U.S.-based microinverter specialist Enphase Energy has partnered with China’s Jinkosolar to present to market a new AC module, the ‘Eagle AC’.
The Eagle AC combines the new IQ6 microinverter by Enphase, which inverts DC from the sun’s rays directly into AC at the module level. JinkoSolar will ship its monocrystalline PERC modules with these microinverters embedded.
The Eagle AC is another technological step forward for the solar PV industry, offering another integrated module-level power electronic (MLPE) solution that will improve logistics, transport and installation in a more cost-effective manner.
Once these AC modules are installed on the roof, the installer simply pulls the microinverter into its elevated installed position, which creates a 15 millimeter air gap and ensures sufficient air-flow and cooling, said Enphase.
The fact that these two large companies from China and the U.S. are collaborating in this way is noteworthy. Enphase has experienced financial troubles in the past few years, which explains the restructured business plan the company has adopted since former CEO Paul Nahi stepped down in August.
JinkoSolar has been the world’s leading solar module supplier – in terms of megawatts shipped – for the past few quarters.
Nigel Cockroft, General Manager of JinkoSolar, expressed his satisfaction at the deal. “We are excited to work with Enphase on the Eagle AC, as Enphase's microinverters already have broad appeal in the market,” he said. “The Eagle AC is the logical next step in the evolution of residential solar, and we are pleased to offer it to our customers.”
Enphase COO Badri Kothandaraman added that he was excited by the potential created by these companies working together. “JinkoSolar's scale, financial strength, and manufacturing expertise make it an excellent partner to build an Enphase Energized AC module. Pairing the number one global module manufacturer with the number one global microinverter manufacturer creates a winning combination.”
Author: Frederic Brown
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