New Product: D380 ‘TwinPack’ microinverter from Enphase lowers BoS costs and installation time

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  Enphase Energy D380 Twinpack Microinverters

Product Briefing Outline: Enphase Energy is introducing the D380 ‘TwinPack’, a new product optimized for commercial installations. The D380 TwinPack is comprised of two Enphase Microinverters in a single enclosure and an innovative cabling system, further reducing Balance-of-System costs and installation time.

Problem: Solar power production is affected by various factors such as module mis-match, obstruction shading, inter-row shading, and obstacles such as dust or debris. In addition, non-uniform changes in temperature, irradiance, and shading create complex current-voltage curves, further affecting energy harvest. This is due to the fact that in traditional systems the performance of the entire system is dictated by the performance of the weakest module.

Solution: Enphase Microinverter Systems convert the DC output of a single solar module into grid-compliant AC power. Enphase systems offer a number of claimed advantages over traditional central inverters including a five- to 25-percent increase in energy harvest, increased system reliability and a simpler -- and safer -- installation. Enphase products also remove design constraints because modules can now be installed in any combination of type, age and location. The D380 maintains the benefits of the per-module Enphase Microinverter while reducing installation costs through the two-in-one design. Balance-of-System costs and reduced installation time, which are realized via a 50 percent reduction in the number of microinverter units, 33 percent fewer connections and junction boxes required. The D380 further reduces installation time by introducing an innovative cabling system.

Applications: Commercial installations.

Platform: The Enphase Energy Microinverter System solves solar power challenges by performing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) at each solar module. MPPT is an algorithm used to calculate and respond to temperature and light changes detected on a solar power system, and to determine how much power to draw from the module. The Enphase Microinverter is CSA Listed per UL1741 and can withstand surges of up to 6kV. Enphase Microinverter Systems undergo rigorous testing including HALT and HASS, ensuring reliability.

Availability: The D380 is currently undergoing field testing, with general availability scheduled for Q1 2010.