Methods and systems to provide electric power from solar energy equipment

A method for directly providing electrical power from a photovoltaic (PV) installation to an electrical consumer, wherein the electrical consumer comprises electrolysis equipment, the method comprising:

• (a) providing electrical power generated by a PV installation via a direct connection to an electrical consumer wherein the electrical consumer comprises a rated current and a rated power,
• wherein the direct connection is a connection without any conversion equipment between the PV installation and the connected electrical consumer to change the current, voltage, or the current (direct vs. alternating) of the electrical power being provided,
• wherein the PV installation comprises a first portion and a second portion,
• wherein each of the first portion and the second portion comprises at least one PV string;
• wherein the first portion comprises a first maximum power production point of at least 60% of the rated power of the electrical consumer,
• wherein the second portion comprises a second maximum power production point such that the sum of the first and second maximum power production points is at least 5% greater than the rated power of the electrical consumer;
• (b) determining whether current (I) output of the PV installation is below a threshold;
• and
• (c) if it is determined that the current (I) output of the PV installation is below the threshold, connecting at least one segment of the second portion of the PV installation to the electrical consumer to allow any generated electrical power to be provided;
• or
• (d) if it is determined that the current (I) output of the PV installation exceeds the threshold, disconnecting at least a connected segment of the second portion of the PV installation from the electrical consumer to stop electrical power from being provided;
• and
• (e) repeating steps (b) through (d) to maintain the current (I) output of the PV installation within a range of the threshold.