Our annual solar photovoltaic inverter buyer's guide is an opportunity to connect with all inverter manufacturers (from market leaders to rising stars) to understand how their technology has evolved and what new products are now available Can be used for installation. This year, we took a snapshot of one product in each market segment served by these companies, from residential to utility scale. We start with this year's featured brand SMA, and then continue in alphabetical order.
[button link="http://bit.ly/37Y4HEa"] SMA’s ShadeFix optimization generates more energy than traditional optimizers. Compared with alternative solutions, ShadeFix also provides higher reliability and lower service risk. Watch the video and see for yourself! [/Button]
what is new? In 2021, we see that our role in the utility storage market is expected to grow significantly. SMA America has sold a total of 1 GW of Sunny Central Storage inverters in North America. As a result of this huge growth, SMA doubled sales and application engineering support for the large-scale storage category. Looking ahead, as the company participates in dozens of projects around the world, this will increase business capabilities, improve customer support, and pave the way for future storage milestones. Our product portfolio includes various AC and DC coupling solutions, with 1,000 and 1,500 Vdc storage options. This includes solutions for grid services and renewable energy integration. SMA provides centralized medium-voltage power stations and modular Sunny Highpower PEAK3 at the utility scale. The options provided by these two solutions provide flexibility for developers and integrators. Both utility-scale solutions are storage-ready.
Residential: SMA Sunny Boy inverter adopts integrated ShadeFix technology and SunSpec fast shutdown certified transmitter. It also uses a SunSpec-certified receiver on the module to shut down. The combination of SMA inverters and SunSpec-certified fast shutdown technology is the easiest and most reliable way to achieve NEC 2017 compliance. Compared with the traditional technology, the SunSpec solution combined with SMA's ShadeFix optimization technology can generate more energy and reduce the DC optimizer of system components by more than 50%. ShadeFix optimization is a proprietary integrated inverter function that optimizes the energy production of photovoltaic systems under any circumstances-even when shadows occur.
Sunny Boy Storage battery inverters are precisely designed to be used as a smart interface between photovoltaics, power grids and industry-leading high-voltage batteries. Its AC coupling architecture supports installation at any point in time, providing greater flexibility and giving installers the opportunity to develop new business with existing customers. In addition to being able to deal with the large-scale retrofit market of existing photovoltaic systems, it also provides the most cost-effective, versatile and innovative residential storage solutions. The SMA automatic backup device also provides backup for the entire family.
Sunny Tripower CORE1 is the world's first stand-alone photovoltaic inverter for traditional solar projects for commercial roofs, carports, ground installation and re-power supply. From distribution to construction to operation, Sunny Tripower CORE1 can reduce logistics, materials, labor and service costs, and is currently the most versatile and cost-effective business solution. The integrated SunSpec PLC for quick shutdown and enhanced DC AFCI arc fault protection ensure compliance with the latest safety codes and standards. With the help of Sunny Tripower CORE1 and SMA's ennexOS cross-departmental energy management platform, system integrators can provide comprehensive commercial energy solutions to improve return on investment.
SMA medium voltage power station adopts plug-and-play design, which can provide the highest power density and is suitable for global use. Integrators can rely on the most powerful, technologically advanced and internationally certified hardware for power conversion in any climate. As one of the first truly global systems, it is an ideal choice for next-generation photovoltaic power plants operating at 1500 VDC. The SMA medium-voltage power plant combines the highest plant safety and maximum energy production, and minimizes the logistics and operational risks of large-scale photovoltaic power plant projects.
With Sunny Highpower PEAK 3, system owners can use a 1,500 VDC modular inverter solution to achieve superior economic efficiency in 480 VAC interconnected ground installation projects. Sunny Highpower PEAK3 is the only 1,500 VDC inverter that can be connected to the grid at 480 VAC, and integrators have many opportunities to increase their profits. For large-scale ground installation projects, SMA's PEAK3 can provide the most cost-effective solution and the highest energy output.
what is new? APsystems is about to launch some exciting new products, including the higher-power dual-module micro-inverter DS3 and the higher-power three-phase micro-inverter QT2. Both will be listed before the end of the year. Our Apsmart brand has just released the RSD-D dual-module quick shutdown device, which will enter the US market in the next few weeks.
The most prominent feature of APsystems' YC600 and QS1 micro-inverters is that they serve multiple photovoltaic modules, which means they reduce installation time and costs, and are more cost-effective than traditional micro-inverters. They are smart, easy to install and can be used together on the same circuit. The last feature greatly increases the flexibility of design and installation.
• The unit serves multiple photovoltaic modules (YC600, 2:1; QS1, 4:1) • 300VA continuous power per channel, each channel has an independent MPPT • 22-48V wider MPPT voltage range means higher Energy harvesting • Inherent fast shut-down compliance (NEC 690.12) • CA Rule 21 certification
APsystems YC1000 has continued to evolve since it was first launched on the market. At present, the power of a single MPPT is 1130W, which can be paired with 4 photovoltaic modules up to 350W+ or 3 high-capacity photovoltaic modules up to 470W+. The "+" here means that higher W modules will not negatively affect the inverter, but will only increase clipping. This shared MPPT allows installers to use 1130W according to their choice, while still providing all the advantages of YC1000: true, out-of-the-box three-phase, plug-and-play 5-wire cable, phase balance and phase monitoring. With its simple plug-and-play installation, without phase balancing, additional equipment or inverter cabinets, YC1000 can transform residential installers into commercial installers overnight.
• True three-phase, 5-wire inverter • 1,130W, single MPPT • Provide services for 4 PV modules up to 350W+ or 4 PV modules up to 470W+ • Phase balance and phase monitoring. • Inherent fast shutdown compatibility (NEC 690.12)
what is new? CPS America has shipped more than 4GW of UL listed string inverters in North America. This year, CPS expanded its quick shutdown products to include factory-integrated RSD junction boxes and certified PVRSS solutions with TIGO, APS and NEP devices. An exciting new product we launched this year is the 100kW-480Vac string inverter, which is optimized for 1500Vdc ground-mounted applications with a 480Vac service voltage. The 100kW-480V model includes all the powerful features of our 100/125kW three-phase inverter platform and enables low-cost 480Vac interconnection by eliminating the need for step-down transformers. CPS will also release our new high-power 275 kW string inverter designed for large-scale utility-scale applications (see below for more details).
The 275kW high-power CPS three-phase string inverter is specially designed for large-scale utility-scale ground installation applications. High efficiency, wide operating voltage, wide temperature range and NEMA 4X type enclosure enable this inverter platform to operate with high performance in many applications. The 275kW inverter includes a contact-type safety DC fuse holder to improve convenience and safety. CPS will provide 800Vac system balance together with the 275kW inverter to optimize the system design.
CPS 25kW-208V three-phase string inverter is specially designed and optimized for roof and carport applications with 208Vac service voltage. The CPS 25kW product comes with a quick shutdown junction box, which is fully integrated and can be separated from touch safety fuses, monitoring, and AC and DC disconnect switches. When used with TIGO, APS and NEP products, the integrated PLC transmitter in the quick shutdown junction box can achieve PVRSS-certified module-level quick shutdown. The CPS Flex gateway supports monitoring, control and remote product upgrades.
what is new? Darfon will launch a new monitoring application for its hybrid inverters in the second quarter of this year. When designing an application, our main focus is to make it easy to use, expandable, and beautiful. I believe we have achieved this goal and look forward to the release and response of the homeowners and installers. The cool thing about our monitoring service is our hardware connection options. Our latest data logger is used in conjunction with our hybrid inverter and can be connected to the Internet via LAN, WiFi or 4G cellular connection.
Darfon's H5001 hybrid inverter can be used as a string inverter. Why is this useful? The cost of a hybrid inverter is more than twice that of a string inverter. But if you look at the system cost, the inverter is only a small part of the cost. The battery is the most expensive component in a hybrid system. In some cases, the extra cost of the battery is unaffordable. Therefore, it makes sense to install the H5001 as a string inverter and prepare the energy storage system. The battery can then be purchased and installed on the road. What installers like about H5001 is that it is very simple to install and configure.
what is new? Enphase provides a comprehensive solar plus energy storage system that brings plug-and-play simplicity to installers and provides homeowners with powerful energy management. Backed by the high reliability of Enphase micro-inverters, Enphase Storage automatically detects and switches from grid power to off-grid mode during grid failures. With storm detection capabilities and complete IoT connectivity, Enphase Storage and Enphase Solar have created the most comprehensive, always-on, and smart renewable energy power plant for homeowners. Enphase Storage uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry to provide long cycle life, excellent thermal stability and safe operation, as well as UL9540A fire safety certification.
Enphase micro-inverters provide the most advanced inverter technology on the market, which means higher output, higher reliability and unparalleled intelligence. Our micro-inverters operate independently, so each panel can perform its best. A shaded or dirty panel will not affect the rest of the system. Enphase microinverters have undergone the most stringent product tests in the industry and come with a 25-year warranty. With Enphase, our streamlined components can achieve faster and lower cost installations. High-quality materials and remote problem resolution mean fewer on-site services for installers.
what is new? Since 1983, FIMER has continued to expand its global inverter product portfolio in 2021, providing integrated solutions in all market segments from residential to large utilities. The inverter size ranges from 3.3 kVA to 5.0 MVA. The most noticeable in 2021 is the upcoming new commercial inverter with a capacity of 10-33 kVA, suitable for 1000 Vdc roof and carport applications. In addition, energy storage options will be expanded through residential, C&I, and utility-scale systems Range.
The UNO-DM-US inverter series continues to become a reliable industry standard and is updated to today’s standards and advanced features. It is fully compatible with industry-leading fast shutdown solutions and is designed for easy communication coupling with energy storage, including FIMER's own Universal 10|4 energy storage products.
The PVS-10/33-TL-US inverter series will be launched in 2021 to complement the currently available PVS-60 commercial 60 kVA 480 Vac inverters. The inverter has a capacity range of 10 – 15 kVA (208 Vac) and 20 – 33 kVA (480 Vac). It is designed to cover all commercial 1000 Vdc applications. It is suitable for double-sided photovoltaic modules and increases the DC:AC ratio. FIMER Commercial The inverter is fully compatible with industry-leading fast shutdown solutions and may be AC-coupled energy storage.
The award-winning 1500 Vdc PVS-175-TL-US inverter has been updated to today's standard and new features in 2021, providing an optimized solution for small and medium utility-scale applications. The integrated fuseless DC combiner and DC AFCI reduce the pre-balance of system equipment cost and operating cost. PVS-175-TL-US has 12 independent MPPTs and 24 DC inputs, and has proven to be the choice for community solar and utility scale projects.
what is new? Fronius has just released three new applications to help better debug, monitor and maintain solar systems. Without the proper tools, these steps can be tedious and can slow down the business operations of the installer. However, with the new Fronius App product portfolio, companies can improve their experience, from first-time setup to operation and maintenance. Solar.Start: Easily debug your internet connection. Solar.Web: Monitor your system. Solar.SOS: Create cases 24/7, without any waiting, contact technical support, and learn about outstanding issues in time.
With a power range of 3.8 kW to 15.0 kW, Fronius Primo is an ideal compact single-phase inverter for residential applications. This stylish inverter is equipped with SnapINverter hinge mounting system, which can realize light, safe and convenient installation. Fronius Primo provides design flexibility through shading mitigation with strings as short as three modules, multiple MPP trackers, and dynamic peak managers. Integration of Wi-Fi and SunSpec Modbus enables seamless monitoring and communication.
Fronius Symo Advanced is the ideal compact three-phase inverter for commercial and industrial applications. This inverter combines the advantages of modern string inverters, such as a dynamic peak manager for shadow reduction and an integrated power line communication (PLC) transmitter for SunSpec rapid shutdown, as well as light weight, field applicability and zero Tilt installation. True on-site maintainability reduces operating and maintenance costs and provides excellent returns. Multiple 208V three-phase versions are ideal for agriculture, garages or office buildings.
what is new? The PWRcell product line has expanded with new features, enabling PWRcell to provide intelligently managed backup power for the whole family. The PWRcell automatic transfer switch can isolate the system from the grid in the event of a power failure, and the Smart Management Module (SMM) can manage the load, so the homeowner’s necessities will not miss a beat. Generac's SMM and load management technology improves system performance and reliability. They do this by sorting (or managing) the loads to prevent them from being turned on or running at the same time, which can overwhelm the battery. By controlling some non-essential loads, the system ensures that the essentials will never be powered off. This will happen if the load demand is allowed to exceed what the system can provide. Generac load management ensures that system owners maintain access to all their loads during power outages, even if they cannot be running at the same time.
The design of the PWRcell inverter takes into account the installer. The PWRcell inverter is DC-coupled to solar energy and storage equipment through a built-in combiner, which makes the installation of almost any combination of solar energy and storage equipment a plug-and-play operation. Because it is DC-coupled, it does not require other inverters to build a powerful backup power system for your customers, especially when used in conjunction with Generac load management technology to power the entire family.
what is new? As a market leader in energy storage inverters, we will continue to provide consumers with high-quality hybrid inverters, as well as high-voltage batteries and smart energy management applications in 2021. 2021 is the year when we transform from an inverter manufacturer to a solution provider in the field of solar storage.
5-9.6-kW single-phase A-ES is the only hybrid inverter with 4 MPPTs on the market. UPS level switching, in the event of a power failure, the inverter can be switched to the standby state in less than 10 milliseconds. This ensures that the household appliances will not be damaged.
what is new? 1. The high-power micro-inverter reduces the energy loss caused by power clipping; the power level of the micro-inverter must keep up with the higher photovoltaic panel power. For example, NEP BDM800 dual 2x400Wac micro will start shipping in March 2021. Our BDM500, a 500Wac "macro inverter" is now shipping to support the new 500Wdc photovoltaic panels to be launched in 2021. 2. NEP quick shutdown products will improve safety, ease of debugging, time-saving IV curve trajectory testing and reduce service costs, while meeting NEC 2017 RSD requirements.
NEP’s micro-inverters are simple, easier, fewer parts, fewer accessories, integrated AC cables, high power (less clipping) and 25% cost reduction, short delivery time, and will answer The company's US inventory of the phone. NEP is a welfare company with engineering and administrative leadership in the United States.
what is new? Schneider Electric recently launched the MPPT 100 600 Vdc solar charge controller. MPPT 100 has always focused on providing high-quality products and is an ideal solution for residential grid-connected self-powered and off-grid systems. The new MPPT 100 is faster to install and is compatible with our XW and SW storage inverter solutions. Another exciting development worth looking forward to is the integration of XW Pro inverters with Square D Energy Center. This is an industry-first future-oriented residential system that can easily and safely connect different types of power sources (solar, battery, power generation). machine). Schneider Electric’s Insight energy management platform is increasing its integration with Google and Amazon’s voice assistants. With this update, homeowners will be able to fully control their home energy information by pairing their Insight devices with Google Nest and Amazon Alexa.
Schneider Electric's hybrid inverter series is dominated by XW Pro, which provides installers with greater flexibility when designing and installing solar and storage systems. XW Pro has a 1.75 times higher overload power rating and the ability to integrate with lithium-ion batteries, providing an attractive package. The ability to stack inverters to increase total power output allows installers to set up larger systems. Schneider Electric’s solar hybrid inverters are equipped with a complete ecosystem of accessories for fast, easy and efficient installation. They can be used for solar energy and storage, or backup power systems without solar energy.
what is new? In order to make the work of installers easier, Sol-Ark released its outdoor/indoor 12K hybrid all-in-one. Several partners have launched matching outdoor battery casings to complete the packaging. In the second quarter of 2021, we will release dynamic dampers so that the DC-rectified three-phase wind turbine can be directly connected to one MPPT, and solar energy is on the second MPPT. In the third quarter, the 100A x 14 circuit Sol-Ark smart load will allow installers to use a US$20,000 ESS to back up the entire family instead of 2-3 for the US$400-60,000. Unlike other load management solutions that cover 30A or 50A and switch within 20-1000 milliseconds, the smart load cuts 100A load in 4 milliseconds. This instant response time ensures that the inverter can exert its maximum power without overload. What makes this load management so smart? The built-in AI will automatically learn your load and can program itself, so the installer does not have to do this. Since Sol-Ark's mission is to reduce ESS costs, you can use smart loads with any inverter (not just ours).
Sol-Ark's stackable 12K inverter can achieve split-phase and true three-phase. The company has cooperated with many battery companies such as SimpliPhi, Fortress, Blue Ion, Storz Power, PowerSync and Discover to advance inverter and battery control through extensive communication. Most of the time the inverter controls the battery. Now, the battery can control the Sol-Ark inverter through communication, thereby extending the capacity or life of the battery. Sol-Ark is also committed to developing virtual power plants behind the meters for utility companies, while also providing backups for customers.
what is new? In early 2021, we launched a new series of rooftop string inverters that meet NEC's fast shutdown requirements and a 3.6 MW turnkey central inverter medium voltage station. We will expand the product line including storage, and will release a new generation of products on SPI.
Sungrow’s new SG36CX-US adopts a non-fuse, direct DC input design, and uses Staubli MC4 Evo2 series connectors, which are easy to install and give you peace of mind. In addition, our new CX series products are guided by safety and reliability, including a brand new external AC junction box.
The utility-scale turnkey product is SG3600UD-MV.
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