Solar Inverter Purchaser's Information 2021 – Solar Builder

In our annual buyer's guide for solar PV inverters, you can find out about the development of their technology and new products from all inverter manufacturers – from market leaders to young professionals. Installation. This year we have a snapshot of a product from every segment these companies serve, from home to utility. We'll start with this year's SMA brand and then continue alphabetically.

SMA

What's new? In 2021, we see our role in the utility storage market set for significant growth. SMA America has sold a total of 1 gigawatt of Sunny Central Storage inverters in North America. As a result of this enormous growth, SMA is doubling its support for sales and application technology for the large storage category. Going forward, this will increase business capacity, improve customer support, and pave the way for future storage milestones as the company is involved in dozens of projects around the world. In our portfolio you will find a variety of AC and DC coupled solutions with 1,000 and 1,500 VDC storage options. This includes solutions for grid services and the integration of renewable energies. On the supply scale, SMA offers both a central medium-voltage power plant and the modular Sunny Highpower PEAK3. The options offered with these two solutions provide flexibility for developers and integrators. Both utility-scale solutions are ready for storage.

Residential: The SMA Sunny Boy inverters are equipped with integrated Shade Fix technology and SunSpec transmitters with quick shutdown. A SunSpec certified receiver is also used on the module for shutdown. SMA inverters in combination with SunSpec-certified fast shutdown technology are the easiest and most reliable way to achieve conformity with NEC 2017. In combination with the ShadeFix optimization technology from SMA, the SunSpec solution generates more energy and reduces the system components by more than 50 percent compared to conventional DC optimizer technology. The ShadeFix optimization is a proprietary, integrated inverter function that optimizes the energy generation of PV systems in every situation – even when it is shaded.

• More energy than conventional DC optimizers
• Fewer components and improved reliability
• Simple design and installation
• No unnecessary risk of fire or accidents
• Faster service thanks to SMA Smart Connected

The inverter of the Sunny Boy storage battery was precisely developed to serve as an intelligent interface between PV, power grid and industry-leading high-voltage batteries. The AC-coupled architecture enables installation at any time, offers more flexibility and offers installers the opportunity to generate new business with existing customers. In addition to its ability to address the large retrofit market of existing PV systems, it also offers the most cost effective, versatile and innovative storage solution available for private households. A full home backup is also available with the SMA Automatic Backup Unit.

• AC coupled for new PV systems or retrofitting of existing systems
• Multiple configuration options with expandability
• A high level of system integration provides unmatched monitoring and control
• Three separate DC inputs enable maximum performance and energy capacity
• Solutions for energy management, zero export and avoidance of inquiry fees

The Sunny Tripower CORE1 is the world's first free-standing PV inverter for commercial roofs, carports, ground mounting and repowering older solar projects. From distribution to construction to operation, the Sunny Tripower CORE1 enables a reduction in logistics, material, labor and service costs and is the most versatile and cost-effective commercial solution on the market. The integrated SunSpec PLC for fast shutdown and improved arc protection from DC-AFCI ensures compliance with the latest safety codes and standards. With Sunny Tripower CORE1 and the cross-industry energy management platform ennexOS from SMA, system integrators can deliver comprehensive commercial energy solutions for a higher ROI.

• Innovative design does not require additional shelves for installation on the roof
• Integrated DC and AC disconnectors and overvoltage protection
• 12 direct string entries for reduced labor and material costs
• Integrated SunSpec PLC signal for fast shutdown at module level in accordance with NEC 2017
• Higher ROI with the cross-industry energy management platform SMA ennexOS

The SMA medium-voltage power plant offers the highest power density in a plug & play design that is suitable for worldwide use. Integrators can rely on the most robust, technically advanced and internationally certified hardware for energy conversion in any climate. As one of the first truly global systems, it is the ideal choice for next-generation PV power plants that run on 1500 VDC. The medium-voltage power plant SMA combines the highest level of system safety with maximum energy generation and minimized logistics and operational risk for large PV power plant projects.

• The MVPS is housed in a CSC-compliant container (which meets international safety standards), which offers the lowest logistics and transport costs.
• This is a great solution for large utility plants as it optimizes energy costs
• Large projects with SMA require a higher power density and less space than competitors and require fewer inverters, which reduces the integration and system balance costs.
• The fully integrated solution with switchgear and transformer further reduces logistics costs and labor costs for the installation.
• System owners can benefit from new sources of income through the simple integration of turnkey AC and DC-coupled storage solutions from SMA.

With Sunny Highpower PEAK 3, system owners can achieve superior cost-effectiveness in floor-mounted projects with 480 VAC connections using modular inverter solutions with 1,500 VDC. There are numerous ways for integrators to improve their business results with the Sunny Highpower PEAK3, the only inverter with 1,500 VDC that can be connected to the grid with 480 VAC. For large floor installation projects, PEAK3 from SMA offers the most cost-effective solution and maximum energy generation.

• The PEAK3 125-US offers the lowest installation costs for floor-mounted decentralized generation projects with a 480V AC connection.
• Other 1,500V DC inverters would require a step-down transformer, while SMA's PEAK3 solution doesn't. This reduces the balance of system costs as well as transportation, logistics and installation costs.
• Alternative solutions using 1,000 V DC technology would require more inverters and are not as economical due to their higher cost per watt.
• SMA's centralized / modular system architecture reduces the balance of system costs by centralizing a group of inverters. Installers benefit from minimal AC recording and communication cabling and a common inverter structure. This system architecture also simplifies commissioning, communication and control.
• The PEAK3 offers maximum energy generation over the entire life of the system.

Sales contacts

AP systems

What's new? APsystems has some exciting new products on the horizon, including a higher powered dual module microinverter, the DS3, and a higher powered 3 phase microinverter, the QT2. Both should be on the market before the end of the year. Our APsmart brand has just released a dual-module rapid shutdown device, the RSD-D, which is slated to hit the US market in the next few weeks.

The most outstanding feature of the YC600 and QS1 microinverters from APsystems is that they serve multiple PV modules. This means that they reduce installation time and costs and are also less expensive than traditional microinverters. They are smart, easy to install and can be used together on the same circuit. This last feature offers significant design and installation flexibility.

• Devices operate several PV modules (YC600, 2: 1; QS1, 4: 1)
• Continuous power of 300 VA per channel with independent MPPT for each channel
• A larger MPPT voltage range of 22-48 V means a higher energy harvest
• Inherently Rapid Shutdown Compliant (NEC 690.12)
• CA rule 21 certified

The APsystems YC1000 has evolved since its launch. Now at 1130W with a single MPPT, it can be paired with 4 PV modules up to 350W + or 3 high capacity PV modules up to 470W +. The "+" here means that modules with a higher W do not have a negative impact on the inverter. All you would notice is increased overload. With this shared MPPT, installers can use the 1130W however they want while still enjoying the same YC1000 benefits: True, 3-phase, 5-wire cable for plug and play, phase balanced and phase monitored. With its simple plug-and-play installation and no phase balancing, additional equipment or inverter cabinet, the YC1000 can transform domestic installers into commercial installers overnight.

• Real 3-phase 5-wire inverter
• 1,130 W, single MPPT
• Supplies 4 PV modules with up to 350 W + or 4 PV modules with up to 470 W +
• Phase balanced and phase monitored.
• Inherently Rapid Shutdown Compliant (NEC 690.12)

Sales contacts

• Dealers for sale through: CED Greentech, Krannich, Soligent, Sonepar, Wesco, Fortune Energy, EDGES, iSolar Brokers, RENVU, Crescent Electric, ECO-Vertrieb, Enertech, French Gerleman, GenPro, Ontility, Solar Wholesaling, The Power Store, Van Meter , VP Supply, UMA Solar and Wholesale Electric
• sales.usa@apsystems.com
• usa.apsystems.com

CPS

What's new? CPS America has shipped over 4 GW of UL-listed string inverters in North America. This year, CPS has expanded its fast shutdown offering, including factory-integrated RSD wire boxes and certified PVRSS solutions with TIGO, APS and NEP devices. One of our exciting new products this year is the 100 kW 480 VAC string inverter, which is optimized for 1500 VDC floor mount applications with 480 VAC operating voltages. The 100 kW 480 V model offers all of the key features of our 3 / phase 100/125 kW inverter platform and enables inexpensive 480 VAC connections as no step-down transformer is required. CPS will also launch our new 275 kW high performance string inverter designed for large utility scale applications (see below).

The 275 kW high-performance CPS three-phase string inverters are designed for large utility-scale floor mount applications. High efficiencies, wide operating voltages, wide temperature ranges and a NEMA Type 4X housing enable this inverter platform to operate at high performance in many applications. The 275 kW inverter has touch-proof DC fuse holders for additional convenience and security. CPS will accompany the 275 kW inverter with an 800 VAC system balance offer for optimized system designs.

• 12 MPPTs with 36 protected inputs for maximum flexibility
• Full power up to 42 ° C.
• Wide operating and MPPT voltage ranges
• Integrated DC disconnector
• Copper and aluminum compatible AC power connections

The three-phase inverters CPS 25kW-208V are designed and optimized for roof and carport applications with 208Vac operating voltages. The CPS 25kW product is supplied with the Rapid Shutdown cable box, which is fully integrated and can be separated with touch-safe fuse, monitoring and AC and DC disconnectors. The integrated PLC transmitter in the Rapid Shutdown Wire Box enables a PVRSS-certified rapid shutdown at module level when used with the TIGO, APS and NEP products. The CPS Flex Gateway enables monitoring, control and remote product updates.

• 208V AC output
• 3 MPPTs with 2 inputs each for maximum flexibility
• Integrated RSD wire box options with TIGO, APS and NEP
• NEC 2017/2020 compliant and UL listed arc fault protection
• Separable wire box design for quick service

Sales contacts

Darfon

What's new? Darfon will launch a new monitoring app for its hybrid inverters in the second quarter of this year. When developing the app, our main focus was on making it user-friendly, expanding its functionality and being aesthetically pleasing. Believed we achieved that and I look forward to the launch and response from homeowners and plumbers. The cool thing about our surveillance service is the connectivity options on our hardware. Our latest data logger, which is used in conjunction with our hybrid inverters, can connect to the Internet via a LAN, WiFi or 4G cellular connection.

The hybrid inverter H5001 from Darfon can be used as a string inverter. Why is that useful? A hybrid inverter is more than twice as expensive as a string inverter. However, if you look at the system cost, the inverter is only a small fraction of that cost. The batteries are the most expensive component in the hybrid system. In some cases, people cannot afford the additional cost of the batteries. Therefore, it makes sense to install the H5001 as a string inverter and have a system that is ready for energy storage. Then the batteries can be bought and installed later. What installers like about the H5001 is that it is easy to install and configure.

• PV operating voltage range 120 to 500 VDC
• Two MPPTs
• Output to the network: 5000 W, output for charging: 5500 W.
• SGIP compliant
• Compatible with various battery chemistries

Sales contacts

Enphase

What's new? Enphase offers a comprehensive Solar Plus storage system that offers plug-and-play simplicity for installers and high-performance energy management for homeowners. Thanks to the high reliability of the Enphase microinverters, Enphase Storage automatically detects and switches in the event of a power failure and switches from mains power to off-grid mode. With phase detection capabilities and full Internet of Things connectivity, Enphase Storage and Enphase Solar create the most comprehensive, always available, and smartest renewable power plant for homeowners. Enphase Storage has lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, which offers long life, safe operation through excellent thermal stability and fire protection certification according to UL9540A.

Enphase microinverters offer the most advanced inverter technology on the market, which means higher production, higher reliability and unmatched intelligence. Our micro-inverters work independently of each other, so that each panel performs at its best. A shaded or dirty panel does not affect the rest of the system. Enphase microinverters are subject to the most stringent product tests in the industry and are guaranteed for 25 years. With Enphase, our optimized components enable faster and more cost-effective installation. Quality materials and remote problem solving mean fewer truck roles for installers.

• Built-in quick shutdown technology
• Enphase IQ 6 or IQ 7 micro inverters or those based on M series micro inverters can be retrofitted with Enphase Storage for reasons of energy stability
• Flexibility in design per module
• Burst technology produces more at dawn, at dusk and in poor light for a longer sunny day.

Sales contacts

FIMER

What's new? Since 1983 FIMER has expanded its global inverter portfolio further in 2021 and offers integrated solutions in all market segments, from private to large utility companies. Inverter sizes from 3.3 kVA to 5.0 MVA. Most notable for 2021 is the upcoming release of a new commercial inverter with a capacity of 10 to 33 kVA for 1000 VDC roof and carport applications, as well as the expansion of the range of energy storage options to include systems for residential, C&I and Supply standard.

The UNO-DM-US inverter family continues to be a reliable industry standard that has been updated to meet today's standards and advanced features. Fully compatible with industry-leading emergency shutdown solutions and designed for easy AC coupling with energy storage systems, including FIMER's proprietary Universal 10 | 4 energy storage product.

• UL1699B Ed. 1 DC arc fault certified
• Integrated options for quick shutdown
• Power range 3.3 – 6.0 kVA
• FIMER Universal 10 | 4 storage packages (4 – 8.5 kW, 10 – 30 kWh)
• 4-step wireless commissioning

The inverter family PVS-10/33-TL-US will be introduced in 2021 to complement the currently available commercial inverter PVS-60 with 60 kVA and 480 VAC. With capacity ranges from 10 to 15 kVA (208 VAC) and 20 to 33 kVA (480 VAC), this inverter is designed for all commercial 1000 VDC applications and offers space for bifacial PV modules and increasing DC: AC ratios. FIMER commercial inverters are fully compatible with industry leading fast shutdown solutions and can be coupled to AC power and energy storage.

• UL1699B Ed 1 DC arc fault certified
• Integrated options for quick shutdown
• 10-15 kVA (208/120 VAC)
• 20 – 33 kVA at (480/277 Vac)
• 4-step wireless commissioning

The award-winning inverter PVS-175-TL-US with 1500 VDC, which has been updated to today's standards and new functions for 2021, offers an optimized solution for small to medium-sized utility-scale applications. The integrated fuseless DC combiner and DC-AFCI reduce both the upfront balance between system equipment costs and operating costs. With 12 independent MPPTs and 24 DC inputs, the PVS-175-TL-US is proven to be a choice for municipal solar and utility projects.

• UL1699B Ed 1 DC arc fault certified
• Maximum output of 185 kVA
• 12 independent MPPTs / 24 DC inputs
• Integrated fuseless DC combiner
• 4-step wireless commissioning

Sales contacts

Fronius

What's new? Fronius has just published three new apps with which solar systems can be put into operation, monitored and maintained more effectively. Without the right tools, these steps can be tedious and potentially slow the installer's business operations. With the new Fronius app portfolio, however, the company can improve its experience from initial setup to operation and maintenance. Solar.Start: Simply put your internet connection into operation. Solar.Web: Monitor your system. Solar.SOS: Create cases around the clock without waiting, contact technical support and stay up to date on open issues.

With output classes from 3.8 kW to 15.0 kW, the Fronius Primo is the ideal compact single-phase inverter for residential applications. This slim inverter is equipped with the SnapINverter hinge mounting system, which enables easy, safe and convenient installation. The Fronius Primo offers design flexibility with strings with only three modules, several MPP trackers and shadow reduction with the Dynamic Peak Manager. Integrated Wi-Fi and SunSpec Modbus enable seamless monitoring and communication.

• Integrated Wi-Fi
• Shadow reduction with Dynamic Peak Manager
• Wide voltage window for flexible system design
• 2 MPP trackers
• Performance classes of up to 15 kW

The Fronius Symo Advanced is the ideal compact three-phase inverter for commercial and industrial applications. This inverter combines the advantages of a modern string inverter such as the Dynamic Peak Manager for shadow reduction and an integrated PLC transmitter (Power Line Communications) for SunSpec Rapid Shutdown with low weight, ease of maintenance on site and zero inclination bracket. True on-site serviceability reduces operating and maintenance costs and delivers superior ROI. Several three-phase 208V versions are perfect for agriculture, carports or office buildings.

• Integrated SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Transmitter
• Shadow reduction with Dynamic Peak Manager
• Wide voltage window for flexible system design
• 2 MPP trackers
• Several three-phase 208V versions available

Sales contacts

• Dealers for sale through: Krannich, The Powerstore, BayWa, Soligent
• Fronius website

Generac

What's new? The PWRcell product line has been expanded with new functions so that PWRcell can provide intelligently managed backup power supply for the entire home. The PWRcell Automatic Transfer Switch can disconnect the system from the grid in the event of a failure, and Smart Management Modules (SMMs) can manage loads so that the essentials of the homeowner never miss a beat. Generac's SMMs and load management technology increase system performance and reliability. They do this by sequencing (or managing) the loads and preventing them all from turning on or running at the same time, which could overwhelm the battery. By controlling some non-essential loads, the system ensures that the essentials never lose performance. This can happen when loads are allowed to demand more than the system can handle. Generac Load Management ensures that the system owner has access to all of his loads during a failure, even if not all of them can be running at the same time.

The PWRcell inverter was developed with the installer in mind. The PWRcell DC rectifier is coupled to solar and storage devices via a built-in combiner, making the installation of almost any combination of solar and storage devices a plug-and-play process. Since it is DC coupled, no other inverter is required to build a powerful backup power system for your customer, especially when combined with Generac load management technology for all power supplies in the home.

• Single hybrid inverter for grid-connected solar and house power
• Easy to install, DC coupled architecture
• Transformerless island formation, up to 9 kW continuous throughput
• Seamless integration with Generac Load Management
• Backed by a 10 year limited warranty

Sales contacts

GoodWe

What's new? As the market leader in storage inverters, we will continue to offer consumers high-quality hybrid inverters as well as high-voltage batteries and smart energy management applications in 2021. 2021 is the year in which we will switch from an inverter manufacturer to a solution provider in the solar storage segment.

The single-phase 5-9.6 kW A-ES is the only hybrid inverter on the market with 4 MPPTs. When switching over to UPS level, the inverter can switch to backup in less than 10 milliseconds in the event of a power failure. This ensures that household appliances are not compromised.

• 4 MPPTs, 50% DC oversize
• AFCI & Rapid Shutdown
• UPS level switching
• Integrated smart meter
• Optional AC bypass switch

Sales contacts

NEP

What's new? 1. High performance microinverter to reduce energy loss due to power outages; The output of the microinverter must keep pace with the higher output of the PV module. For example, the NEP BDM800 dual 2x400Wac micro will be delivered in March 2021. Our BDM500, a 500Wac macro inverter, is now being shipped to support the new 500Wdc PV modules coming to market in 2021. Commissioning, time-saving IV curve trace test and lower service costs while meeting RSD requirements. NEC 2017 requirements.

NEP's microinverter is simple, simpler, fewer parts, fewer accessories, integrated AC power cords, high performance (less overdrive) and 25% lower cost, short lead times, and USA inventory from one company that answers the call. NEP is a benefit corporation with engineering and executive leadership in the United States.

• A minimum MPPT voltage of 22V versus a typical minimum voltage of 27V provides a higher energy harvest in summer
• 800 Wac in one device for two PV modules
• Integrated power cord for daisy chain connectivity
• Easy to install
• NEPs 1 minute per data point compared to 5 minutes per data point saves installation time considerably.

Sales contacts

Schneider Electric

What's new? Schneider Electric recently launched the MPPT 100 600 VDC solar charge controller. With a constant focus on delivering high quality products, the MPPT 100 is an ideal solution for on-grid self-supply and off-grid systems in residential areas. The new MPPT 100 offers much faster installations and is compatible with our XW and SW storage inverter solutions. Another exciting development to look forward to is the integration of the XW Pro inverter into the Square D Energy Center, an industry first sustainable living system that allows easy and secure connections for various types of power sources (solar, battery, generator). Schneider Electric's Insight Energy Management platform adds integrations with Google and Amazon voice assistants. With this update, homeowners can take full control of their home energy information by pairing their Insight devices with Google Nest and Amazon Alexa.

Schneider Electric's hybrid inverter series, led by the XW Pro, gives installers greater flexibility in designing and installing a solar and storage system. The XW Pro offers an attractive package with a high overload capacity of 1.75x and the ability to be integrated into lithium-ion batteries. With the ability to stack the inverters to increase overall performance, installers can set up larger systems. Schneider Electric solar hybrid inverters have a complete ecosystem of accessories that enable quick, easy and efficient installation. They can be used for solar and storage systems or for emergency power systems without solar energy.

• Reliable performance with an output of 6.8 kW and a peak overload of up to 12 kW
• Flexibility in installation and operation with stackability of up to 4 units in one phase or 6 units in 3 phases
• Compatibility with a wide variety of battery technologies including lithium-ion battery integration
• PV integration with DC coupling or AC coupling
• Compatible for use in a variety of applications such as grid connection, grid-independent, self-consumption and emergency power

Sales contacts

Sol-Ark

What's new? To make things easier for installers, Sol-Ark has released its 12K hybrid for outdoor and indoor use all in one. Several partners have introduced matching outdoor battery cases to complete the package. In the second quarter of 2021 we will release our dynamic wind brake so that DC rectified 3-phase wind turbines can be connected directly to one MPPT with solar on a second MPPT. In the third quarter, installers can secure an entire home with an ESS of $ 20,000 instead of 2-3 ESS at $ 40-60,000 using the Sol-Ark Smart Load circuit with 100A x 14 circuits. In contrast to other load management solutions that cover 30A or 50A and switch in 20-1000 ms, Smart Load shaves 100A loads in 4 ms. This immediate response time ensures that the inverter delivers its maximum output without overloading. What makes this burden so intelligent? The built-in AI automatically learns your loads and can program itself so the installer doesn't have to do it. And since Sol-Ark's mission is to reduce ESS costs, you can use the Smart Load with any inverter (not just ours).

Sol-Ark's 12K stackable inverter works in both split and true 3-phase. The company has worked 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 communicate to control the Sol-Ark inverter and extend the capabilities or life of the battery. Sol-Ark is also working on virtual power plants behind the meter for utilities and providing backups for customers.

• 20 kW pk power
• 4ms UPS transfer times,
• 9,6-kW-Wechselstrom- und 13-kW-Gleichstromkupplung,
• Generatorunterstützung,
• 93% Roundtrip-Effizienz

Vertriebskontakte

• Händler zum Kauf über: CED Greentech, Soligent, City Electric Supply, AEE, Krannich, Beacon, The PowerStore, GenPro-Energielösungen, Zonna Energy, Inter-Island, R & R, BayWa, AltE-Geschäft, Wind & Sun im Norden von Arizona, Renvu, Multi Batterien, Warren, HES, Sentinel, Solar Solutions und mehr
• sales@sol-ark.com
• www.sol-ark.com

Sungrow

Was gibt's Neues? Anfang 2021 stellten wir eine neue Serie von Dach-String-Wechselrichtern mit NEC-Anforderungen für die schnelle Abschaltung sowie eine schlüsselfertige 3,6-MW-MV-Zentralwechselrichter-MV-Station vor. Wir werden die Produktlinien einschließlich Lager erweitern und die neue Generation bei SPI vorstellen.

Der neue SG36CX-US von Sungrow verfügt über ein schmelzfreies Design mit direktem Gleichstromeingang, bei dem die Anschlüsse der Staubli MC4 Evo2-Serie für eine einfache Installation und ein beruhigendes Gefühl verwendet werden. Darüber hinaus bietet unsere neue CX-Linie mit Sicherheit und Zuverlässigkeit eine brandneue externe AC-Verkabelung.

Das schlüsselfertige Produkt im Utility-Maßstab ist das SG3600UD-MV.

• Alles in einem, MV-System, Blockkommunikation und AUX. Netzteil
• Reduziert die Transportkosten, Standard-Seeschifffahrtscontainer (20 Fuß)
• Plug & Play, reduzierte Installationskosten und Inbetriebnahmezeit
• 3-stufige Wechselrichtertechnologie, Wechselrichterspitzenwirkungsgrad 98,9%, CEC eff. 98,5%
• Entspricht UL 1741-SA und IEEE Std 1547TM -2018
• Entspricht den neuesten Anforderungen für die NERC- und FERC-Netzunterstützung
• Reservierter Platz für Geräte, Kommunikations- und Tracker-Controller-Gehäuse von Drittanbietern

Vertriebskontakte

Stichworte: AP-Systeme, CPS, Darfon, Enphase, FIMER, Fronius, Generac, Goodwe, NEP, Schneider Electric, SMA America, Sol-Ark, Sungrow