inverters at optimal operating points.
See Inverter Efficiency Models for detailed algorithm documentation.

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Temperature & Elevation KVA Tab

The Temperature & Elevation KVA tab defines temperature-dependent power derating curves. When enabled, the inverter’s AC power capacity is reduced when ambient temperature exceeds nominal conditions.
Inverter File Temperature & Elevation KVA

Inverter File - Temperature & Elevation KVA Tab

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Enable/Disable

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Elevation Curves

Temperature-kVA curves can be defined at multiple elevation levels. PlantPredict selects the appropriate curve based on the site elevation.

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Temperature-kVA Data

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Derating Chart

The chart displays kVA vs. Temperature (°C) showing how inverter capacity decreases at higher temperatures. The curve typically shows:
  • Full capacity at low temperatures
  • Gradual derating beginning around 45-50°C
  • Zero capacity (shutdown) at the maximum operating temperature
If the ambient temperature exceeds the maximum temperature in the curve, the inverter is derated to zero (shutdown). Ensure your curves cover the full expected temperature range for your project location.
See Inverter Temperature Derating for detailed algorithm documentation.

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Active and Reactive Power Curves Tab

Experimental Feature — Not Currently Used in PredictionsThe Active and Reactive Power Curves tab is an experimental feature. P-Q capability curves defined in this tab are not currently used in PlantPredict energy predictions. This tab is reserved for future grid interaction modeling capabilities.
The Active and Reactive Power Curves tab allows definition of P-Q capability curves that specify the inverter’s ability to provide reactive power support at various active power levels. These curves are typically used for detailed grid compliance studies.