Device, system, and method for managing an application of power from photovoltaic arrays

A method for coupling photovoltaic arrays with a power conversion component comprising:

• arranging a first array and a second array in series;
• coupling a positive terminal of a first array to the power conversion component;
• coupling a negative terminal of a second array to the power conversion component;
• modulating an amount of current flowing between a negative terminal of the first array and a positive terminal of the second array so as to ramp up a level of current flowing through the arrays as the arrays are brought online with the power conversion component;
• and
• limiting a voltage of any terminal on either of the arrays so that the voltage on any of the terminals does not reach a restricted level.

An apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays comprising:

• a first input adapted to couple to a negative terminal of a first photovoltaic array;
• a second input adapted to couple to a positive terminal of a second photovoltaic array;
• a contactor configured to switchably couple the negative terminal of the first photovoltaic array to the positive terminal of the second photovoltaic array so as to place the first and second photovoltaic arrays in series, the contactor being controllable by an electric control signal;
• and
• a current modulator configured to modulate an amount of current flowing through the first and second photovoltaic arrays.