Patent ID: 8618456

Claim:
An inverter apparatus for converting power from a bipolar photovoltaic source to 3-phase AC power, comprising: a bipolar DC input port, a DC capacitive energy storage element, a single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter, AC line isolation contactors, a 3-phase AC output port and a control circuit; wherein the bipolar DC input port is configured to accept two monopolar photovoltaic source circuits, where a first conductor of each of said monopolar photovoltaic source circuits is coupled to earth ground and where a second conductor of each of said monopolar photovoltaic source circuits are collectively of opposite polarities and coupled across a DC capacitive energy storage bus; wherein the DC capacitive energy storage element further comprises film type capacitors; wherein the DC capacitive energy storage element is coupled to an input of the single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter; wherein the AC line isolation contactors are configured to make or break a coupling between an output of the single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter and the 3-phase AC output port under control of the control circuit; and wherein the 3-phase AC output port is connected to an electrical utility grid.