Inverters

Amid a backdrop of massive installations and evolving metrics, IEA-PVPS 2024 “Trends Report” encapsulates significant shifts in photovoltaic deployment across the globe, reflecting PV’s evolving role in energy systems and underscoring its capacity to meet global demands. The association explores the trends identified in the report, noting the milestones, regional dynamics, and the implications of increased PV penetration in energy grids worldwide.

Scientists in the Middle East have developed a series active filter to improve power quality in grid-tied PV systems, consisting of an inductor, two capacitors, and four transistor-diode pairs. The filter reduces total harmonic distortion in voltage and current waves at the inverter output.

Enphase Energy says it plans to restructure its operations, reducing its global workforce by 17% – about 500 employees and contractors – and closing its contract manufacturing site in Mexico.

Chinese manufacturer Deye has launched a new microinverter series featuring three models, with PV input capacities ranging from 1,320 W to 2,200 W and output capacities between 600 W and 1,000 W.

Solarwatt has launched six new inverters and batteries as part of its Solarwatt Home line and outlined its future strategy. The German company, currently in transition, recently closed its solar module plant in Germany and announced staff reductions.

SolarEdge reported $260.9 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2024, down from $725.3 million in the same quarter last year. The Israeli manufacturer also posted an operating loss of more than $1 billion, with 850 MW of inverters and 189 MWh of batteries shipped for PV applications.

Kiwa PI Berlin has fixed faults in inverters at a PV plant in South Africa by using root cause analysis. The project had experienced up to 130 failures related to insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).

The U.S. Department of Energy’s latest solar cost model shows that residential solar prices are up, commercial solar is getting cheaper and utility-scale pricing remains flat. The addition of batteries increases costs by $1.75/W for residential projects and $0.75/W for larger installations.

The Big FOUR released Q3 reports last week. JinkoSolar sees a steep drop in Q3 profit amid industry challenges. JA Solar experienced a revenue decline but recovered profit. LONGi narrows losses as revenue slips.

pv magazine examines recommendations and precautions for flooding, as water exposure to electrical devices such as inverters or battery packs can have serious consequences.