a photovoltaic generator is provided that has at least one string of multiple series - connected photovoltaic modules , each of which has a plurality of series - connected photovoltaic cells . one quarter to one half of all photovoltaic modules of the at least one string can be short - circuited by means of a switch . activation of the switch takes place when a predefined voltage value across the string is exceeded . the shorting switch is only present in some of the arrays making up the photovoltaic generator , which reduces cabling costs . because of the parallel connection of the arrays , the voltage of the arrays without shorting switches is drawn down to a lower voltage that is safe for the inverter .