Inverters

Solar Frontier has expanded its portfolio of CIS (Copper, Indium selenium) thin-film module-based ‘PowerSets’ for residential rooftops, introducing the new ‘PowerSet Mini’ and ‘PowerSet Maxi’ to supplement its ‘PowerSet Turbo’ product offering. By expanding its PowerSet product line, the company is addressing growing demand for standardised PV systems that better suit various roof and system sizes.

Goldbeck Solar has confirmed the completion of a 49.6MW solar farm in the UK as the company looks to grow its business O&M business in the market.

The second day of SNEC 2016 has passed. What follows is a snapshot of some key points from two analysts speaking at the event

PV inverter manufacturer Ginlong Technologies is showcasing its Solis 36kW and 40kW 3-phase string inverters at SNEC 2016 PV Power Expo being held this week in Shanghai, China. The inverters are embedded with PLC intelligent tracking functions, PLC Intelligent controller and include a tracking angle control board, smart sensors and efficient motors.

Despite preparing investors’ expectations for flat revenues in 2016, inverter maker SMA Solar Technology has reported an increase in sales for the first quarter and exceeded management expectations by more than €10 million (US$11.4 million).

Chinese tech giant and inverter manufacturer Huawei is looking to reinforce its market share in Asia beyond China with a high-level conference held in Bangkok recently.

Microinverter maker and energy management specialist Enphase has started taking orders from installers for its AC battery for home PV systems in Australia and New Zealand, with shipments to start arriving in August 2016.

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has qualified 17 solar equipment manufacturers to receive funding in Brazil.

Midway across southern Ghana, near the historic port fishing town of Winneba, lies East and West Africa’s largest solar PV plant. Ghana suffers a severe energy deficit with only around 70% of the population having access to electricity, so it was welcome news that the project was connected to the grid at the end of last week. PV Tech visited the new project, built by China-based power firm BXC Ghana, just ahead of the Solar and Off-grid Renewables West Africa 2016 conference in Accra, Ghana.

SMA’s US$20 million investment in ‘smart module’ maker Tigo Energy could help the string inverter maker to meet much-debated fire safety standards that are likely to be introduced in the US, according to one industry analyst.