Industry Guide For PV and Inverter 2011

Companies: xxx
Inverter and PV System Technology

Industry Guide 2011
Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Industry Guide 2011
Cover images Front Main image Solar tree (source: SMA Solar Technology AG) Small images, f.l.t.r. Inverter board (source: KOSTAL Electric GmbH) Solar cable connector (source: Tom Baerwald) Central inverter power rack (source: Fronius Deutschland GmbH) Back Large-scale PV power plant (source: SMA Solar Technology AG)
Contents
Contents
Foreword Industry
...........................................................................................................
Photovoltaic Plants and the Importance of Electrical Components . . . . . . . . . 8 Market Situation and Forecasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The PV Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Inverters and Their Influence on the Overall System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Plant Monitoring and Identifying Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Protection against Lightning and Overvoltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Cables and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Planning and Grid integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Business Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 ABB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Advanced Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 AEG Power Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Alteams Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 applied international informatics GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Answer Drives Srl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Bonfiglioli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Danfoss Solar Inverters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 DEHN + SHNE GmbH + Co. KG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Delta Energy Systems (Germany) GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Elettronica Santerno S.p.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Eltek Valere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Emerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Enecsys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Finnveden Metal Structures AB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 KACO new energy GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Fronius Deutschland GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 KOSTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 M+W Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Mastervolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Multi-Contact AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Power-One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 RefuSol GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Satcon Technology Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Schneider Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 SIEL S.p.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 skytron energy GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Siemens AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 SMA Solar Technology AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 SOLUTRONIC AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 SOLON SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Sputnik Engineering AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 SUNGROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Wieland Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Companies
Publishers
Solarpraxis AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Sunbeam GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Important Notice, Picture Credits and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Foreword
Foreword
Dear Readers, Why is it so, that efforts to refine and improve photovoltaic systems must constantly be redoubled? Surely every plant is a system that basically already works? Well, photovoltaic plants are unquestionably fault-tolerant: Simply put, even poor configurations will reliably generate power for many years. In the early days of photovoltaics, when off-grid systems still dominated, questions as to whether the power supplied would meet expectations and whether the plant would actually operate for as long as was planned were immediately supplied with definite answers. If, for instance, the solar modules, charge controller, battery and consumer did not properly interact, a plants users would, quite literally, be left in the dark, or the battery would soon become defective and the system unusable. The explosive development of grid-connected markets made the situation even more complex. Great importance was initially attached to stark cost reductions for solar modules, while in the inverter sector, efforts centered on increasing efficiency and simultaneously decreasing costs. As long as a power plants connected load was significantly lower than the capacity of the entire grid, inverters were only required to meet basic safety requirements. Over the past two years, however, these conditions have changed dramatically: Despite the increased demands placed upon electrical system components, huge drops in module prices have resulted in costs reductions being expected here, too. In addition, as PV plants have entered the MWp class, the monitoring of systems has become an increasingly important factor. Vast expansion, such as that taking place in Germany, has brought with it the need and opportunity for more system services in the entire grid. So buzz words such as frequency maintenance and reactive power supply primarily illustrate how photovoltaic systems now represent a major part of the power grid. As a consequence of this, inverters and PV systems as a whole must provide intelligent support and protection to the systems that surround them. In future, many photovoltaic plants will be a combination of off-grid system, delivering power directly to those that generate it, and gridconnected facility, balancing out power supply the old boundaries are becoming blurred. At the same time, photovoltaics provides entirely new scope for structuring
power supply. While large, fossil-fuelled power stations feed into the high voltage grid at central points, PV systems supply decentralized power, chiefly at low and medium voltage levels. Their semiconductor technology allows them to react quickly to grid instability and to assist in stabilizing this extremely efficiently. In terms of actual photovoltaic systems, the high speed of innovation means that system understanding is becoming ever more important. How can different module types best be connected with inverters, and in such a way that they are protected from damage? What safety technology is required, and how can the other components in the electrical system work together cost-effectively? Where is there a particular need for research and development? Which components have already been successfully used for which parts of the system, and what characterizes intelligent system connection? What can, and what must, monitoring achieve? By publishing this brochure, and launching a conference series of the same name, Solarpraxis aims to promote developments in how electrical systems interact, both within photovoltaic plants and the power grid, to demonstrate ideas and, of course, to present the companies working in this field and their products. The stimulus for this did not come from our offices, but from the first-hand experience gathered by our engineers every single day in their planning, construction assistance, quality assurance, monitoring and optimization work on photovoltaic plants. This industry guide exemplifies how optimization and innovation provide proof of the PV industrys sustainability. We welcome your interest and hope that you enjoy reading. With warmest wishes,
Karl-Heinz Remmers
Karl-Heinz Remmers, CEO of Solarpraxis AG
Inhaltsangabe
The Industry
Photovoltaic Plants and the Importance of Electrical Components
Photovoltaic Plants and the Importance of Electrical Components

As competition and political importance increase, so, too, do the demands placed on PV plants. Investors and lenders in particular are showing increasing interest in good product quality and coherent plant design. In addition to the photovoltaic modules themselves, each and every system component is a crucial factor in long-term profitability and operating safety when generating solar power. The careful integration of all components is therefore becoming increasingly important for installation and operating companies, and for investors.
2,117 kWp PV power plant, Mittelwasungen (Germany)
A photovoltaic plant (PV plant) which feeds into the grid essentially consists of the following components: PV generator (solar modules) Generator junction box (GJB) Inverter(s) Meters Grid connection DC and AC cabling
System variants result from the use of different modules (crystalline silicon or thin-film) and the way in which they are connected (e.g. in series), as well as the use of different inverters (with or without a transformer). Novel technical developments, such as micro inverters or DC optimizers, expand the range of potential system configurations. Fundamental differences in photovoltaic system technology result from dividing a PV generator into strings and connecting these to one or more inverters. Dividing the system into strings gives planners more flexibility and enables factors such as partial shading of the PV generator to be taken into account.
Inverters are selected according to the type and quantity of the modules connected as well as the voltage and output of the individual strings. A hierarchy may also be established between inverters. In a large-scale PV plant, for example, partial load operation can be better exploited by coupling several central inverters in a master/slave configuration. Here, the master inverter disables or enables the other inverters depending on the insolation, which changes during the course of the day.
Inverters are crucial to the efficiency of the PV system.
Market Situation and Forecasts
PV system components (possible designs) 8. 3. 4. 5.
1.
2.

3.
9.
1.
2.
1. PV generator (solar modules) 2. Solar module junction box 3. Solar cable connector 4. Generator junction box (GJB) 5. Inverter 6. Import/export meter 7. Grid supply 8. Monitoring solutions 9. Power optimizer
SOLARPRAXIS AG
00123467
6.
After the Fukushima nuclear incident in March 2011 market developments have become difficult to predict, as many governments are considering changing their energy policy in favor of renewable energies. Before Fukushima, in the first three months of 2011, the news from politics made PV market participants laugh and cry at the same time. Good news of a thriving market in Italy was quickly counterbalanced by the government announcing changing conditions. The German market will remain the world leading market in 2011, despite another mid-year FIT cut. Spain is not set to expand, whereas France is expecting significant growth.
Inverter manufacturing
7.
DC
AC
Intelligent coordination with the grid Interaction with the public grid is an ever more important factor in the efficiency and use of PV plants. This is because the days of photovoltaic power supply as a one-way process, where current only flows from the PV generator in one direction (i.e. directly into the grid), are increasingly coming to an end. Instead, self-supply with solar power is gaining in importance.
It is only possible to coordinate these functions by communicating with other generators and consumers in the grid. This leads us to another significant challenge facing photovoltaic power supply, that of feed-in which fluctuates depending on the current solar radiation. The storage of solar power, a task which could previously be performed by the public grid provided that the amount of electricity fed-in remained low, now requires its own In the future, the inverter will coordinate system technology. If it cannot be used various operating states: supplying power immediately, solar energy must be stored to the grid, purchasing electricity from the in batteries, compressed air systems or grid and self-supply with solar power. In water reservoirs, and in the distant future the medium voltage range, in particular, could even be stored in the form of hyinverters are also increasingly undertakdrogen or methane. Every form of storage ing tasks to stabilize the grid during voltis expensive. It is therefore important to age fluctuations. consume as much solar energy as possible immediately in the grid by intelligently coordinating generators and consumers.
Roof-mounted PV system on a public building in Berlin (Germany)
10
11
Annual PV installation worldwide 40,000 35,000

PV installations (megawatts) 34,435 27,798 20,897 15,945** 22,956 22,000
PV inverter shipment forecast

31,000
MLPM shipment forecast 140 120 100

Y/Y Growth (%) Global annual shipments (gigawatts)
140
Global annual shipments (gigawatts)
35 30
19,710 24,900 25,500 25,800
35 30
17,760 12,580
120 100
Y/Y Growth (%)
30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2009 2010* 2011* 2012* 2013* Y/Y growth (%)
7,240
Source: iSuppli | SOLARPRAXIS AG
25 20
8,800
25 20
8,900 5,300
80 60 40 20 0 2014* 2015* -20
80 60 40 20
15 10 5 0
15
3,540 2,380
10
230 80 870 730
5 0
2009
2010*
2011*
2012*
2013*
2014*
2009
2010*
2011*
2012*
2013*
2014*
PV installations (MW)
PV installations (MW)
Y/Y growth (%)
*estimated
Micro inverters (MW)
Optimizers (MW)
*estimated

In terms of MW, the inverter market more than doubled in 2010 growing at 125%. As installation growth cools off in 2011 and flattens in 2012, growth will slow to 26% and 2% respectively.
* estimated ** The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) predicted that a total of 14,30016,500 MW would be installed in 2010.
National markets and global development
As a result, an immediate halt has been called to installation activity in Italy though this was strong throughout JanuIn Germany, on Febuary 2, 2011 the German ary and February and only projects nearparliament accepted the environment ing completion have been continued. ministers proposal of a mid-year FIT cut. iSuppli expects Italy to install 4 GW in 2011 The amount of the FIT will be set accorddue to the growing installation capacity ing to the quantity of systems installed there, assuming government support conin March, April and May. According to tinues, once the ongoing FIT negotiations Californian-based market research firm are concluded. iSuppli, about 7.1 GW will be installed in Germany under the new scheme. France announced solar incentives to support 500 MW new PV installations in In the last quarter of 2010, installations 2011. In addition, around 30% of PV plants in Italy grew much faster than expected that have already received approval will by industry consensus. On January 25, be built during the next 18 months. These 1.85 GW were officially connected, and a projects will benefit from high return total of 2.85 GW were installed in 2010. rates based on the earlier FITs. They will On March 3, the Italian government add to the annual target of 500 MW. IHS announced that new FITs will be valid iSuppli estimates that 1,300 MW will be from June 1, with an annual cap yet to be installed in France in 2011. announced and ground installations on farmland limited to 1 MW.
The solar markets in Spain and the Czech Republic will not expand in 2011, and may even shrink. Serious measures to reduce solar investor business are on the way. The Spanish government will reduce funding for existing solar power parks by approximately 30%. In addition, FITs for new ground installations will drop to 14 ct/ kWh in 2011. The Czech Republic is set to stop state support for ground-mounted plants by March 2011. Taking into account these multiple changes, iSuppli expects that in 2011 about 21 GW will be installed worldwide. Installations will grow by 31% compared to 2010. Looking forward from 2012 to 2014, considerable market growth is not anticipated. The German market is expected to contract from 7 GW to 5 GW.
System cost breakdown A PV system is built from several components. A typical cost breakdown for a ground installation in Germany shows that dominant single factors are modules, representing 60% of the cost, and inverters and underconstruction each at about 10%. That breakdown is likely to remain stable in the forseeable future.
Inverters In the fourth quarter of 2009, inverters were sold out and supply remained tight until July 2010. The lead times increased from 3 weeks to 30 weeks and prices increased rapidly at wholesale level. From September 2010 onward prices stabilized, by November they started to decrease: The wholesalers cleared their stocks due to the slow pace of installation in Germany. In parallel, all major suppliers expanded their capacities. Reviewing the capacity announcements of inverter companies, iSuppli forecasts that capacities will increase beyond 50 GW at the end of 2011. The original bottleneck in inverters has disappeared, but has still not been fully averted. It is the supply of components which has to cope with several growing markets. Suppliers of power devices confirm that devices can be supplied as long as the forecast does not increase beyond 22 GW. Suppliers of passive components are more reticent, mentioning that other markets, such as the Chinese automotive industry, are a black hole for electronic components.
MLPM solutions Module Level Power Management (MLPM) solutions such as micro inverters and DC optimizers are intensely debated. Manufacturers claim that they can harvest 3% to 20% more kilowatt hours (kWh) of PV power. Approximately 150 MW of MLPM devices were shipped in 2010, of which 80 MW were micro inverters and 70 MW DC optimizers. Micro (or module) inverters have an early lead in the MLPM market where initial adoption has been heaviest in the US residential market. iSuppli estimates that the price drops for micro inverters will be steeper than for string or central inverters, and that micro inverters will cost US$0.05 per Watt more than string inverters by 2014. Optimizers can be applied more broadly because they still use an inverter and their role is more that of a power booster which improves energy harvest. They currently cost about US$0.15/Watt (US$0.13/W by mid year) and are expected to drop to US$0.08/Watt by 2014. Optimizers initially entered the European, and to a lesser degree, the North American residential markets. Commercial applications have become more popular in recent months.
Estimated PV installations in selected countries (MW)

Country 2009 2010* 2011* 2015* CAGR 2015 VS. 2010 (%)
Czech Republic France Germany Italy Spain
397 250 3,806 720 70
1,331 719 6,727 2,850 250
350 1,307 7,100 4,100 345
350 873 5,000 2,750 1,000
28
System cost breakdown 1 - 10 MW Germany (a-Si/c-Si 9%) 8% EPC Margin 6% Labour 6% Cabling & small parts 59% Modules 11% Underconstruction
14 11 9 41
* estimated
10% Inverters
12
13
31,460 30,940
Source: iSuppli
The PV Generator
The PV Generator
Electrically connected solar modules make up a PV generator, which generates electrical power dependent on insolation and temperature. The output of a solar generator is therefore not only determined by the efficiency of its modules, but also by how well those modules exploit the strength and spectrum of the insolation, and how they react to the module temperature.
Thin-film modules require a greater surface area than crystalline silicon modules to generate the same power.
The photovoltaic effect in solar cells can be used to generate power. Solar cells are made from a variety of different materials, with crystalline silicon being the most common. Thin-film cells made from cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium selenide (CIS), amorphous silicon (a-Si) and amorphous/microcrystalline silicon (a-Si/_c-Si) are, however, also extensively used. Several solar cells are connected together to make up a module. The electrical properties of crystalline modules are markedly different from those of thin-film modules and must be taken into account in order to achieve the highest possible yield in a given location.
The bigger the area, the thinner the module Since modules made from crystalline silicon are generally more efficient than thin-film modules, they are used wherever space is at a premium, such as on the roofs of single-family homes. Module efficiency therefore solely affects the space requirements for the PV plant: In the case of crystalline solar modules, an area of around eight to ten sqm is needed to achieve an output of one kilowatt peak (kWp), whereas for thin-film modules the area required for the same output is between twelve and 20 sqm depending on the technology used.
On the one hand this means that the cost of support structures and installation is higher for thin-film solar modules, and that the modules themselves must therefore be somewhat cheaper in a turnkey system of the same price. On the other hand, the area required only has an indirect effect on the specific yield of a PV plant, which is indicated in kWh/kWp. To calculate the specific yield, the electricity output (in kWh) is related to the installed system capacity (in kWp) so that module efficiency becomes immaterial. All in all, the specific yield and costs of photovoltaic
Crystalline silicon modules in a free-standing system (left) and a roof-mounted installation (top)
Cell material
Module efficiency
Surface area need for 1 kWp
Monocrystalline silicon Polycrystalline silicon Micromorphous tandem cell (a-Si/c-Si) Thin-film copper-indium-diselenide (CIS) Thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) Amorphous silicon (a-Si)
1319% 1115% 810% 1012% 911% 58%
58 m2 79 m2 1012 m2 810 m2 911 m2 1320 m2
Cells made from different materials have different efficiencies. PV array surface area depends on the type of cell used.
14
15
The PV Generator
Temperature coefficient 15 10
Relative change (%)
Bypass diode
Bypass diode
5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20

TC PMPP Uoc Isc Temperature coefficient Power maximum power point Volt at open circuit Ampere short circuit
STC (Standard Test Conditions)
TC ISC CdTe TC ISC cSi
TC ISC aSi
cell 1
cell 2
cell 20
cell 21
cell 22
TC UOC aSi TC UOC cSi
TC PMPP aSi TC PMPP CdTe / TC UOC CdTe
-5
15
25
Temperature (C)
35
45
55
65
TC PMPP cSi
SOLARPRAXIS AG
SOLARPRAXIS AG
The reduced output and possibility of damage to cells and modules caused by shading can be mitigated by the use of bypass diodes. The diode short circuits the affected area and allows the current to bypass it.
installations and thus their profitability are roughly the same whether crystalline silicon modules or thin-film modules are used.
Despite the lower efficiency observed in laboratory simulations with high irradiance and at module temperatures of 25C (standard test conditions, STC), the electricity yield of thin-film modules can The cost of land plays a secondary role be relatively high under certain condiwhen installing ground-mounted systems, tions. On the one hand this is linked to the as economies of scale come into play temperature coefficient gradient, which in such installations. Ground-mounted is markedly different to that of a crystalplants are therefore often equipped with line module. On the other, the specific thin-film solar modules. yield in kWh/kWp is a variable which is not related to surface area, meaning that Crystalline silicon solar cells are particuthe lower efficiency of individual modules larly responsive to long-wave solar radiabecomes irrelevant for comparison. tion. In contrast, thin-film modules make better use of the short and medium-wave Temperature coefficient range of the solar spectrum. In cloudy The temperature coefficient of output conditions, the spectrum that hits the voltage is negative. This means that ground has a higher proportion of shortthe module output and output voltage wave light, which is best exploited by decrease at high temperatures (higher amorphous thin-film modules. CdTe, CIS than the reference temperature T=25C and microcrystalline thin-film modules, under STC) while they increase at low on the other hand, are best suited to abtemperatures. The temperature coefficient sorbing medium wavelengths. In general, of current is both very small and positive, thin-film modules are ideal for sites which so currents will only alter to a very small experience a high proportion of diffuse in- degree as a result of temperature fluctuasolation due to frequent cloudy weather, tions. or temporary or partial shading.
Here is an example with some typical values: Under STC, a given solar module with crystalline silicon solar cells has a nominal output of 200 Wp and the temperature coefficient of output is -0.5%/K. This means that the output of this module would decrease by 5% for every temperature increase of 10 K. If this module were to reach a temperature of T=55C, the output would drop by 15%, i.e. the module would only supply 170 Wp. Inversely, at a module temperature of T=5C, the module output would increase to 220 Wp. Thin-film modules are characterized by a lower temperature coefficient of output, typically -0.3%/K. This means that at a module temperature of T=55C, the solar module would only show a drop in output of 9%. Insolation can heat PV modules to as much as 70C. For this reason, they are installed so as to ensure that air can circulate to provide sufficient rear ventilation. Where rear ventilation is not possible, for instance if the modules are integrated into the roof or faade of a thermally insulated building, thin-film modules are better suited as their output is less dramatically impaired by high temperatures.
Bypass diodes prevent overheating Since a single solar cell is only able to generate around 0.5 volts, a number of cells are connected in series to form a string. This has the disadvantage of making the module extremely sensitive to partial shading because, if the shadow of say a chimney pot or an antenna is cast on a cell, the affected cell will turn from power generator into power consumer, becoming a weak link which restricts the power output of the entire string. Shaded cells do not generate electricity, while the other, fully illuminated cells in the string remain completely active and drive their power through the shaded cell, which converts that power into heat. In extreme cases, this leads to a hot spot being created in the cell, which can melt a hole in the cell material. A bypass diode, which bypasses the module string containing the shaded cell, is therefore used to steer the electricity past the passive cell.
Positioned in the module junction box, a bypass diode usually bypasses 18 to 20 cells. Modules consisting of 36 cells are therefore equipped with two bypass diodes, while three such diodes are generally employed in modules with between 54 and 60 cells. As each diode bypasses one string, even slight shading leads to the output of all the series-connected cells within a module being lost. It would therefore be ideal if each solar cell could be equipped with a bypass diode. Unfortunately, the junction box does not provide enough space for this. To get around the problem, several manufacturers have started to laminate string bypass diodes into their modules. This allows a greater number of diodes to be used than will fit in the junction box, and shading tolerance is noticeably increased as a result.
Overall, shading has the same effect as sharply reduced insolation: a decreased flow of current. This applies in principle to both crystalline and thin-film modules. However, the latter benefit from the striplike arrangement of their solar cells, as it is relatively uncommon for long, narrow, thin-film solar cells to become completely shaded. The reduction in output of a thinfilm module is therefore usually proportionate to the shaded area. Where losses are expected due to high operating temperatures or shading, thinfilm modules are often given preference over crystalline silicon models.
f.l.t.r.: Thin-film cell made from cadmium telluride CIS-based thin-film solar modules Antireflection glass Generator junction box Temperature coefficient measurement
16
17
Inverters and Their Influence on the Overall System
Generator junction box 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. Blocking diodes 2. DC switch 3. Surge suppressor 4. String fuses

Major discrepancies exist between power generation with PV modules and the requirements of the public grid. The job of the inverter is to reconcile the systems with each other and to feed the solar power into the grid with the highest possible efficiency. A PV installations yield is, therefore, just as heavily dependent on the reliability and efficiency of the inverter as on the orientation, interconnection and quality of the PV modules.
SOLARPRAXIS AG
Inverters reconcile the PV system with the public grid.
Reflection losses In order for yield to be increased even further, reflection losses must also be taken into account. Modules with antireflection glass are already in use, but are relatively expensive. Reflection losses can, however, be virtually eliminated if the PV generators are equipped to track the suns movement on a dual axis, though this involves relatively high additional expense for the mechanical system. Such outlay is really only worthwhile if adequate additional yield can be achieved, i.e. if the PV system is installed at a site with a high proportion of direct insolation, preferably along the earths sunbelt. This applies similarly to concentrating sunlight with mirrors or lenses. Yield can also be increased by active cooling. Here, cooling modules on their rear side produces warm water or warm air in addition to electricity. All in all, the advantages of this method are, however, too few for it to have become well-established.
Aging processes Since they contain no moving parts, solar modules age very slowly. As long as their materials (glass, solar cells, plastics, aluminum) have been carefully selected, they are also sufficiently weather resistant. If a system is installed in such a way that corrosion cannot take hold, it can achieve a service life of 20 years or more. The assembly frame should be designed to ensure that there are no corners or niches where dirt, leaves and other deposits could collect, and standing water should also be avoided. Different metals may only be used together if it can be guaranteed that no electrochemical reaction will take place. This particularly applies to the screws and clamps in the support frame that holds the PV generator. In the early days of PV technology, the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coating, applied to the illuminated upper face of most thin-film modules to conduct current, was often damaged by corrosion. TCO corrosion is irreversible and leads to severe output losses. Such damage predominantly occurs in the event of high voltages caused by earth leakage currents. Grounding the generators negative pole can prevent TCO corrosion, though it also precludes the use of several inverter types.
Generator junction box Modules are connected in series to form a string, and the voltages of each individual module are totaled to give the string voltage. Strings of equal length are then connected in parallel to make up the PV generator, where the output power of the strings is cumulative. If the PV generator consists of more than three strings, the cables are consolidated using Y-adapters, or joined in a generator junction box (GJB). The GJB is located close to the modules and connects the strings in parallel so that only one positive and one negative cable must be laid from each junction box to the downstream inverter. It can also perform additional safety-related functions, such as that of string fuse or overvoltage conductor. If thin-film modules are used which are not reverse current proof, blocking diodes must also be employed. In addition, there are certain components which may be positioned in several different locations within the system. For example, the main DC switch could be a part of the GJB or could be integrated into the inverter.
18
19
I-V curve of a crystalline solar cell 4

Short circuit current
European Efficiency 100% 1,2

Cell power output (W) =91.8% =94.8% =85.9% =95.8% =96.4% =96.0%
3
Cell current (A)
MPP 2
0,8
50%
48%
1
Open circuit voltage The I-V curve of a crystalline silicon solar cell. The open circuit voltage (VOC) is around 0.5 V. At the maximum power point (MPP) of the curve, the voltage is about 80% of the open circuit voltage (VOC) and the current is about 95% of the short circuit current (ISC).
0,4
20% 13%
0 0 0,2 Cell voltage (V) 0,4
0 0,55
SOLARPRAXIS AG
3%
6%
10% 10% The inverter in this example has a European Efficiency of 95.5%. The maximum efficiency is 96.4%, but it only operates at this level of efficiency when the inverter is operating at 50% of its nominal rating.
0%
P5 P10
P20
P30
P50
P100
SOLARPRAXIS AG
The inverter is connected directly to the public grid, and must therefore perform several tasks simultaneously. The most important of these are MPP tracking and converting the solar modules direct current into grid-compatible alternating current. An inverter is a power converter which converts the direct current supplied by the PV generator into alternating current that has the same voltage and frequency as the grid. If required, this conversion can occur with a specified phase shift, in order to feed reactive power into the grid (e.g. in the event of grid failure) and lend it support. Thanks to state-of-the-art power electronics, converting direct current to alternating current now only incurs minimal losses. The term grid-tie inverter (GTI) is also used for the device, as it is specifically geared toward the requirements of the public grid.
In order to ensure that it always feeds-in the maximum power output, the inverter automatically searches for the PV generators optimal operating point, or maximum power point (MPP). The MPP must be continuously tracked, as the current and voltage of the PV generator fluctuate widely. This is due to the constant changes in insolation and temperature, and means that the MPP moves back and forth along the current-voltage curve (I-V). The most efficient inverters available are designed to always locate the MPP with precision and to follow its movement immediately. Rapid control of the MPP in this way enables the maximum possible output of the PV generator to be obtained.
European and Californian Efficiency As a result of converting the direct current, losses are incurred which can be relatively high within the partial load range of the inverter (0 to 20% of the rated power), but which are usually less than 5% at the rated output. Inverters usually achieve maximum efficiency at around half the rated output; some even reach over 98%.
The European efficiency standard (valid for the type of irridiance level found in Central Europe) is a method which enables different inverters with different efficacy curves to be compared by taking into consideration the amount of time the inverter can be expected to operate at particular percentage loads/levels of solar insolation:
= 0.03 5% + 0.06 10% + 0.13 20% + 0.1 30% + 0.48 50% + 0.2 100%
Dimensioning Where moderate solar radiation is prevalent, but full insolation only rare, an inverter which has a much lower rated output that that of the PV generator should be selected. Subdimensioning the inverter in this way has the advantage that it will operate in a higher output range most of the time, and will thus be more efficient. The disadvantage of this system design is that the inverter will more rapidly become overloaded if the level of insolation is high. If this happens, energy will effectively be wasted as a result of the internal output limitations. The operator must therefore decide whether solar energy yield or economic gain should take precedence. Optimum profits can also be achieved with a relatively small inverter, though at times this may be overloaded and energy yield will be diminished as a result. This setup is, however, also less expensive, a saving which can compensate for yield losses.
The gradient of the efficiency curve is an important factor in inverter design, as they should be operated in the partial load range for as few hours as possible each year. The time curve of a PV generators output in a given location is crucial here. Because the PV generator will only rarely supply its full rated output, it is esIn addition to converting current and pecially important to know the probability detecting the temperature and insolation- of different outputs occurring. dependent MPP, the inverter performs further essential tasks: It plays a part in system monitoring, collecting and storing information, such as operating data, which is necessary to analyze the efficiency of the PV plant. It also displays error messages and sends them to a computer when required. Furthermore, it monitors the grid connection and checks if this has failed or been switched off.
Owing to the poor efficiency curve in the partial load range, it was initially widespread practice to design AC inverter output to be up to 25% lower that the rated generator output under STC. However, in view of todays much improved efficiency curves, it is now recommended that such stark subdimensioning be avoided. Moreover, the accuracy of weather data has also improved, and it has come to light that short radiation peaks occur more frequently than expected. Working on the basis that a maximum 0.5% of the energy generated should be lost due to output limitations, it is now recommended that an inverters rated output should be no more than 10% lower that the STC rated output of the solar generator. Many renowned experts even argue that the practice of subdimensioning inverters should be abandoned completely. Debates surrounding economically viable system design are ongoing.
For regions with high solar radiation approximately 1,200 kWh/m3 annual global irradiance upon a horizontal surface as in South Europe Californian Efficiency leads to more appropriate results. According to different conditions of radiation its formula is:
CEC = 0.04 10% + 0.05 20% + 0.12 30% + 0.21 50% + 0.53 75%+ 0.05 100 %
f.l.t.r.: Central inverter Home inverter and electric meter Module inverter String inverters
20
21
Central inverter 1. 1.
Module inverters
3.
2.
The PV array consists of several strings of seriesconnected modules. The whole of the installation is served by a single central inverter.
DC AC
1. PV generator 2. Generator junction box 3. DC switch 4. Inverter 5. Grid supply
4.
5.
SOLARPRAXIS AG
DC AC
1. PV generator 2. Inverter 3. Grid supply 2.

Module inverters connect single modules or pairs of modules directly with the grid.
3.
SOLARPRAXIS AG
Autonomous operation The inverter input voltage is determined by the number of modules connected in series to form a string, the input current is determined by the number of strings. The inverter is connected directly to the public grid and feeds output of up to 4.6 kilowatts (or more precisely: 4.6 kVA), usually in single phase, into the low voltage grid. Large-scale PV plants, however, require three-phase inverters. Thanks to their high efficiency and the excellent quality of power they deliver to the grid, self-commutated inverters have gained a strong foothold in the market. Such inverters contain a microprocessor to create the on and off signals for the electronic circuit breaker. This switching frequency is much higher than the grid frequency. By rapidly chopping the direct current supplied by the PV modules, signals are created which best simulate sine function. During pulse pauses, the current is temporarily stored in the input capacitor.
Because the inverter is not controlled by the grid, but works autonomously, it also feeds-in power when the grid is switched off, for example in the event of maintenance work. In order to avoid endangering the grid operators electricians, the system is required to have a protective circuit which automatically disconnects the inverter from the public grid if its voltage or frequency deviates from the authorized limits. Two automatic load break switches are used to ensure safety. A common design concept for this automatic disconnection device (ADD) is the Mains monitoring unit with allocated switching devices connected in series (MSD see chapter Planning and Grid integration).
Transformers The use of transformers in inverters simplifies the conversion of alternating current to match the grid voltage level, but involves magnetic and ohmic losses, and increases the devices weight. Furthermore, far from operating silently, it draws attention to itself with a low-pitched humming noise. For this reason, high frequency transformers are often used instead of 50 Hz models. They are smaller, lighter in weight and more efficient, but require more complex power electronics. If the direct current supplied by the PV generator is greatly above the crest value of the grid voltage, the transformer becomes technically redundant. In addition, buck-boost converters can be employed to expand the input voltage range of an inverter and adjust it to suit different PV generators. Owing to their high efficiency, transformerless inverters are now wellestablished on the market. Since removing the transformer also entails the loss of galvanic isolation, a DC-sensitive fault protection switch needs to be included. A further disadvantage of removing the transformer is a slight increase in electromagnetic radiation (electrosmog). Inverters should therefore be installed in a cool, dry place away from living rooms or bedrooms.
Inverter concepts Recent times have seen the construction of ever larger PV plants. As the modules used here are the same as those used in smaller installations, tens of thousands of them are required to build megawattrange solar power plants. The fact that photovoltaic generation involves so many small elements means that, depending on the power rating, several options are available for feeding into the grid.
Alternatively, every module string can In addition to module and central invertbe connected to one sole inverter. When ers, string inverters provide a third option, PV plants were still small, such central enabling the MPP of each string to be inverters were the norm. Today, particutracked individually. This solution is ideal larly in large-scale PV plants, a variant where strings receive different degrees of of the central inverter with three to four shading throughout the day, causing the inverters in hierarchical order (master and operating points of individual strings to slave) is used. While insolation is low, only move differently. Here, the electricity is the master is active, but as soon as its up- fed into the grid by several, independent per output limit is reached, as insolation string inverters. A further variant of the increases, the first slave is switched in. The string inverter is the multistring inverter, characteristic curve of the master-slave which combines several MPP trackers in Today, inverters come in so many differunit is composed of the curves of the one device. ent sizes that, in principle, each module individual inverters, and therefore displays could be fitted with a customized inverter. higher efficiency in the lower output Such module inverters essentially enable range than a central inverter. To ensure optimum adjustment to the MPP of each that the workload is distributed evenly individual module. The alternating current among the individual inverters, master output of these micro inverters can be and slave are rotated in a fixed cycle, easily connected in parallel, eliminating which could be that each morning the the need for DC cabling. Though easy to inverter with the fewest operating hours install on the rear side of the module, the starts as the master. devices have relatively low efficiency and high specific costs. To date, these small inverters are only used in special applications, such as installations with an output Single string inverters of between three and five kilowatts 1. designed for consumption at source.
Island inverter with battery
2.
DC AC
Single-string inverters take a single string of seriesconnected modules. Each string has its own inverter.
1. PV generator 2. DC switch 3. Inverter 4. Grid supply
3.
4.
SOLARPRAXIS AG
22
23
Stand-alone PV systems
System Power range Application
DC loads
Simple DC motors, fountain pumps, fans
Pumps cathodic protection
Pumps with power conditioning, cathodic protection
AC loads
Larger AC pumps, or other AC drives
DC loads
Miniature appliances, pocket calculators, watches Mobile applications, telecom, medical refrigeration, bus shelter lights, small SHSs Autonomous DC loads, emergency telephones, clocks (with load management)
DC loads
Product development: inverter
DC loads
Optimization using individual MPP controllers Given that each module in a string has its own MPP, controlling the MPP of a string is always a compromise which results in losses. Inverters with separate MPP controllers have recently been developed to get around this problem. These power optimizers sometimes also called power maximizers equip each module with its own MPP controller, enabling it to generate power at its optimum operating point and thus allowing the inverter to achieve a high level of efficiency. Opinions on the actual efficiency of the different systems are divided. Advocates argue that they are particularly useful if a PV generators strings are exposed to different levels of insolation in the course of a day. Then, for instance, shading on individual modules no longer impairs the yield of the system as a whole.
Inverter lifespan Long-term experience suggests that an inverter will operate fault-free for ten to twelve years before extensive repairs or full replacement become necessary. Despite technical developments to increase the lifespan of inverters, this is still clearly lower than that of the PV generator. Inverters are used in many different environments: both indoors and outdoors and in almost all climate zones. The most important factor limiting where an inverter may be installed is the maximum permissible temperature at rated power. Where the ambient temperature could cause this to be exceeded (e.g. if the inverter is installed in an uninsulated roof structure), active cooling becomes necessary.
<0.1 W 1W 1W 100 W 1,000 W >10,000 W
However, the use of ventilators entails further risks, for example when inverters are installed in agricultural buildings. Here, if incorrectly installed, the ventilator can draw grain dust or ammonia vapors into the inverter, which can restrict ventilator operation or induce corrosion. In order to increase service life, particular attention must therefore be paid to ensuring that an inverters individual components cannot overheat. In addition, they must be kept free from dust, damp and aggressive gases.
DC loads AC loads
Remote homes, schools, hospitals - with additional power source (diesel / wind) in larger installations
PV module(s) Lead-acid or NiCd battery, capacitor
Inverter Additional power source (diesel, wind)
DC-DC converter
Charge controller, battery monitoring SOLARPRAXIS AG
Inverters in off-grid systems Inverters are now also increasingly used in locations where it is not possible to feed energy into the grid. Such island systems are the traditional territory of photovoltaics. Here, electronic charge controllers are employed to ensure that power supplied by (usually stand-alone) PV modules is stored in batteries as efficiently as possible. DC power consuming equipment (such as lamps and refrigerators) is connected to the charge controller and is thus supplied either by the solar power generated at a given moment or by power stored in the batteries.
However, two serious disadvantages of DC power consuming devices mean that charge controllers require supplementation: As they are only manufactured in small quantities, such devices are relatively expensive and the selection is very limited. On the other hand, many inexpensive lamps, televisions and refrigerators already exist which, although they require 230 Volt (V) AC voltage, are well-suited to use with solar power supply systems owing to their low energy consumption. Inverters are therefore needed in order for such equipment to be used in island systems. The devices are usually connected directly to the battery. They may also be connected to the load outlet of the charge controller, though this could become overloaded by the high initial current of certain devices (such as electrical machines or compressor refrigerators).
It is therefore wise to choose island inverters with integrated charge controllers. This solution has the disadvantage, however, that the charge controller and inverter can no longer be individually matched to a given PV plant.
Island system in the European Alps
left: Regular maintenance prolongs the systems life expectancy. right: PV sytems are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.
24
25
Plant Monitoring and Identifying Faults

Every kilowatt hour counts, because only kilowatt hours that are fed-into the grid or privately consumed are remunerated. It is therefore necessary to thoroughly monitor operational data. A plants operator can only take prompt measures to eliminate operational faults and failures where these are signaled immediately. Merely reading the feed-in meter each month is not sufficient to recognize faults and to avoid the loss of yields. Constant measurements are therefore necessary to ensure optimal operation.
Simulation of extreme temperature conditions: inverter in cold chamber Inverter test track
Many inverters record the most important operational data, evaluate the data automatically and, in the event of a fault, send the operator notifications via email, text message or internet. This is sufficient for basic plant monitoring. However, it only allows obvious faults, such as fault currents or total failure, to be recorded. In order to determine whether a PV plant is producing optimal yields, the plant data needs to be measured continually, and preferably compared with the actual radiation values present. This is due to the fact that currents and voltages, and consequently feed-in capacities, constantly change depending on meteorological conditions. The operator can only determine whether or not the PV plants operational data indicate optimal functioning by directly comparing them with insolation data.
Measuring insolation and output Solar radiation is established either using pyranometers or PV sensors. A third more indirect possibility is to compare a plants data with meteorological data and yields from PV plants in that locality. Pyranometers measure insolation on horizontal surfaces with great accuracy. They essentially consist of two hemispherical glass domes, a black metal plate that acts as an absorbing surface, the thermal elements positioned below this and a white metal casing. Solar radiation heats the absorbing surface, the warming of which is directly dependent on the insolation. Insolation can thus be ascertained from the temperature difference between the absorbing surface and the white metal casing. The advantage of high measuring accuracy is, nevertheless, opposed by a serious disadvantage: Due to their thermal functionality, pyranometers are relatively sluggish, which means that they are incapable of accurately detecting rapid insolation fluctuations caused, for example, by broken overcast. Moreover, insolation recorded on a horizontal plane must be converted to the module plane in order to obtain meaningful radiation values for evaluating a PV plants yields.
PV sensors installed in the module plane offer an alternative to accurate, but slow and expensive, pyranometers: Here, there is no longer a need for the insolation measured to first be converted from horizontal to module plane. A PV sensor consists of a solar cell which supplies power in proportion to insolation. This power is, however, also dependent on the operating temperature of the solar cell, which means that a temperature sensor is necessary in order to offset thermal effects and determine the exact insolation. However, owing to its limited spectral response, the solar cell cannot detect certain portions of the insolation, and reflection losses may also occur. PV sensors are therefore much less accurate in their measurements of insolation than pyranometers. Despite this, they are often used to monitor PV plants. This is because a PV sensor can be selected to correspond to a plants modules. For example, a PV plant consisting of CIS thin-film modules is monitored by a PV sensor with a CIS solar cell. This simplifies the comparison of instantaneous values, which means that operational faults and defects can be recognized quickly.
26
27
System inspection PV sensor
With both pyranometers and PV sensors, additional measurement of the modules operating temperature is necessary to convert the insolation data to the target value. This is because, with the same insolation, a module supplies a much greater output on a cooler day than on a warm one.
Insolation data obtained from satellite pictures may also be consulted in order to determine whether the PV plant is running efficiently. The yields are recorded hourly and sent to a server via the internet once a day. There, the data are compared to the yields expected. This method achieves an average accuracy although not very quickly comparable Comparisons with regional meteorologito plant monitoring with PV sensors. If a cal data mean that pyranometers and PV fault is identified, it often cannot be rectisensors are no longer required. Yield simu- fied immediately because the target value lations are calculated using data supplied and actual value of the yield are only by neighboring meteorological offices and compared once a day. compared with the actual yield. Operators can also check their own performance data by examining the yield of nearby PV plants. Both methods have the disadvantage that faults often go unrecognized for hours or even days.
Another method of monitoring a plant is the continuous comparison of output supplied by the individual module strings (string monitoring). If all the strings have been installed with the same orientation, then their output should always be the same. If it is possible that partial shading could occur, this is known in advance. Therefore, if a string unexpectedly falls behind the others this means that there must be a fault. String monitoring is a quick, simple and effective method of identifying yield losses. If the operational data are saved on the internet, a service provider can take over the task of monitoring the plant and then inform the operators of any faults which occur, or even independently take measures to rectify them.
Causes of faults resulting in yield reduction Yield losses can generally be attributed to three causes of faults. Component faults, installation faults and faults caused by external influences. Component faults are more frequently found in inverters than modules. These can be due to production faults, aging or thermal overload of the inverters. Such faults often lead to the complete failure of either the PV plant or the part of the generator connected to the defective inverters. An increasing number of inverter manufacturers are, therefore, now providing long-term guarantees and service contracts. PV modules are not as badly affected by thermal overload as inverters, but rather by external influences, although this happens over relatively long periods of time. Crystalline solar modules can supply power for 30 years without showing significant signs of aging.
Production faults are often identified in the factory, meaning that broken cells or incomplete lamination only rarely appear in a PV plant as component faults. Installation faults rarely result in complete plant failure but only in partial yield reduction. Sometimes, installation faults only start to take effect after a certain time, which means that they are recognized far too late. If, for example, modules are installed so close to one another that there is no longer an expansion gap, the glazing may crack due to the effects of temperature and wind. Individual modules or even whole strings will continue to fail as a result of electrical connections not being installed carefully enough. Insulation can also be adversely affected by installation faults. For this reason, it is wise to use an automatic insulation monitor, which is integrated into some inverters.
External influences primarily affect PV modules. Over the decades, UV radiation from the sun will lead to light aging. The darkening of the plastic film (browning) can lead to a reduction in module output (degradation). Weather-induced aging is only observed relatively rarely in the plastics, in which the cells are embedded. Cell damage occurs more often, which is caused by shading and subsequent excessive heating (hot spot). Bypass or string diodes may be damaged by thermal overload or overvoltages. Inverters are not normally directly exposed to meteorological conditions although they are adversely affected by circuit feedback, for example.
Test plant
Pyranometer
Satellite image of global irradiation
28
29
Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide Surge protection measure - DC cables of the same string bundled together to avoid loops in which voltage surges can be induced.
Protection against Lightning and Overvoltage
Surge protection measure
Protection against Lightning and Overvoltage

Highly excessive voltages and currents can threaten the operation of a PV plant. Such surges are mainly caused by lightning strikes, but also by faults in the grid. Ensuring a path to earth for any lightning or currents caused by overvoltage is an extremely important factor in PV plant protection.
SOLARPRAXIS AG
External lightning protection
In principal, a PV plant does not generally increase the risk of a building being struck by lightning. A separate lightning protection system does not necessarily need to be constructed simply because a PV plant has been installed. Nevertheless, VdS (the German institute for fire protection and security) recommends installing a lightning and overvoltage protection system for all plants with a capacity of ten kilowatts or more. In a given case, the risks should be assessed in order to enable a decision in favor of or against the construction of a lightning and overvoltage protection system. If the building on which the PV plant is constructed is already equipped with a lightning protection system (e.g. a public building), the PV plant must be integrated into the protection concept. External lightning protection includes all measures for arresting lightning and conducting it to ground, and consists of a lightning current arrester, a down lead capable of carrying lightning and a grounding system which distributes the lightning current in the earth.
Priority must be given to preventing the lightning from directly hitting the modules. This is first and foremost necessary when the PV generator has been installed in an exposed area (elevated on a flat roof, for example). Rods or wires are used as lightning current arresters, and the core shadow of these should not be cast on the modules as far as this is possible. Somewhat smaller air terminal rods are, therefore, placed in front of the solar modules and somewhat larger ones are placed behind the modules. The exact number and spacing of the air terminal rods is given by the class of protection desired and is calculated using methods such as the rolling sphere method.
Indirect effects The probability of indirect lightning effects occurring is significantly higher than that of a direct lightning strike. This is because every lightning strike within a one kilometer radius can generate current flow in the modules, module cables and in the main DC cable by means of induction. Conductive and capacitive coupling are also possible and can equally cause overvoltage. An integrated lightning protection system comprising measures and equipment within the PV plant and in the building is, therefore, required. Its fundamental purpose is to prevent inductive coupling and provide a path to earth for currents caused by overvoltage. In order to keep coupling in the module cables to a minimum, the area of the open conductor loops in the generator circuit must be as small as possible. The outgoing and return lines of the strings are, therefore, laid as close as possible to each other. The use of shielded single lines also reduces the risk of lightning effects. Surge protection devices (SPD) not only prevent inductive coupling but also the occurrence of grid-side overvoltage, and are normally built into the generator junction box. Because varistors used as voltage dependent resistors can age due to leakage currents, the combination of two varistors and a spark discharger in Y connection is considered the safest longterm protection against overvoltage.
30
31
Cables and Connectors

The electrical connections in a system may be inconspicuous, but their effects should not be underestimated. As a relatively large number of electrical connections are required in order to connect the modules of a PV plant to the inverter, the losses at contact points can add up. Long-lasting, secure cable connections with low contact resistances are necessary to avoid defects, losses and accidents.
Lightning damage
Solar cables
Reverse current and electric arcs Increased currents can also occur if there is a voltage drop in a string, caused for example by shading or a short circuit. If this happens, the parallel-connected strings will function like an external power source which drives a fault current in the direction of consumption (reverse current) through the modules of the defective string. If the reverse current resistance of the modules is exceeded they will start to heat up, so string diodes are used to prevent such reverse currents. Many PV plants today are, however, built without string diodes, as most modules now have higher reverse current resistance and will easily withstand reverse current of 10 to 20 amps.
Since direct current and DC voltage are generated in a PV plant, there is a danger that non-self-extinguishing arcs could be created, which could cause fire. This danger is not present in an alternating current circuit because the regular zero crossing of the alternating currents sine curve immediately extinguishes any electric arc created. The electrical connections in the DC circuit of a PV plant must, therefore, be extremely secure, because a loose connection can lead to sparking and, consequently, trigger an electric arc. As a result, when laying the DC cables of a PV plant it is standard to protect them from short circuit and ground leakages. This is achieved by tidy cable routing (e.g. not running unprotected over sharp edges) and the use of separate positive and negative cables, as well as double cable insulation. String fuses in the GJB can also generally prevent the cables from becoming overloaded in the event of faults. These are intended to reduce the risk of electric arcs.
32
33
PV connector for toolfree assembly
Module with cable connection
A PV plants electrics consist of the DC cables between modules, generator junction box and inverter, and the AC cable running from inverter to grid. DC cabling is composed of two single-core, doubleinsulated cables and is almost exclusively laid outside, which means that the insulation must be weatherproof. A three-core AC cable is used for connection to the grid if a single-phase inverter is used, and a five-core cable is used for three-phase feed-in.
Individual modules are connected using cables to form the PV generator. The module cables are connected into a string which leads into the generator junction box, and a main DC cable connects the GJB to the inverter. In order to eliminate the risk of ground faults and short circuits, the positive and negative cables, each with double insulation, need to be laid separately. Solar cables, which are UV and weather resistant and can be used within a large temperature range, are laid outside. Single-core cables with a maximum permissible DC voltage of 1.8 kV and a temperature range from -40C to +90C are the norm here. A metal mesh encasing the cables improves shielding and overvoltage protection, and their insulation must not only be able to withstand thermal but also mechanical loads. As a consequence, plastics which have been cross-linked using an electron beam are increasingly used today.
The cross-section of the cables should be proportioned such that losses incurred in nominal operation do not exceed 1%. String cables usually have a cross-section of four to six square millimeters.
Losses add up Connection technology has needed to develop rapidly over the last few years, as inadequate contacting can cause electric arcs. Secure connections are required that will conduct current fault-free for as long as 20 years . The contacts must also show permanently low contact resistance. Since many plug connectors are required in order to cable a PV plant, every single connection should cause as little loss as possible, so that losses do not accumulate. Given the precious nature of the solar power acquired from the PV plant, as little energy as possible should be lost. Terminal screws and spring clamp connectors are gradually being replaced by special, shock-proof plug connectors, which simplify connection between modules and with the string cables.
Crimp connection (crimping) has proven itself to be a safe alternative for attaching connectors and bushes to the cables. It is used both in the work carried out by fitters on the roof and in the production of preassembled cables in the factory. Here, litz wire is pressure bonded with a contact using a crimping tool, which causes both to undergo plastic deformation creating a durable connection. A recently developed special plug makes it possible to secure connections without the use of a special tool. In this instance, the stripped conductor is fed through the
cable gland in the spring-loaded connector. Subsequently, the spring leg is pushed down by thumb until it locks into place. The locked cable gland thus secures the connection permanently. Plug connectors are now also available with cables welded on. Such connections cannot, however, be carried out during installation work on the roof, but only during production in the factory. Another recent development are preassembled circular connection systems for the AC range. These are intended to reduce the high levels of installation work required when several inverters are used within one plant.
Individual, customized, mounted branch cable leads
Solar cable
Solar cables are single-cored, double-insulated and must withstand extreme weather conditions.
SOLARPRAXIS AG
34
35
Planning and Grid Integration

Integrating increasing amounts of solar energy into the public power supply puts various demands on PV plants. For example, special protective devices are required to prevent the risk of danger in the event of mains interference. The more PV plants feed into the public grid, the greater the demands placed on the grid services that they must perform.
PV systems are decentralized power suppliers and push forward the development of smart grids.
The importance of grid-related functions has increased significantly.
Guidelines and standards regulate exactly how PV plants should be connected to the public grid, which gives rise to two highly important requirements. Firstly, when solar power is fed into the grid the power quality of the grid should not be reduced. Secondly, personal safety must be ensured in the event of mains interference. Another requirement has also recently gained importance: PV plants should support the power grid and perform grid-related control functions.
High demands on grid feed-in The further away the feeding point from large power plants, the greater the requirements that are placed on grid feed-in. If PV plants feed into a rural grid structure or grid branch lines, this may cause an increase in voltage that exceeds the specified limits.
When a large amount of energy is consumed, the voltage in these weak grid spurs decreases, meaning that the act of feeding in decentralized solar power supThe requirements for power in-feed are ply counteracts this decrease in voltage clearly defined: The grid requires sinusoiand, in turn, supports the grid. Increased dal alternating current with stable voltage consumption and increased feed-in do and frequency, and the harmonic comnot, however, always occur at the same ponent limits are regulated in guidelines time, which means that measures need to and standards. Modern inverters meet be taken to inhibit excessive increases in these power quality requirements, yet in voltage. some cases limits may be exceeded. Disconnection devices Voltage and frequency stabilities are high The grid operator stipulates that a protecin the fully-developed, close-meshed grid tive device be used between the power supplied by large thermal power stagenerating plant and the grid, which tions, and solar power can usually also be can disconnect the plant from the grid injected without problems, even in large when necessary. Its primary function is to quantities. ensure personal safety, because if the grid is shut down to carry out repair or maintenance work, power generating plants could continue to feed energy into the grid and put the safety of staff at risk. This task is performed by an automatic disconnection device (ADD) or a manual disconnection device to which the grid operator has permanent access. An ADD recognizes grid failures and cutoffs, as well as changes to voltage and frequency which exceed the authorized limits, and disconnects the PV plant from the grid.
Until 2004, only the use of an MSD as an ADD was permitted in Germany. The MSD measures grid impedance and is able to recognize power failure and cutoff on the basis of impedance jumps. Since 2005, other grid monitoring methods have been authorized: These include evaluating the harmonic components, measuring the deviation of grid frequency and three-phase voltage monitoring. A single-phase ADD is sufficient for PV plants with a feed-in capacity of up to 4.6 kVA, while a three-phase ADD is required for plants with a feed-in capacity from 4.6 to 40 kVA. Larger plants are mostly equipped with manual disconnection devices. Grid operators prefer ADDs with threephase voltage monitoring, while the MSD is now only used for single-phase feed-in due to its method of measuring impedance and the associated measurement pulses which cause interference.
36
37
Structure of the German power grid
Ultra-high voltage 220-380 kV Heavy industry
Power stations
European power union
Regional power suppliers Transformer Wind farms
High voltage 80-110 kV
Solar community in Freiburg (Germany)
Large industrial plants
Rail
Static and dynamic support In Germany, large-scale PV plants which feed into the medium-voltage grid must provide certain grid services in accordance with the countrys Medium Voltage Directive (Mittelspannungsrichtlinie). In addition to a device facilitating power reduction, these include static and dynamic grid support. Control algorithms are therefore developed for inverters in order to control voltage and frequency fluctuations. The directive came into force on January 1, 2009, although transitional periods apply. It is to be expected that similar requirements will be incorporated into the Low Voltage Directive (Niederspannungsrichtlinie), which is currently being revised, so that small PV plants will also need to provide grid services in the near future. Static grid support is required when grid voltage rises or falls slowly. Support is provided by supplying reactive power and limiting active power dependent on the frequency. Dynamic grid support is predominantly required when voltage dips occur in the upstream high-voltage grid. The PV plant should not then shut down immediately, but should remain on the grid for a time (fault ride through, FRT) and feed-in reactive current to support the grid voltage dynamically. Only when the grid ceases to function for several seconds is the PV plant shut down.
From July 1, 2011, static grid support will be prescribed by law in Germany. This applies to all inverters that feed into the medium and low voltage grids which have an output of 3.68 kVA or above (230 V x 16 A). Once the transitional period expires on January 1, 2012, practically all PV plants that are connected to the grid will be required to perform this grid service. These increased requirements on systems technology bring with them the advantage that it will now be possible, even in weak grids, to install a far greater amount of PV capacity before the grid needs to be expanded. The low-voltage grid offers great potential for conserving and displacing power, which can be optimized by decentralized feed-in systems. Microgrids generating their own power, which are connected to one another by the public grid, can play a decisive role in this and can complement the grid integration of photovoltaic systems.
Decentralization and consumption at source Using intelligent control engineering, a variable, virtual, large-scale power station could be developed in connection with decentralized feed-in systems and electricity consumers. As elements in this power plant, PV plants would contribute to reducing the purchase of electricity from the public grid. Moreover, PV plants could improve supply security through short-term island operation. In future, inverters could take over grid management tasks and provide energy services. In addition to stabilizing voltage and frequency, these include controlling the power factor and the targeted production of harmonic components to improve grid quality. For this reason, bidirectional network interfaces are required to enable the necessary communication and to link the large number of decentralized suppliers and consumers together in smart grids. Due to the decentralized nature of solar power generation, it is obvious that users generating power should themselves consume as much of this as possible at source. This reduces grid feed-in and the need to transport power over great distances. In an average household, 20-30% of energy is consumed at times when solar power is generated. Simple measures could be used to increase this proportion by a further ten percentage points, for example by logging consumption as well as generation using the automatic plant monitoring system, which will compare
Large-scale PV plants
Transformer
Medium voltage 6-60 kV Large factories and residential areas, hospitals, office buildings, shopping malls
Medium-sized industrial plants
Cogeneration plants
Transformer
Low voltage 230-400 V
Small-scale PV plants
Agriculture
Small and medium-sized enterprises
Small towns, individual households
SOLARPRAXIS AG
38
39
Possible grid disturbances
Voltage 0 Time (s) 0.2 0.4 0 Time (s) 0.2 0.4 0 Time (s) 0.2 0.4
SOLARPRAXIS AG
Some power supplies, such as those used in older computers but also in other recent appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs, cause changes in sine waves.
When capacitive power appliances are switched on, brief disturbances arise. Battery chargers are examples of capacitive loads. But these loads have to be very great indeed for the disturbances to have an impact.
A large power consumer can put such a great load on the grid that voltage drops. Inverters can only compensate for such disturbances if the devices can store electricity.
8 MWp power plant in Alamosa, Colorado, USA
both graphically. Users could then better adapt their consumption to match generation and maximize their own consumption of the solar power.
In Germany, the personal consumption of solar power by those who generate it has been encouraged since 2009 as part of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). Only energy consumed concurrently with The inverter could be fitted out so that its production, i.e. the actual energy that it automatically switches on individual is not fed into the grid but is directly conhousehold appliances (washing machines, sumed in close proximity to the PV plant, dishwashers, dryers, etc.) as soon as is considered to be for own consumpenough solar power is generated. These tion. It is not possible to balance out yield appliances would be equipped with produced throughout the year with yearly remote-controlled sockets and their perconsumption. In order to check concurrenformance data stored as profiles. The PV cy, a production meter is required in adplant and the power network in the home dition to a reference meter and a feed-in would thus be unified, and electronic meter. The actual consumption at source appliances would be supplied with either is calculated from the difference between pure solar power or a mix of solar and grid production and feed-in. power depending on insolation. If feed-in is single-phase but individual consumers have a three-phase connection, differences will arise which impact badly on the evaluations of own consumption. Three-phase feed-in is, therefore, an advantage.
The next step is to bring together energy consumption control and battery storage either as a stationary battery bank or in mobile format in an electric vehicle. Conventional batteries are only of limited suitability for this purpose because high storage losses and low efficiency lead to costs of 20 to 30 euro cents per kilowatt hour saved. These costs can be reduced by higher consumption of energy at source, improved load displacement and, above all, by increased conservation.
Across the pond: a view on the United States In the United States, transmisson lines run from 138kV to 765kV whereas distribution lines run as low as 4kV. However, compared to European countries for example, the main challenge for feeding solar power into the U.S. grid is not different voltage levels, but rather the complexity of its structure. The electric grid in the United States is a collection of many regional grids that are owned and operated by private companies but governed by state and federal governments. Figuring out interconnection and the wholesale power market rules can be daunting for new entrants into the solar market. The country is roughly divided into three main power grids: Western Interconnect, Texas Interconnect and Eastern Interconnect. Each region is further divvied up by grid operators who coordinate and monitor these transmission networks and who sometimes also oversee the wholesale electric market. Ten large grid operators serve two-thirds of the consumers in the United States and more than 50% in Canada.
In California, the largest solar market in the nation, the California Independent System Operator manages about 80% of the grid. Utility-scale project developers typically apply to the California ISO for the rights to connect their projects to the transmission network. The application involves hefty fees; sometimes developers have to help pay for new transmission equipment in order to send power from their projects in remote areas to cities. For commercial and residential PV customers, they apply to their utilities for connecting their systems to the part of the grid that is called the distribution network. The United States has more 3,200 public and private utilities. The anticipated growth in solar and other renewable sources has prompted FERC, states, grid operators and utilities to examine whether they need to expand and upgrade the transmission networks. More renewable power projects require a greater grid capacity. The intermittent nature of solar and wind makes it tricky for grid operators to predict and manage supply and demand.
Many transmission projects have been proposed mainly to accommodate the increase of renewable electricity. In February, the U. S. Department of Energy announced its first-ever loan guarantee for a transmission project called One Nevada Transmission. The DOE is providing a loan guarantee of $343 million to NV Energy and Great Basin Transmission to build a 235-mile transmission line to connect the northern and southern service territory of NV Energy for the first time. The 500 kilovolt line, which will cost about $500 million in total to build, will be able to ferry 600 megawatts of electricity and allow NV Energy to manage geothermal power from the north and solar power from the south.
Rising personal consumption of solar power has made battery storage (right) a new and promising market segment.
40
41
Companies: xxx
Companies: xxx
The Companies
42
43
Overview
Overview
Overview
Companies presented at a glance (in order of appearance)
page 48
page 50
page 51
page 70
page 71
page 72
page 52
page 53
page 54
page 73
page 74
page 75
page 56
page 57
page 58
page 76
page 78
page 79
page 59
page 60
page 61
page 80
page 82
page 83
page 62
page 63
page 64
page 84
page 86
page 88
page 65
page 66
page 68
page 89
page 92
page 93
44
45
Business Areas
Business Areas
PV generators (modules, junction boxes ...)
Module level power management (MLPM)
Lightning and overvoltage protection (LOP)
Connection technology (cables, plugs, switches, DC combiner boxes, DC distribution boxes/GJB)
Inverters
Planning and grid integration
Page 48 50 51 52 54 53 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 65 69 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 78 80 79 82 92 84 83 86 93 88 89
Company (in alphabetical order)
ABB Advanced Energy AEG Power Solutions Alteams Group Answer Drives Srl applied international informatics GmbH Bonfiglioli Danfoss Solar Inverters DEHN + SHNE GmbH + Co. KG. Delta Energy Systems (Germany) GmbH Elettronica Santerno S.p.A. Eltek Valere Emerson Enecsys Finnveden Metal Structures AB Fronius Deutschland GmbH KACO new energy GmbH KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik GmbH KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH M+W Group Mastervolt Multi-Contact AG Power-One RefuSol GmbH Satcon Technology Corporation Schneider Electric SIEL S.p.A. Siemens AG skytron energy GmbH SMA Solar Technology AG Solarpraxis AG SOLON SE SOLUTRONIC AG Sputnik Engineering AG Sunbeam GmbH SUNGROW Wieland Electric

Charge regulators

Power optimizers
Central inverters
String inverters
Island inverters
Accumulators
Software/IT
Business Areas
46
47
Communication services
Monitoring/supervision
Module/micro inverters
Power plant control
Housing
Module/micro inverters
Multi string inverters
Inverter components
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision, LOP, connection technology
181 kW PV power plant on the roof of the ABB factory in Finland (opposite, top)
Companies: xxx
ABB
Inverters for the Entire Spectrum without Losing a Watt Comprehensive solar inverter offering based on decades of experience in power technology products, supported globally by a range of lifecycle services
1 MWp PV power plant in Slovakia
ABB Oy, Drives Address: Hiomotie 13 00380 Helsinki Finland Phone: +358 10 22 11 Email: feedbackmaster.solar@fi.abb.com Web: www.abb.com/solar
Year founded: formed in 1988, merger of Swiss and Swedish engineering companies with predecessors founded in 1883 and 1891 Employees: 124,000 (ABB Group)
ABB has been working for decades to offer products and solutions to reduce the environmental impact of energy systems. Now with the growth in photovoltaic (PV) power systems, ABB is once again providing leading-edge solutions from low voltage components to frequency converters, medium voltage transformers, switch gears, and now solar inverters. Whether the PV power systems are industrial, commercial or residential, ABBs high-quality products, systems and services provide optimum return on investment. Powerful solar inverters with global presence The ABB solar inverter utilizes over 40 years of advances in inverter and power converter technology that has contributed to ABB becoming the world leader in frequency converters and one of the biggest suppliers of wind turbine converters. ABB offers a complete portfolio of solar inverters from small transformerless single-phase string inverters up to hundreds of kilowatts transformerless central inverters. The portfolio is complemented by the megawatt station: a containerized turnkey solution designed for large-scale solar power generation. Furthermore, ABB solar inverters are supported through a worldwide sales and services
network that provides a complete range of life-cycle services. ABB central inverters for photovoltaic power plants ABB central inverters are aimed at PV power plants and large industrial and commercial buildings. Based on ABBs market-leading technology platform in frequency converters the most widely used frequency converters in the market the inverters comprise proven components with a long track record of performance excellence in demanding applications and harsh environments. Equipped with extensive electrical and mechanical protection, the inverters are engineered to provide a long and reliable service life of at least 20 years. A wide range of options like remote monitoring with string current measurements, fieldbus connections and integrated DC cabinets are available. ABB central inverters were brought onto the market in 2009. Rapidly increased interest from the market has confirmed that there is strong demand for compact and modular inverters based on a proven technology platform, that deliver high maximum efficiency and extremely low auxiliary power consumption. The inverters are available from 100 to 500 kW.
ABB string inverters for residential buildings ABB string inverters are designed for PV systems installed on residential, commercial or industrial buildings. The inverters all-in-one design includes the necessary protection functions built into the inverter, reducing the need for costly and spaceconsuming external protection devices and larger enclosures. The result is a more compact, reliable, safer and cost-effective solution, especially in installations using multiple inverters. The heart of the inverter is the intuitive control unit equipped with a graphical display. It offers a comprehensive range of key functionalities that are easy to use with the built-in assistants and help menu. The control unit has three different mounting options. It can be integrated in the inverter housing or mounted separately on a wall to monitor inverter performance from outside the installation room. It can also be wirelessly connected so that the inverter can be installed in a remote part of the site and monitored wirelessly from inside the main building. The inverters are available from 3.3 to 8 kW.
Turnkey solution for large-scale solar power generation The ABB megawatt station design capitalizes on ABBs long experience in the development and manufacture of secondary substations for electrical authorities and major end-users worldwide in conventional power transmission installations. A station houses two 500 kW ABB central inverters, an optimized transformer, medium voltage switchgear, monitoring system and solar generator terminal boxes, which connect a photovoltaic power plant to a medium voltage electricity grid easily and rapidly. All components within the new megawatt station are part of ABBs product portfolio. The steel-framed insulated container comes complete with a concrete foundation, also designed and produced by ABB. The stations thermal insulation enables operation in harsh temperature and humidity environments and is designed for at least 20 years of operation. ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 124,000 people.
ABB central inverter, PVS800, 500 kW
ABB solar inverter product portfolio
ABB string inverter, PVS300, with control unit
48
49
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision, LOP, planning and grid integration, software/IT
Advanced Energy
Advanced Energys Solaron and PV Powered inverters enable utilityscale, commercial and residential solar power project owners and developers to maximize the lifetime value of their power plants. Customers count on AEs global scale, 30 years of power experience and balance sheet confidence for optimum project financing and life-cycle performance.
AEG Power Solutions

With over 60 years experience in providing power systems, AEG Power Solutions now supplies turnkey solutions for the photovoltaic industry with a wide range of PV inverters and containerized solutions.
Business areas: inverters, housing, power plant control, MLPM, monitoring/supervision, LOP, connection technology, planning and grid integration, software/IT, charge regulators
AEs power stations generate electricity dependably, optimize levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and help stabilize grid operation.
Built in cooperation with abakus solar AG, a solar plant in Derching, Germany, delivering 1.10 MWp
Solaron 500 kW inverter manufacturing team
AEG Power Solutions Competence Center Warstein-Belecke, Germany
Advanced Energy Address: 20720 Brinson Blvd. Bend, OR. 97701 USA Phone: +1 541 312-3832 Fax: +1 541 312-3840 Email: sales.support@aei.com Web: www.advanced-energy.com/renewables
Year founded: 1981 Employees: 1,800
Customer experience We are committed to providing an unparalleled customer experience that encompasses every aspect of interaction with us. Our industry-leading lead times mean that our customers receive their products when we say they will; we keep our word. We put our extensive PV system and power conversion experience to work in each customer engagement. At AE, we are much more than a technology provider; we are an extremely reliable partner in every customers success. Innovation Advanced Energy is consistently first to market with products and services that set the standard for what comes next. We pioneer improvements in power conversion, power architecture, O&M services,
grid stability and smart grid controls. AE delivers both technology and commercial innovation to generate project life-cycle economic value for our customers. Maximum energy harvest The PV Powered and Solaron inverters are reliable, provide high uptime and have up to 98.6% efficiency. They are designed to last at least 20 years with an architecture optimized to deliver the lowest possible levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Simply put, AE delivers life-cycle performance. Solar site services AE delivers whole-site operations and maintenance service plans that increase the reliability of customers PV systems, regardless of whether inverters were purchased from us or elsewhere. AE global services is dedicated to responding quickly to issues, whether that means rolling a truck, providing phone support or anything in between. We provide application engineering support and warranties for up to 20 years, partnering with customers for the entire project life-cycle.
17.2 MW solar field with AE Solaron inverters
The central solar inverters are designed especially for utility-scale applications both on industrial building roofs and in groundmounted installations. A power stack with advanced design measuring and control technology, which provides an inverter efficiency factor of 98.7% (certified by Fraunhofer ISE), is at the heart of the inverter. The Protect PV.250 and PV.500 inverters exceed expectations for their Solar Inverter power class. The innovative FPGA circuits Protect PV.250 ensure flexible, precise and rapid controls needed to meet virtually all national ing medium-voltage transformer failure grid standards. without detriment to the inverters, enviThe Copain mode using two inverters in ronment or personnel. The solar panel outa master-slave arrangement enables ver- puts are collected using combiner boxes to satile power production and maintains a produce appropriate voltages and currents. balance in the usage of the two units. The The infrastructure is integrated via commuPV inverter can be configured to take ad- nication links between the combiner boxes, vantage of the active earthing capability inverters, sensors (temperature, radiation, pyrano, weather) and data logger. PV.GuarD with thin-film solar modules. software allows the monitoring of power The TKS-C container solution includes me- plant data via the web. tering and monitoring components as well as a robust communications infrastructure. With facilities across Europe, the Middle The container station comprises a pair of East, Asia, China and North America, AEG Protect PV.250 or PV.500 solar inverters Power Solutions is on hand for worldwide along with a medium-voltage transformer collaboration with all potential partners, and switchgear. The container is a purpose- including EPC, consultants, operators and built safety structure capable of withstand- investors.
AEG Power Solutions GmbH Address: Emil-Siepmann-Strae 32 59581 Warstein-Belecke Germany Phone: +49 (0)2902 763-141 Fax: +49 (0)2902 763-1201 Email: solar@aegps.com Web: www.aegps.com
Year founded: 1946 Sales volume: 400 million Euro Employees: > 1,500 (worldwide)
(in 2009, worldwide)
Combiner box PV.IcX
50
51
Business areas: inverter components, housing
Business area: software/IT
Alteams Group
Enclosure designed for outdoor conditions (top picture) Conductive gaskets (FIP) improve electronic isolation (EMC, bottom picture).
Die Cast Aluminum Solar Inverter Enclosures Alteams Group is your partner for developing advanced cast aluminum enclosures. Our involvement early on in product R&D phase ensures: design optimization for mass production and quick time to market.
applied international informatics GmbH

SPEED Solar Sheds Light on All Your Business Processes Customized SAP ERP solution for module and power plant builders and inverter technology
Minimizing enclosure size often requires better heat transfer solutions.
Address: P.O. Box 91
Alteams Group
Phone: +358 201 339-500 Fax: +358 201 339-501
40351 Jyvskyl Finland
Email: solar-inverter@alteams.com Web: www.alteams.com
Year founded: individual foundries date back to 1943 Alteams Group founded in 2002 Employees: 1,500 (worldwide, 2010)
The # 1 choice in cast aluminum enclosures Alteams Group is a global leader in the supply of cast aluminum enclosures for communication networks base stations, motion control systems and other electronics systems. We have extensive experience in tooling development and mass production of enclosures to protect electronics and software, such as: heat transfer solutions environmental protection (IP class) electronic isolation (EMC) corrosion protection (alloy selection and surface treatment) Alteams globally serves customer needs in product segments such as network RF filters, microwave radio units, frequency converters, solar inverters, and electric motors just to mention a few. Design for cost and quality assisting your R&D team Our goal is to partner with your R&D team to optimize cast aluminum enclosures considering both functionality and mass production conditions from the beginning of the product design phase. Alteams involvement will: shorten the overall product design pro-
cess by anticipating potential casting production issues minimize necessary manufacturing steps and processes ensure stable product quality and conformance to your requirements with proper tool design and process selection Alteams Group has the product design and manufacturing expertise to ensure your next-generation solar inverter will be in the top of its class. One partner for global supply and support Alteams Group has manufacturing facilities in Europe, China, and India. Together with our logistics centers in Europe and captive tool manufacturing facility in China, Alteams can ensure control of your IP and the entire supply chain to successfully deliver your product to your factory. Our European commercial and technical presence supported by expert manufacturing site personnel ensures Alteams promise to our customers: Global Partner Local Commitment. Alteams Group your one stop shop for advanced cast aluminum enclosures ready for your assembly lines.
ai informatics is a provider of complete IT solutions and has been a reliable partner for companies in the manufacturing industry for more than 35 years. ai informatics specializes in guiding customers through all phases of the IT application and infrastructure life-cycle: from design and implementation to application support and operations in the ai informatics data center. In SPEED Solar, ai informatics has brought to market the first qualified SAP business all-in-one solution for the solar industry. This pre-configured and integrated software package is designed to meet the specific requirements of companies in the PV industry. It can be used anywhere in the world, and is both scalable and futureproof.
SPEED Solar is, however, more than just SAP software that supports your value-added processes. ai informatics can offer SPEED Solar as a highly customized solution for all your specific needs with best practice To see the full range of our professional templates, effective project management services or get in touch with us, visit and implementation at a fixed price. www.aiinformatics.com. We look forward to talking to you!
SPEED Solar can be customized, particularly for the following tasks: power plant construction variable end products, stochastic production uniform and universal use of watt-peak and unit as terms in basic reporting areas transparency in sales planning, general production planning and long-term planning serial number and batch management document management and CAD integration integrated quality inspection standardized consolidation system (IFRS-compliant and local GAAP-based reporting) contact management and customer service material flow optimization variable feedback from production easy connection to shop-floor systems multi site
applied international informatics GmbH Business Campus Mnchen: Garching Address: Parkring 4 85748 Garching bei Mnchen Germany Phone: +49 (0)89 255495-0 Fax: +49 (0)89 255495-205 Email: doris.brandner@aiinformatics.com Web: www.aiinformatics.com
Year founded: 1975
52
53
Business areas: inverters, housing, power plant control, MLPM, monitoring/supervision, LOP, connection technology, planning and grid integration, software/IT
Answer Drives Srl

Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali SpAs Answer for Solar Power Answer Drives Srl, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali, now ranks among the top ten solar inverter suppliers in Italy thanks to the success of the Solargate5000.
Robust containers reduce installation time and prolong equipment life.
The Solargate5000 for high-power solar plants with an installed base of more than 50 MW
Answer Drives Srl an Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali SpA company Address: SS 11 C Sordis, 4 36054 Montebello, Vicentino (VI) Italy Phone: +39 0444 449268 Fax: +39 0444 449276 Email: info@answerdrives.com Web: www.answerdrives.com
Year founded: 2007 Employees: 60 Sales volume: 70 million Euro
Answer Drives Srl, established in 2007, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali with the specific mission to conquer the emerging renewable energy market. At the beginning of 2009, the company launched its plug-and-play solution for large-scale solar power stations, the Solargate5000. The inverter quickly caught the markets attention and, in less than a year, the company sold and installed more than 50 MW of inverters. According to the Italian magazine Affari & Finanza (Business & Finance), based on 2010 sales, Answer Drives Srl is now the 10th largest player in the Italian solar energy market. The companys attention to customer requirements led it to launch a water-cooled version of the inverter in 2010, in response to the high demand for photovoltaic plants in extremely hot climates. The inverter system can be supplied in a panel or in a totally enclosed container-housing that greatly reduces installation time. The containers are extremely robust and well able to withstand rugged environmental conditions. Our containerized solutions
have been very well received by the market, stated Elio Piovano, Sales Manager for Answer Drives Srl. In response to our customers demand for a twenty-year guarantee on solar power plants, we have designed our containers to withstand the test of time. Furthermore, our Groups experience as a system integrator and industrial automation provider has allowed us to design a highly rationalized layout that facilitates product maintenance and inspection. The unique feature of the Solargate5000 is that it was specifically designed and developed for large-scale, grid-connected photovoltaic power plants with a strong focus on: photovoltaic power plants distributing power directly to the grid system industries wishing to install a photovoltaic plant to produce power using onthe-spot trading with the grid system The inverters active front end ensures extremely low harmonics (THDLca < 3%), maximizing grid stability and ensuring near unity power factor and a maximum
efficiency of 98%. The Solargate inverter family comprises four classes of inverters available in two versions low voltage (400 V) for net-metering installations and medium voltage (15/20 kV) for commercial applications. The inverters are certified according to EN61000-6-3, EN61000-6-4 and are also CE compliant. The grid connection meets CEI 0-16 and Real Decreto RD1663/2000 standards, and the interface is user-friendly and intuitive. The backlit graphic display with 3 LEDs and 20 keys is very easy to navigate and read. In their standard configuration, the Solargate inverters can operate in temperatures from -10C to 40C; we can also supply inverters for temperatures up to 50C (max with a 1% derating per C). And, of course, the inverter is equipped with a series of protection devices to safeguard and guarantee constant performance. In addition to offering state-of-the-art technology, as part of Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali, Answer Drives Srl also offers customers the guarantee that they will receive the support they need for the entire life-cycle of the plant. Ansaldo Sistemi
Industriali can trace its history back 150 years. This is a strong indicator of the companys long-term continuity and commitment; both important aspects in assessing a supplier of large-scale power plants. Ensuring customers make a return on their investment is a fundamental part of corporate philosophy. Answer Drives Srl is based in Montebello Vicentino (VI), Italy. With sales of roughly 75 million Euro and a workforce of 60, the company is rapidly expanding into overseas markets including China and the US. Being highly focused and part of a large multinational organization, with the experience and structure to guarantee the long-term commitment that customers in the solar market have come to expect, are two of the keys to Answer Drives Srls success.
The GT3000 inverter the basic building block of the Solargate5000
Being part of a large group offers customers better guarantees for future needs.
54
55
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision, LOP, planning and grid integration, software/IT, communication services
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision
Bonfiglioli
The Bonfiglioli Group develops and manufactures a wide range of solar inverters and system components for photovoltaic systems, from 30 kW compact devices to 1.6 MW turnkey solutions.
Danfoss Solar Inverters

Always One Step Ahead Based on the TripleLynx inverter platform, the TripleLynx Pro string inverter introduces new unique facilities. Planning and installation is made easier, operational efficiency and ease of use have been further improved.
One of the largest plants in the world. Bonfiglioli inverters: 46 MW
TripleLynx Pro is easy to install and configure, weighing only 35 kg and featuring an integrated web server.
The TripleLynx Pro is based on the strong TripleLynx platform with 1000 VDC, 3400 VAC and 98% efficiency.
Bonfiglioli string connection box and RPS Log communication module
Address: Via Giovanni XXIII, 7/A
Bonfiglioli S.p.A.
40012 Lippo di Calderara di Reno Bologna Italy Phone: +39 0516473111 Fax: +39 0516473126 Email: photovoltaic@bonfiglioli.com Web: www.bonfiglioli.com
RPS Bonfiglioli inverters
a maximum efficiency level of 98.6%, flexibility in terms of planning and extreme efficiency. It is also easy to install. Thanks to its comprehensive grid management functions and choice of Multi MPPT or Master Slave configurations, Bonfiglioli is able to meet the changing requirements of its customers and of the market. Bonfiglioli inverters come with a life expectancy of over 20 years and can be controlled via the web from anywhere in the world. The Group is active with a dedicated sales and after-sales network in all countries where energy is billed and is able to assist customers in every phase of the products life-cycle. Flexible and scalable production puts the Group in a position to respond quickly to customer needs and product innovation. Thanks to Bonfigliolis continuous improvements and technological innovations, the installation and operation of photovoltaic systems is made easier, more reliable, safer and more economical.
Centralized and remote monitoring The TripleLynx Pro facilitates highly effective system surveillance using centralized system configuration and monitoring. This is made possible by the integrated web server, master inverter functionalities and high-speed Ethernet connection.
With more than 50 years experience in system solutions for industry, 25 years in power electronics and 10 years in PV panel applications, the Bonfiglioli Group, headquartered in Bologna (Italy), has laid the foundations for competitiveness and for the production of advanced, innovative products. Thanks to the Bonfiglioli Vectron German center for solar inverters, the Group has been able to develop a range of high-efficiency products for energy conversion in the photovoltaic sector. Bonfigliolis compact solutions portfolio includes specific inverters for all types of systems with outputs between 30 and 170 kWp, for indoor and outdoor use, as well as a transformerless modular system and the RPS Stations turnkey solution. The RPS Modular series offers modularity from 280 to 1,460 kWp at
One service access point for the entire network Centralized access makes it possible to work more effectively with central system settings replication, message setting and export of log data directly to a PC. The single point of entry to the network also makes it faster and easier to pinpoint Integrated monitoring makes it possible to and remedy errors, or simply just to implemonitor the system from anywhere in the ment repetitive routine updates. world, once connected to the internet. The comprehensive integrated web Time-saving technology and productivity server then facilitates a centralized review enhancements of status information, plant performance, All in all, the TripleLynx Pro inverter is the and inverter settings for the entire net- ideal solution for boosting the productivity work. Reports in the form of numeric or of PV systems. With the TripleLynx Pro ingraphical data display performance sta- verter, installation, surveillance and service tistics on a daily, monthly or annual basis, processes are streamlined by innovative, without the need for external loggers or integrated monitoring and by the master other units. inverter functionality. With the ability to define one inverter as the master, system access becomes considerably faster and more efficient. Simplifying routine surveillance means that data from the entire network of inverters can be viewed by accessing the master inverter only. Furthermore, the master inverter can be configured to send daily yield reports for the entire site and, when required, alarms via email or SMS.
Danfoss Solar Inverters A/S Address: Ulsnaes 1 6300 Graasten Denmark Phone: +45 7488 1300 Email: solar-inverters@danfoss.com Web: www.danfoss.com/solar
Year founded: 1933 Employees: 26,000 (worldwide)
The TripleLynx Pro features an integrated web server, providing online access whenever needed.
56
57
Business area: lightning and overvoltage protection
Business area: inverters
DEHN + SHNE GmbH + Co. KG.

DEHN Global Specialist in Lightning and Surge Protection Located in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, DEHN + SHNE is a globally active family-owned company specialized in the field of surge protection, lightning protection/earthing and safety equipment.
Delta Energy Systems (Germany) GmbH

SOLIVIA stands for SOLar Inverters for Versatile and Intelligent Applications. The third generation of our solar inverters offers innovative and exciting SOLIVIA features that make your life easier.
Lightning protection systems and surge arresters to protect your investment
DEHN + SHNE Neumarkt headquarters and manufacturing plant German site located in Teningen
SOLIVIA solar inverters from Delta
Technologies for photovoltaic power generation made in Germany set the global trend. It is therefore no surprise that the most innovative products with regard to the safety of PV installations come from Germany. DEHN + SHNE is a leading provider of surge and overvoltage protection for PV systems. For more than two decades Test laboratory with worldwide DEHN + SHNE has been setting trends in unique performance parameters this area of protection technology worldwide. From kilowatts to megawatts, DEHN + SHNE protects your investment against of damage caused to protective devices faults and damage caused by lightning by installation or insulation faults in the PV circuit. It clearly reduces the danger of and surges. fire occurring as a result of an overloaded Based on decades of experience in apply- arrester, by putting it into a safe electrical ing surge protective devices in PV systems, state without disturbing the operating the DEHNguard M YPV SCI surge arrester state of the PV installation. embodies the continuing progress and revDEHN + SHNE offers innovative lightning olution in device and system security. The proven DEHN + SHNE technology and surge protection products, protection for fault-resistant Y protective circuits, and concepts tailored to customer needs as patented combined disconnecting and well as engineering and testing services in short-circuiting devices with Thermo Dy- the companys impulse current laboratory. namic Control and an additional backup Finding and taking new paths in lightning fuse, allow for safe and easy replacing of and surge protection has been the focus the protection modules in case of overload of the lightning and surge protection spewithout disconnection from supply. This cialist DEHN + SHNE for more than 100 synergy of technologies reduces the risk years.
Address: Hans-Dehn-Strae 1, Postfach 1640, Phone: +49 (0)9181 906-0 Fax: +49 9181 906-100 Email: info@dehn.de Web: www.dehn.de Year founded: 1910
DEHN + SHNE GmbH + Co. KG. 92306 Neumarkt Germany
Delta Energy Systems, a subsidiary of Delta Electronics Group the worlds leading manufacturer of switch-mode power supplies has been investing in the research and development of solar inverter products at its German location since 1999. The result of this is something to be proud of reliable solar inverters with high efficiencies and state-of-the-art, high-frequency topology. At the center of the companys activities is the designing of new equipment with steadily improving efficiencies, low no-load losses and high reliability.
tory of producing a wide range of cuttingedge power conversion devices at these locations for computer, medical, telecom, industrial and renewable energy applications. Service and support are two of our core competencies. Our highly motivated and up-to-date solar team is able to offer Delta customers a fast service via the Solar Support Hotline set up for this purpose.
Delta Energy Systems (Germany) GmbH Address: Tscheulinstrae 21 79331 Teningen Germany Phone: +49 (0)7641 455-0 0180 10 SOLAR (76527)*
Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (CET apart from official bank holidays) *3.9 ct/min from German landlines, prices for cell phone networks may vary Fax: +49 (0)7641 455-318 Email: sales@solar-inverter.com Web: www.solar-inverter.com Year founded: 1928
Employees: 1,381 (DEHN Group)
Since 1994, Delta has grown by 18% annually. More than 60,000 people work for The wide product range is comprised of Delta all over the world in sales, developmodels with various power classes for ment and production. versatile applications, which makes it suitable for all commonly used solar modules. Delta offers string and central inverters with transformer as well as transformerless models. The third generation SOLIVIA solar inverters are appealing due to new features and improved product properties. Integrated country specific software, maximum efficiency of up to 98.1% and wide operating temperature ranges are particularly characteristic for the SOLIVIA models. Delta has invested in state-of-the-art, certified production facilities to manufacture the high-quality solar inverter product line. The company has a long-standing his- The modular central inverter CM 100
Employees: approx. 180 employees at
the German location in Teningen (60,000 worldwide)
58
59
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision, LOP, connection technology, software/IT, charge regulators, communication services
Elettronica Santerno S.p.A.

Santerno: Giving Energy More Value Your best partner for high efficiency photovoltaic plants
Eltek Valere
A Global Power Conversion Specialist with Leading Technology and Products Drawing on 40 years of experience in power electronics, Eltek Valere is committed to meeting the power conversion needs of the photovoltaic industry.
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision, software/IT
Santerno headquarters in Italy
The THEIA HE-t defines a new level of efficiency (97.3%), flexibility and user-friendliness for isolated string inverters.
Address: S. S. Selice 47
Elettronica Santerno S.p.A. 40026 Imola (Bo) Italy
Phone: + 39 0542 489711 Fax: + 39 0542 489722
Email: info@santerno.com Web: www.santerno.com Year founded: 1970 Employees: > 250
Established in 1970, Elettronica Santerno S.p.A. specializes in the design and manufacture of inverters for renewable energy sources, industrial automation and hybrid traction drives. Headquartered in Italy, it has subsidiaries and sales offices in Spain, Germany, Brazil, Russia, India, China, the US and Canada. A wide commercial network, with over 40 distributors and service centers all over the world, ensures a comprehensive and high-quality service. Santerno is one of the worlds leading companies in the solar energy field, with 1.2 GW of solar inverters installed worldwide. Santerno offers a comprehensive range of high-tech solutions and digital inverters for use in both grid-connected and stand-alone systems with low, medium or high outputs of up to 1.35 MW AC power. The Sunway M XS is the ideal solution for PV plants ranging from 2 to 9 kWp. Light-weight and very simple to install thanks to its transformerless architecture, the Sunway M XS features an easy to use interface with a color touchscreen display, an integrated data-logger and wireless connectivity. The user can communicate with the inverter using special applets for mobile phones.
TG 900 TE, three-phase inverter for low and medium voltage applications
Sunway M XS, transformerless inverter for single-phase application
For bigger systems, Elettronica Santerno offers a wide range of three-phase inverters on the market. Equipped with an external or a built-in transformer, the Sunway T line is very robust and features easy configuration and maintenance, thanks to easy-to-reach components and an enhanced remote monitoring service. With the Sunway Station, Elettronica Santerno offers a complete plug & play, modular solution: Compact and versatile, it is tested for transportation to and direct installation in the plant, with no need for demanding civil works. Santerno backs its customers by offering the comprehensive assistance and engineering support necessary for on-site configuration and commissioning.
Eltek Valeres Renewable Energy Division has transferred the companys expertise in HE technology into a new area, photovoltaics, and focuses on the field of solar power generation. It is the knowledge and experience from other sectors that enables Eltek Valere to take a competitive stance in the rapidly growing renewables market. The companys core competency in power electronics, established logistics Eltek was founded in Norway in 1971 as a chain and its global network of sales and specialist in telecom energy systems. service experts provide great advantages Through a strategy of mergers and acqui- in this market. sitions Eltek Valere has become the fastest growing company in the DC power Eltek Valere offers a complete panel-toindustry. The company now has offices in grid product range, from string and cenover 30 countries worldwide and business tral inverters to accessories for monitoractivities in more than 100 countries. ing and control. The THEIA central inverter range is designed for use in medium to Eltek Valere develops and markets enlarge-scale photovoltaic plants, is fully ergy systems for the telecom, renewables certified and provides the performance industrial, and e-mobility sectors and and reliability required for stable and efis one of the largest suppliers of power ficient energy harvesting. The competiconversion electronics worldwide within tive, highly efficient and complete family its market segments. With a core compe- of THEIA string inverters covers any need, tency in high efficiency (HE) energy con- from residential installations to utilityversion, Eltek Valere offers an extensive scale PV plants. The range includes both range of high power density, flexible and isolated and transformerless models, cost-efficient rectifiers, converters and in- ranging from 2 to 21 kW, all certified and verters. available in all major markets.
Eltek Valere AS Address: Graaterudveien 8 3036 Drammen Norway Phone: +47 32 20 32 00 Fax: +47 32 20 32 10 Email: salesre@eltekvalere.com Web: www.eltekvalere.com
Year founded: 1971 Employees: approx. 2,000
60
61
Business areas: inverters, housing, monitoring/supervision, LOP
Business areas: inverters, MLPM
Emerson
Ten Mission-Critical Reasons for Selecting Emersons PV Inverter Solutions
Enecsys
Micro Inverters That Reliably Deliver up to 20% More Energy from Solar PV Systems In the drive for lower costs, improved reliability and safety, and simplified installation, there is growing demand for Enecsys micro inverters.
10.9 MWp solar plant in Southern Spain
Emersons 12,000 sqm inverter manufacturing facility (below top) Emerson 1 MWp inverter panel (below bottom) Micro inverters that deliver up to 20% more energy from solar PV systems
Enecsys headquarters in Cambridge, UK
Address: 79 Mochdre
Control Techniques UK Newtown SY16 4LE United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1686 612300
Email: controltechniques@emerson.com Web: www.controltechniques.com
Address: Meysstrae 20
Control Techniques Germany
53773 Hennef Germany Phone: +49 (0)2242 877-0 Email: controltechniques.de@emerson.com Web: www.controltechniques.de
Employees: 125,000 (Emerson)
1. The resources to deliver on our promises Emerson is a Fortune 500 company with outstanding bankability in the eyes of the financial community. 2. Designed for long life Emersons standard mass-produced inverter modules are used in both industrial and PV systems. The modules are based on an established design that is proven to be robust. 3. Higher efficiency, more frequently Emerson PV inverters are efficient. Thanks to our unique modular inverter solution, we switch on sooner and switch off later, efficiently generating more energy at lower irradiation levels than single-inverter solutions. Peak efficiency can occur at loads as low as 5%. 4. Energized to meet your deadlines Emerson understands the time pressures associated with PV plant installations; our project management teams work tirelessly to ensure that you meet your start-up deadlines. 5. Tolerant to faults Emerson inverters are fault-tolerant. In the event of an inverter module trip, the inactive module is isolated allowing the system to operate under partial load. System redundancy can also be specified for critical applications.
6. Wherever you are, so are we Emerson employs more than 127,000 people; with resources located within engineering centers around the world, project engineering and support for our energy conversion products can be guaranteed. 7. As much or as little as you need Emerson can provide as much or as little of the PV inverter system as you need, from a single inverter to a complete solution incorporating string connection boxes, transformers, shelters, medium voltage switches and SCADAs. 8. Complete peace of mind Emersons extended warranties and service contracts of up to 20 years are available to ensure that the highest energy yield is maintained over the lifetime of the plant. 9. Ready for PV industry growth Emerson is geared up to mass produce standard modules with high availability to support the growth of the PV industry. 10. In service around the world Operational plants worldwide underline our experience and flexibility in applying Emerson technology to PV generating equipment.
The Enecsys micro inverter, installed on the racking at the back of solar modules, converts the DC power from a solar module to high quality AC power for supply to the electricity grid. The patented Enecsys micro inverter offers a unique and compelling value proposition compared to conventional string inverters and other micro inverters:
instead of less reliable electrolytic capacitors. This results in high reliability and a life expectancy of 25 years. Operating performance and efficiency are maintained from 40C to +85C.
Simplified PV array design and installation solar modules can be installed on any available roof space without complicated adjustments for shading issues. InstallaMaximized energy harvest the power tion does not require specialized high voltharvested from each solar module is maxi- age DC procedures resulting in lower costs. mized thanks to Maximum Power Point Tracking and performance monitoring Enhanced monitoring capability perfor each solar module and not a string of formance monitoring is carried out for modules. The degradation in performance each solar module, a capability not availof any one module, resulting from mod- able with string inverters. This provides usule mismatch or shadows caused by trees, ers and installers with real-time specific inchimneys or debris, does not degrade the formation to ensure system optimization. performance of the solar array, resulting in an increased energy harvest of up to 20%. Improved safety as power conversion from DC to AC is done at each solar module, there is no need for high voltage DC wiring of string inverter systems, making the solar system intrinsically safer. Increased lifetime and reliability patented rugged topology and design enable the use of long-life, thin-film capacitors
Address: Louisenstrae 65
Enecsys Europe GmbH
Phone: +49 (0)6712 855-2430 Fax: +49 (0)6172 855-2440 Email: info@enecsys.com Web: www.enecsys.com Year founded: 2003 Employees: 50
61348 Bad Homburg Germany
Online and real-time performance monitoring for each solar module enables PV system optimization.
62
63
Business area: housing
Finnveden Metal Structures AB

Lightweight Housing for Solar Inverters As inverter volumes increase, it is becoming more and more important to find a reliable and trustworthy supplier of metal housings, which has an extensive range of production machinery and is able to cope with increasing capacity demands now and in the future.
KACO new energy GmbH

Dedicated to High Performance and Reliability Our vision is a power supply that comes from 100% renewable sources: Our high-performance solar inverters help make this a reality. KACO new energy Powador inverters are used around the world in solar systems with all types of modules and of all sizes.
Business areas: PV generators, inverters, monitoring/supervision, connection technology, software/IT
Solar plant in Heilbronn, Germany, powered by Powador inverters
Example of an extreme deep-drawing: cutting deck for lawn mowers produced using Finnvedens 2,000 metric ton hydraulic press
Taking responsibility for a sustainable world: carbonneutral inverter production at KACO new energy in Neckarsulm, Germany
Finnveden Metal Structures AB Address: Box 9148, August Barks gata 6B 400 93 Gteborg Sweden Phone: +46 31 73459-00 Email: sales@finnveden.com Web: www.finnveden.com/fms
Finnveden Metal Structures produces both high-quality die cast as well as deep-drawn metal housings, in addition to other metal components. With five production sites in Europe, a uniquely extensive range of machinery and a highly skilled staff accustomed to working to precision requirements, Finnveden is able to meet these growing demands.
fer technology and hydraulic presses for deep-drawing. Components are pressed in a range of different types of steel, including high strength carbon alloys. Sheet thickness: 0.5-10 mm.
As a well-established subcontractor for the automotive sector and general industry, Finnveden is used to high demands on quality, delivery precision and lean producDie cast tion. The company is quality certified acFinnveden specializes in larger, more com- cording to ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 as plex components with a high pressure well as the environmental standard ISO die casting capacity that ranges from a 14001. clamping force of 200 to 2,750 metric tons. This is the equivalent of cast goods During the development phase, Finnveden weighing up to approximately 20 kg. The often assists customers by proposing defocus is on lightweight design, and com- sign improvements and changes which ponents are therefore cast in both alumi- can result in less CNC machining, weight num and magnesium alloys. CNC machin- reduction and lower costs: all things that ing is carried out in-house and surface the solar industry could benefit from. treatment is available from Finnvedens external partners. Sheet metal The sheet metal stamping machinery has a capacity of up to 2,000 metric tons and Head office: Gteborg, Sweden. contains mechanical presses with trans- Production in Sweden and Poland.
KACO new energy has been one of the leading manufacturers of solar inverters for many years. Because a long inverter service life is a prerequisite for calculable, reliable yields, we invest in top-quality components and first-class workmanship. This ensures that our Powador inverters will continue to perform well for years, guaranteed for up to 25 years. Ready for the change to renewable energy Each of our Powador inverters is equipped with a broad range of country settings so that it can easily be installed worldwide. Our product portfolio covers the full power spectrum, from a single-family home to a solar park producing megawatts of electricity. The large spectrum of our transformerless single-phase inverters spanning up to 10 kW allows system operators and installers tremendous freedom in planning: All units can be combined with one another as needed and, due to the finely graded power levels, can be matched exactly to the power of the PV generator.
Our Powador three-phase inverters provide sinusoidal alternating current with 120 phase shift for perfectly harmonious feeding into the grid. Depending on the installation, transformerless Powador TL3 units or galvanically isolated Powador TR3 units are available. Powerful Powador XP central inverters form the heart of large, megawatt-range solar parks. The fully digital controller makes operation and maintenance userfriendly and allows for a multitude of monitoring and communications options. The redundantly designed power supply for the controller and a powerful cooling system for critical components provide for extreme reliability.
KACO new energy GmbH Address: Carl-Zeiss-Strae 1 74172 Neckarsulm Germany Phone: +49 (0)7132 3818-0 Fax: +49 (0)7132 3818-703 Email: info@kaco-newenergy.de Web: www.kaco-newenergy.de
Year founded: 1998 Employees: > 500
Powador 14.0 TL3 three-phase inverters are able to perform like powerhouses when it comes to grid management.
64
65
Companies: xxx
Fronius Deutschland GmbH

Fronius A Technology Leader State-of-the-art technology in high-performance electronics, the use of high-capacity processors and the interconnection of stand-alone devices are the keys to success for Fronius.
Assembly of the Fronius IG TL transformerless inverter, available in power classes from 3 to 5 kW
Since 1995, Fronius has been producing and distributing highly-efficient grid-connected inverters.
One of Austrias largest solar electricity plants (3,600 sqm) at the Fronius facility in Sattledt
Address: Am Stockgraben 3
Fronius Deutschland GmbH
36119 Neuhof-Dorfborn Germany Phone: +49 (0)6655 91694-0 Fax: +49 (0)6655 91694-50 Email: pv-sales-germany@fronius.com Web: www.fronius.com
Year founded: 1945 foundation of Fronius International Sales volume: 329 million Euro (2009) Employees: 2,677 (2009)
Fronius, a company headquartered in Austria, has been conducting research into new technologies for converting electrical energy since 1945. That is more than 60 years of experience, progress and constant innovation. In addition to its solar electronics division it is also involved in battery charging systems and welding technology, enjoying international success in both fields. Its outstanding products and services have made Fronius a technology leader on the world market.
Quality and high-tech Fronius Solar Electronics stands for quality and high-tech to generate, convert and harness energy in a regenerative way.
Fronius IG TL: transformerless PV inverter with standard system monitoring
The solar electronics division has been in existence since 1992. Its products are sold through a global network of sales partners. The division develops and produces highpowered inverters for mains-coupled solar power plants of any size. The product range is rounded off with an extensive selection of components for professional plant monThe use of renewable energy and conser- itoring, data visualization and analysis, all vation of resources are firmly established of which can be used separately. in the Fronius philosophy and are clearly integrated in all activities, for example Grid-connected inverters throughout all the processes at the com- Solar energy is converted into electricity panys production and logistics site in and fed into the public grid. Efficient, reliSattledt, Austria: Electricity is supplied by able, high power inverters form the heart a 615 kWp photovoltaic system and heat of any PV system. In the development of comes from the sites own biomass plant. PV inverters, Fronius has thought out new technologies, searched for innovaThe German subsidiary Fronius Deutsch- tive solutions and has found completely land GmbH was founded in 1993. Since new answers. The result: highly functional 2006 it has been based in Neuhof, at the mains-connected inverters, which interact center of Germany. There, all three divi- optimally with all solar modules. sions, solar electronics, battery charging systems and welding technology, are con- With its new technologies and creative solidated under one roof. ideas, Fronius is continually setting new standards around the world. Its latest
Fronius Service Partner program for PV installers Only by working together as a local distributor and manufacturer is it possible to maintain a hold on the dynamic photovoltaics market in the long term. Success through working together is the main concern of this partnership so that reliability and quality remain the most important purchase criteria. Fronius and the Fronius Unique system design with the Service Partners know each other personFronius MIX concept ally and maintain a cooperative relationFronius flair for innovation is also reflected ship. in its MIX products, which obtain maximum energy from the sun and provide a re- PC board replacement concept liable yield, even when there is little direct The core of the Fronius Service Partner sunlight. Fronius inverters are renowned program is the PC board replacement confor their extreme reliability, efficiency and cept, which offers decisive competitive adpower. Fronius employs the very latest pro- vantages to Fronius Service Partners. With duction and testing methods to ensure the the service case, the PC board replacement very highest quality before its products are concept allows trained partners to servshipped to customers around the world. ice Fronius PV inverters directly on the PV system without replacing the inverter. In Fronius also places a great deal of empha- case of an error, Fronius Service Partners sis on user-friendliness and outstanding are able to immediately put a PV system customer service. All Fronius devices have back into operation. a modular design that makes installation considerably easier. All plant monitoring components can also be retrofitted easily (Plug&Play) to guarantee maximum flexibility. group of products, Fronius IG TL, confirms this trend: It includes the first transformerless inverter, which is both the most future-proof device of its class and the one that will generate the highest yields. It is the only inverter that uses a standard USB stick, not only to handle plant monitoring but also to deliver software updates for the inverter.
Assembly of the Fronius IG Plus optimal product quality is ensured via highly-sensitive screening tests.
Fronius IG Plus: reliability and maximum earnings security
66
67
Business areas: PV generators, connection technology
Business area: inverters
KOSTAL
Intelligent Photovoltaic Solutions for Every Requirement
PIKO inverters quality that pays off PIKO inverters communication at its best
Hagen/Westphalia home of KOSTAL Industrial Electronics
The KOSTAL team a strong partner
Smart connections.
Automatable PV module junction box
KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik GmbH (KOSTAL Industrial Electronics) Address: Lange Eck 11 58099 Hagen Germany Phone: +49 (0)2331 8040-4800 Fax: +49 (0)2331 8040-4811 Email: Info-industrie@kostal.com Web: www.kostal.com/industrie
Year founded: 1995
KOSTAL Industrial Electronics and KOSTAL Solar Electric simply a smart connection The almost 100-year-old KOSTAL Group is an independent, internationally active, German family company. KOSTAL Industrial Electronics was founded back in 1995 under the umbrella of the KOSTAL Group. One of the companys core product segments is the photovoltaic sector. In addition to customerspecific and universal connection technology for PV modules, KOSTALs activities focus on its PIKO range of solar inverters. The KOSTAL Smart connections. philosophy is based on the long tradition of a family company, extensive experience, top quality and real partnership. When all these factors interact harmoniously, Smart connections. are established between the company and its customers.
PV module junction boxes products that make connections KOSTAL Industrial Electronics has been developing and producing connection technology for PV modules for over a decade. Initially the focus was on customerspecific solutions, for companies including SolarWorld AG. Using this extensive know-how, the company was then able to extend its portfolio of PV module junction boxes with a wide range of products for universal use, for example a junction box with a leadframe. Various automatable solutions have recently also been successfully launched on the market. As a company with a proactive approach to quality, KOSTAL is not simply satisfied with what it has achieved in the past; it is already actively working on the next generation of connection technology.
PIKO inverters: communication at its best KOSTAL Solar Electric offers an extensive range of PIKO products in various power classes through to central inverters, with the emphasis on three-phase feed concepts even in the lower power classes. The high input voltage range and the independent MPP trackers in all of the PIKO inverters provide maximum flexibility in the field of application and simple handling. All inverters in the KOSTAL PIKO range include a comprehensive communication system. Each PIKO also has an integrated data logger which stores the data of the PV system for up to a year. Further communication options range from the provision and monitoring of all important data, with the aid of the integrated interfaces, to the control of external devices. The PV system can be monitored both locally
and remotely using the web server, PIKO Master Control, and the PIKO Solar Portal. KOSTAL Solar Electric is expanding, and is pursuing a clear strategy with the focus on prime markets via local distribution companies. With subsidiaries in Spain, Italy, France and Greece, KOSTAL offers sales, service and training on site in the local language. The KOSTAL knowledge campaign provides its customers and partners with new perspectives by providing the latest information on experience gained and new developments. A proactive exchange of knowledge and information allows customers and partners to quickly and directly keep up-to-date with the latest developments. KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH Address: Hanferstrae 6 79108 Freiburg i. Br. Germany Phone: +49 (0)761 47744-100 Fax: +49 (0)761 47744-111 Email: Info-solar@kostal.com Web: www.kostal-solar-electric.com
Year founded: 2006
68
69
M+W Group
M+W Solar Inverter - The All-rounder for Solar Power Plants The MW inverter is developed for mid and large-scale PV systems, focusing on an intelligent and effective way to enlarge and optimize the power output of the PV system.
Mastervolt
Maximum Yield Worldwide For 20 years, Mastervolt has been developing, manufacturing and distributing technologies for independent electricity generation. As early as 1993, Mastervolt launched its first photovoltaic inverter, the Sunmaster 130. Mastervolt is, thus, a true pioneer in the solar industry.
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/ supervision, LOP, connection technology, software/IT
Part of a 14.5 MWp PV free field installation in Italy
1 MWp container solution with MW inverter
Sunmaster XS series solar inverter
M+W Solar GmbH A Company of the M+W Group Address: Lotterbergstrae 30 70499 Stuttgart Germany Phone: +49 (0)711 8804-2094 Fax: +49 (0)711 8804-2029 Email: info.solar@mwgroup.net Web: www.mwgroup.net
M+W Group offers life-cycle services for high-tech projects in the fields of advanced technology facilities, life science industries, energy & environment technologies and high-tech infrastructure. M+W Solar, a company of the M+W Group, is specialized in consulting, design, construction, project management and operation for turnkey, large-scale PV power plants worldwide. M+W Solars optimized and cost-effective inverter concept The new M+W Solar central inverter concept sets new capacity and flexibility standards in the construction of largescale PV power plants. M+W Solar offers two types of central inverter: MW 125 (maximum PV power 140 kWp) and MW 65 (maximum PV power 70 kWp). Thanks to the string connection box with its single string MPP tracker, it is possible to connect varying amounts of PV modules and different slopes and orientations for each string. The new concept also allows the usage of different PV module technologies without negative mismatch effects.
M+W Solar inverter concept for largescale PV power plants The modular M+W Solars inverter concept is suitable for PV systems ranging from 65 kWp to well above 10 MWp. It combines high technology with intelligent single string MPP trackers to offer a solution for complex PV park demands. All single PV module strings can be tracked through the web-based string monitoring system worldwide. The advantages are: single MPP tracking for each string no mismatches DSP processor less DC-loss high efficiency at low power 250 kg in weight web-based string monitoring system M+W Group is able to support you anywhere in the world thanks to its extensive range of services and long-term experience. Working together with M+W Group gives you the maximum possible security of having a strong and reliable partner for future-oriented solutions.
Today, Mastervolt has branches in over 80 countries on all continents of the world. Since January 2011, Mastervolt has been a subsidiary of Actuant, a globally active technology group. The association with a financially strong, listed corporation will allow Mastervolt to continue the growth course and to bring innovative products and technology to the market even faster. Flexible technology optimized for installers needs Mastervolt supplies photovoltaic inverters ranging in output from 1.3 kWp to 25 kWp. The technology used in all of the companys devices is designed to achieve the highest yields, even in variable weather conditions or in combination with a multitude of different PV module types. A variety of plant sizes and different types of solar modules can, thus, be covered with relatively few inverter types. This flexibility reduces training times and storage requirements for installers and distributors alike. Owing to their low weight and versatile assembly accessories, Mastervolt products are optimized for easy installation.
Business operations tailored to collaboration Mastervolt has also tailored its business operations to achieve the best possible collaboration with its partners and installers. The company guarantees a unified and transparent price structure. All products, including inverters for largescale solar power plants with capacities of several MW, are solely available through Mastervolts distribution partners.
Mastervolt International BV Address: Snijdersbergweg 93 1105 AN AMSTERDAM ZO The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0)20 3422-100 Fax: +31 (0)20 6971-006 Email: info@mastervolt.com Web: www.mastervolt.com
Mastervolts Masterlog monitoring module
MW 125 inverter
70
71
Buisness areas: PV generators, connection technology
Multi-Contact AG
PV Connector Systems MC3 & MC4. Rely on the Original! With over 15 years of experience in the field, Multi-Contact is highly sensitive to the PV industrys connection requirements, offering efficient, reliable solutions for all kinds of installations.
Power-One
Aiming High with Power-One Power-One is now the worlds second largest manufacturer of solar power inverters, featuring its Aurora product range from small residential string inverters to large commercial/utility central inverters.
German PV installation at Betzweiler im Schwarzwald
Manufacturing the Aurora inverter
Multi-Contact AG headquarters Switzerland
Type of MC Multilam, based on the torsion spring principle
MC4QUICK suitable for toolless connection
MC4QUICK lockable in conformity with NEC 2008
Address: Stockbrunnenrain 8
Multi-Contact AG
4123 Allschwil Switzerland Phone: +41 (0)61 306 55-55 Fax: +41 (0)61 306 55-56 Email: basel@multi-contact.com Web: www.multi-contact.com
Swiss-based connector manufacturer Multi-Contact, founded in 1962, pioneered the MC3 (first PV connector in series production) in 1996, followed by the MC4 in 2002. MC has since developed a broad range of PV-specific products such as connectors, solar cables and junction boxes for crystalline and thin-film panels, providing complete cabling solutions from panels to inverters. Based on the unique MC Multilam Technology, the connectors are characterized by particularly low contact resistance, minimal power loss, high corrosion resistance and long product life. As dynamic industries bring forth unprecedented requirements, Multi-Contact specializes in customized solutions. Cost-efficiency is becoming increasingly important in the PV industry, resulting in a higher level of automation as well as the need to ensure quick and easy installation on-site. Multi-Contact answers this
demand with its latest product developments. The new PV connector MC4QUICK has been designed for quick, tool-free assembly. An integrated spring-clamp connection allows easy, safe and fast installation and provides a reliable contact and strain relief in one simple step. The snap-in locking provides highly secure connections and can be unlocked with a screwdriver. Assembly work in solar parks or on sloping roofs can be considerably simplified with Multi-Contacts customized mounted branch cable leads. They are packed in a manner appropriate to their length (rolled, bundled and/or welded into plastic film) and only need to be unpacked and connected at the place of installation. Endless leads, i.e. where cables are cut to the required length on site just before installation, are also possible. This version is suitable for relatively large installations with regularly spaced PV modules.
The year 2010 saw remarkable growth for Power-One in the renewable energy industry. Power-One grew from being ranked a top ten manufacturer of PV inverters to number two globally. This growth has been consolidated with operations now established on three continents and production sites in Italy, the US, Canada and China. These manufacturing facilities are complemented with design centers in Italy, the US and China with tailor-made products for the local markets. Power-Ones Aurora solar inverters range from residential units of 2 kW up to large commercial and utility grade scale applications of up to 1.3 MW in size. Aurora products offer some major benefits enjoyed by its many customers and installers.
Wide working input range to accommodate any panel string size, multiple powerpoint trackers (MPPT) to accommodate sub arrays with different orientations or made from different PV panels, and rugged construction to fit any type of installation without putting restrictions on where and how the inverter should be installed. To date, Power-One has shipped more than 3 GW of inverters worldwide with an equivalent of 750 million (full power) power-on hours. The next twelve months will see many new products launched, sales offices opened and initiatives to keep Power-Ones Aurora brand at the forefront of the renewable energy power inverter industry. Within the Power-One team, there is a motto which is felt to be very appropriate to the companys ethos: At Power-One, we aim high so you can too.
Address: 740 Calle Plano Phone: +1 805 987 8741
Power-One Inc.
Camarillo, California, 93012 USA
Email: sales.NA@power-one.com Web: www.power-one.com Year founded: 1973 Sales volume: In 2010, Power-One achieved
net sales of 1.05 billion USD, an increase of 143% compared to 2009. Employees: > 3,200 Power-One GmbH
Address: Denzlinger Strae 27 Phone: +49 (0)7641 955-2020
79312 Emmendingen Germany
Email: sales.germany@power-one.com
Address: Via S. Giorgio 642 Individually customizable branch cable leads: PV-JB/BC... Phone: +39 055 9195-396
Power-One Italy S.p.a
52028 Terranuova Bracciolini, Arezzo Italy
Power-Ones Aurora Central Inverter
Email: sales.italy@power-one.com
72
73
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision, connection technology
RefuSol GmbH
Highly Efficient Inverters and Accessories for PV Systems RefuSol GmbH is one of the worlds technologically leading manufacturers of photovoltaic inverters. These inverters reach a top efficiency of up to 98.2%.
Satcon Technology Corporation

Satcon Technology Corporation offers one of the most advanced power conversion solutions and system design services for large-scale solar projects. Today, more than 2 GW of Satcon solutions have been deployed worldwide.
Business areas: inverters, power plant control, monitoring/supervision, LOP, connection technology, planning and grid integration, software/IT, accumulators, charge regulators, communication services
Reference system at the companys head office in Metzingen
Satcon Solstice: complete system solution that increases energy production by 5-12% and reduces system cost
The ready-for-use REFUSOL PowerBox in power ratings from 500 kW to 1.3 MW
Address: Uracher Strae 91 Phone: +49 (0)7123 969-0 Fax: +49 (0)7123 969-165 Email: info@refusol.com Web: www.refusol.com Year founded: 1965
RefuSol GmbH
72555 Metzingen Germany
As a specialist in power electronics, RefuSol GmbH has produced high-quality converters in Germany for more than 45 years. Drawing on these many years of experience, the first line-commutated photovoltaic inverter was developed as early as 1997. In 2010, RefuSol produced inverters with a PV power of more than 1 GW.
and fast data exchange. These interfaces can be connected to the company-owned monitoring portal REFULOG. The internet portal allows all the important operating parameters of the solar plant to be visualized and provides comprehensive evaluation options. In higher power classes, the product range includes the central solar inverters REFUSOL 100K to 630K. Using RefuSol focuses its attention on the devel- these central inverters, the company offers opment, manufacture and distribution of the ready-for-use REFUSOL PowerBox in efficient photovoltaic inverters. At 98.2%, power ratings from 500 kW to 1.3 MW. the excellent efficiency of these inverters results in a leading position in current test With its staff in Germany and Europe, its series. This high efficiency results from the subsidiaries in the US and Korea, and its wide input voltage range, fast MPP track- sales and service partners in the most iming and innovative circuit topology. Owing portant PV markets, RefuSol has gained to these features, the yield of each pho- worldwide presence. tovoltaic system can be maximized even with low incidence. RefuSols innovative product range comprises string and central inverters with an output range from 4 kW to 1.3 MW. These inverters are used on all continents under a variety of climatic and geographical conditions. The three-phase 8 kW to 20 kW string inverters do not require transformers and are particularly characterized by their light-weight, compact design. Integrated standard interfaces ensure safe
For over 26 years, Satcon has designed and delivered power control solutions that enable utility businesses and energy companies to convert clean energy into efficient and reliable power. Satcons photovoltaic, stationary fuel cell and energy storage solutions have delivered millions of gridconnected kilowatt hours of energy in some of the worlds largest installations.
Satcon Solstice: A first-of-its kind DC architecture solution that offers the benefits of a large-scale central inverter and localized micro inverter. It increases energy production by 512% compared to a centralized inverter system, and reduces balance of system costs by up to 20%.
Satcon Prism: Factory-integrated MW solution optimized for utility-scale PV instalFounded in 1985 by a group of engineers lations from MIT and the Charles Stark Draper laboratory, Satcon is built on a foundation of Energy Equity Protection: Maximizes sysworld-class technical expertise. The com- tem performance over the lifespan of the pany is responsible for a number of indus- PV project. Warranties and service plans try firsts, including the first single cabinet can be extended to 20 years including PV inverter, the first high-efficiency power preventative maintenance, performance conditioning system for commercial PV in- management and uptime guarantee verters and the first 1 MW PV inverters. plans. Today, we offer a complete range of PV in- Satcon Worldwide: USA, Canada, South verters and services to the markets: Korea, China, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, France, Greece Satcon PowerGate: One of the most widely deployed large-scale solar PV inverter solu- Satcon became a publicly traded company tions. Available in 18 models (from 30 kW on the NASDAQ in 1992 (NASDAQ: SATC). to 1 MW) with 1 GW installed to date. Satcon Equinox: Industry-leading 98.5% peak efficiency, combined with the industrys widest thermal operating range
Satcon
Address: 27 Drydock Avenue Phone: +1 617 897 2400 Fax: +1 617 897 2401
Boston, MA 20210 USA
Email: sales@satcon.com Web: www.satcon.com Year founded: 1986 Employees: 1,000
Innovative, efficient and compact REFUSOL string inverters
Satcon Prism: factory-integrated MW solution optimized for utility-scale PV installations
74
75
Business areas: inverters, housing, monitoring/supervision, LOP, connection technology, planning and grid integration, charge regulators
Companies: xxx
Schneider Electric
The Global Specialist in Energy Management The history of Schneider Electric: Founded in 1836, Schneider Electric has transformed itself into a global specialist in energy management. With its roots in the iron and steel, heavy machinery, and ship building industries, the company now works in the field of electricity and automation management.
Schneider Electric headquarters in Paris (France) (top left) Armadillo House installation at Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 (bottom left) 1 MW installation (right)
10 MW installation from Martifer Solar in Moratalla (Spain)
Address: 35 rue Joseph Monier Phone: +33 (1)14 1297-000 Fax: +33 (1)14 1297-100 Email:
Schneider Electric SA
92506 Rueil-Malmaison France
renewableenergy@schneider-electric.com Web: www.schneider-electric.com

Year founded: 1836 Sales volume: 19.6 billion Euro in 2010 Employees: > 110,000
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation and data centers, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable and efficient, the companys 110,000 plus employees achieved sales of 19.6 billion Euro in 2010, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations Make the most of their energy. Renewable energies In October of 2008, with Schneider Electrics purchase of Xantrex Technology, a significant milestone was reached in the companys expansion into the renewable energies sector. Combining Xantrexs knowledge and expertise in renewable energies and Schneider Electrics depth of experience in energy management was critical to the future success of the organi-
zation in this field. The renewable energies business of Schneider Electric is focused on designing and developing renewable energy products and solutions, and providing best-in-class, global customer service and technical support. Make the most of your energy Schneider Electric provides complete solutions from panel DC output to grid connection, including monitoring, supervision, servicing and maintenance for large PV power plants as well as for commercial and residential installations. Schneider Electric offers a PV Box, a prewired equipment package for large PV power plants, which is designed to meet the growing demands on large-scale, gridtied solar farms and large commercial rooftop solar installations. The PV Box is a complete solution for electrical distribution, security, monitoring and control, available from one vendor. A PV Box typically consists of solar inverters, DC combiner boxes, step-up transformers and a
medium voltage switch gear housed in a prefabricated building to allow quick field wiring from both the solar arrays and the utility grid connection point. Other items can be added to the package including climate controls, security equipment, array string monitoring, SCADA monitoring equipment and power metering, with operation and maintenance offerings also available. The PV Box can be customized to meet specified power needs. The Schneider Electric Xantrex GT100E, GT250E, GT500E and GT630E can all be integrated within this solution. The inverters are designed to be easy to install and operate, with automated start-up, shutdown and fault detection. They integrate user-configurable power tracking that matches the inverter to the array, and adjustable delay periods which allow users to customize system start-up and shutdown sequences.
30 kW for residential and commercial markets. All inverters are easy to install and service. The single-phase inverters are available with or without transformers and are suitable for outdoor and indoor installations. Thanks to the companys complete solutions, Schneider Electric is able to optimize the energy efficiency of installations. The Schneider Electric solution for off-grid and back-up installations includes inverter/chargers, charge controllers (with or without MPPT tracking), DC/AC breakers and related accessories. The Xantrex XW inverter/charger has unsurpassed surge capacity to prevent drops during power surges. It can be configured for single and three-phase installations up to 36 kW and allows dual AC inputs for the grid and a generator.
Solutions for residential installations
For more information about Schneider Electric and its renewable energy soluSchneider Electric offers DC/AC kits and tions, please visit grid-connected, single-phase and three- www.schneider-electric.com. phase inverters ranging from 2 kW to
Solutions for PV power plants
76
77
SIEL S.p.A.
The International Energy Expert Customized project capability and continued product support two of SIEL S.p.A.s highlights in its relentless international activity within the renewable energy field
skytron energy GmbH

Continuity since 1977 Integrated monitoring, control and supervision complete singlesource DC distribution and control equipment for utility scale photovoltaic installations
Business areas: power plant control, monitoring/supervision, connection technology, planning and grid integration, software/IT
SIELs testing team
Central control room and maintenance Supervisionand billing Reporting Long-term data storage Plant performance control acc. to IEC 61850 Automationand protection Interfacing Transformation Metering
Power Utility Bus CONTROL LEVEL DATA HOSTING
SUPERVISORY LEVEL
Control Room
PVGuard
Broadband Communication Utility Substation

skycontrol
skycontrol
kWh
SIELs interior with TL Inverters in the background
Ethernet Central Data Logging
DC/AC LEVEL DC/AC power inversion Centralized logging of all eld and inverter data Condition monitoring
Inverter Stations
~ ~
skylog
~ ~ = =
skylog
~ ~
~ ~
= =
CANopen
skylog
skylog
Intersolar Award 2008 for skytrons advanced string current monitoring and power plant SCADA system
Field Bus Power Generation Combiner Boxes
Sensors / Actuators
Temp.
o o
String Inverters

The Italian company SIEL S.p.A. works internationally in two crucial fields of modern civilization, i.e. power protection and renewable energies. SIEL S.p.A. Address: Via I Maggio, 25 20060 Trezzano Rosa (MI) Italy Phone: +39 02 909861 Email: info@sielups.com Web: www.sielups.com
FIELD LEVEL Power generation Field data measurement Condition monitoring
Wind
Current
F
Tracking
I
Voltage
~ ~ =
~ ~ =
~ ~ =
ArrayGuard
Radiation
SIELs product portfolio includes PV inverters for stand-alone, grid-connected and hybrid applications, namely single-phase inverters from 1.5 to 6 kWp, three-phase BT inverters from 10 to 500 kWp, three-phase In its headquarters located at Trezzano TL inverters from 80 to 500 kWp, PS500 Rosa, Milan, SIEL has been one of the main and PS1000 power stations and one of the international producers of certified ISO latest products called SIAC SOLEIL 10TL. 9001-2000 emergency power supply systems for public and private mission-critical SIELs offer can meet every request in terms applications in financial, industrial, tele- of power and usage, supported by a range communication, healthcare, data centers of on-going maintenance services such as and other organizations since 1983. installations telemanagement, multianIn 2000, SIEL successfully approached nual maintenance agreements, specialthe market of PV and wind energy with ized consulting, a free-call help desk and the extensive production of single-phase the fast provision of original spare parts inverters, high-power solar three-phase from the companys many world subsidiinverters and wind turbine inverters un- aries. der the company brands of SIAC SOLEIL and SIAC WIND WAVE. SIEL co-operates in many international projects on a regular basis. Over 900 MW of SIAC SOLEIL inverters are already installed throughout Europe. SIELs commitment in promoting and sustaining green energy involves every aspect of company life, through the adoption of governance and social responsibility criteria.
The merger of skytron energy with Wuseltronik, a 1977 spin-off of Berlin Technical University, has evolved into three decades of unique expertise in the use of solar energy. It is not without reason that we pride ourselves in being pioneers of energy. Pioneering spirit, continuity and longstanding experience, all combined with our vision for trendsetting power plant technology this is our motivating force, and is driving the development of our integrated monitoring and control system for photovoltaic power plants. Today installed all over the world in utility scale solar installations, skytrons control system meets the criteria for grid stability and security. It ensures dynamic adjustment of the feed-in power in response to the grid operators demand. From string current monitoring in the generator field to supervisory control room services allowing remote supervision of photovoltaic installations skytrons solutions are independent of the module and inverter technology used.
StringGuard High-precision current monitoring skyCONNi Sensor system field data measurement ArrayGuard Intelligent combiner boxes skylog High-resolution real-time data logging skycontrol Closed-loop control of feed-in parameters for grid stability PVGuard SCADA system for multi-vendor multi-site power plant supervision PV Asset Management Control room and complete O & M services
Address: Ernst-Augustin-Strae 12 Phone: +49 (0)30 688 3159-0 Fax: +49 (0)30 688 3159-99 Email: info@skytron-energy.com Web: www.skytron-energy.com Year founded: 1996 Employees: 47
skytron energy GmbH
12489 Berlin Germany
Enrique de la Cruz (left), Martin Sauter (right) Managing Directors, skytron energy GmbH
Mr Glauco Pensini, Administrator (left) and Mr Enrico Pensini, SIELs President (right)
78
79
Companies: xxx
Siemens AG
We Are Shaping a Green and Sustainable Environment for Future Generations Siemens technology covers the entire photovoltaic value chain, from glass and silicon materials to module production, field installation, PV inverters and integrated automation systems.
Test plant at production location in Frth, Germany
SINVERT reference project, France La Runion
Siemens AG is a global powerhouse in the fields of electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for technical achievements, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality. Around 410,000 employees develop and manufacture products, design and install systems and plants, and offer customized solutions. In addition to the environmentally compatible design of our products and the energy efficiency of our production facilities, our Environmental Portfolio also plays a major role in protecting the climate. In fiscal 2010, the Portfolio generated revenue of about 28 billion Euro. These products and solutions helped our customers reduce their CO2 emissions by 270 million metric tons in 2010 which is a multiple of the amount of CO2 that Siemens itself produced with its own business activities. Top performance is in our nature With many years of global experience in the planning, installation and maintenance of photovoltaic power supplies, Siemens offers best-in-class solutions. The Siemens portfolio encompasses products and solutions catering to the entire photovoltaic value chain: from products, systems and concepts for glass and silicon manufacture through automation solutions for module production to finished components for photovoltaic facilities. Our photovoltaic portfolio is completed by high-efficiency SINVERT inverters and connection components such as reliable switchgears and high-performance transformers.
SINVERT photovoltaic inverters from Siemens With their high level of availability and optimized efficiency, SINVERT inverters provide a reliable basis for operating a photovoltaic plant efficiently throughout its entire life-cycle. SIEMENS PV inverters with their peak efficiency of > 98% are available for a broad market spectrum (commercial and power plants). SINVERT PVM inverters are available in the range from 10 to 20 kW for small to medium-sized plants in the commercial market segment. The three-phase inverter series is characterized by its compact design, its robust nature and its long service life. SINVERT PVS inverters from 350 to 2,400 kW are available for medium to large photovoltaic plants in the power plant market segment. Sunny prospects for the future of your PV plant The functioning and yield of the entire photovoltaic plant can be monitored and visualized in a user-friendly manner using SINVERT Webmonitor or SIMATIC WinCC industrial software. Remote realtime monitoring enables faults to be detected immediately; this functionality also enables configuration changes to be made remotely, thus minimizing the service costs for the customer. Furthermore, the software provides comprehensive verification of all occurrences and measurements, such as the current energy yield or data after the commissioning of the PV plant. Complimentary SINVERT Select layout software is available for determining the optimum configuration for a PV plant. It calculates all feasible combinations for most of the PV modules available on the market together with Siemens inverters and provides you with an easy means of analyzing and optimizing these calculated combinations. In addition to professional hardware and software, the portfolio is rounded off by consultancy, studies and maintenance concepts.
SINVERT reference project, solar park Vreden, Germany
Siemens AG Industry Sector, Industry Automation Address: Wrzburger Strae 121 90766 Frth Germany Phone: +49 (0)911 750-0 Fax: +49 (0)911 750-2246 Email: sinvert.automation@siemens.com Web: www.siemens.de/sinvert
The SINVERT inverter family PVM
80
81
SMA Solar Technology AG

The Future of Solar Technology Solar inverters for any module type and power class, grid-connected installations and island or backup operation: Global market and technology leader SMA offers a comprehensive range of products.
SOLUTRONIC AG
Inverters Made in Germany Accredited top quality, exceptional efficiency, intelligent communication functionalities and high-level standard feature specs all characteristics that make Solutronic inverters stand out from the crowd.
SMAs carbon-neutral inverter factory
Majorcan photovoltaic installation
Innovative, safe, userfriendly: the SMA Sunny Tripower
Alpine farm with SOLPLUS inverters and DE-ICING BOX
SMA Solar Technology AG Address: Sonnenallee 1 34266 Niestetal Germany Phone: +49 (0)561 9522-0 Fax: +49 (0)561 9522-100 Email: info@SMA.de Web: www.SMA.de
Year founded: 1981 Sales volume: 934 million Euro (2009) Employees: > 5,000
Because of its special corporate culture, SMA has been awarded several prizes for being an outstanding employer.
More than 600 developers work on optimizing existing and developing new products at SMA. One of the latest product innovations is the Sunny Tripower, which was awarded the Innovation Award at the Symposium Photovoltaische Solarenergie 2010. In addition to three-phase feed-in and over 98% efficiency, this inverter contains five technological innovations that make it even easier and safer to use while reducing system costs. The inverter preferred for large-scale installations is the Sunny Central 800CP, which offers top performance while requiring little space this product received the Intersolar Award 2010.
Technological edge, excellent quality and a wide range of services have steadily increased the demand for SMA inverters. The company took the worlds largest carbonneutral inverter factory into operation in 2009. The factorys energy concept was honored with the first prize at the International Energy Efficiency Award 2010. In 2010, SMA was able to once again double production capacity to 11 GW. Sustainability and social responsibility are an intrinsic part of SMAs mission statement. Its carbon-neutral factory is proof of the possibility of CO2-neutral, highly modern industrial production and serves as a role model. The new SMA Solar Academy, which provides free training to around 15,000 installers per year, also stands for sustainability. The building is provided with energy from renewable sources, independently from the grid, using an SMA island system. SMA is headquartered in Niestetal/ Kassel, Germany, and is represented by 15 subsidiaries on four continents. The first international production site was opened in 2010 in Denver, Colorado to supply the North American market and was followed by another facility in Ontario, Canada.
Established in 2004, this German PV expert specializes in developing and marketing grid-connected solar inverters. Its main technical focuses are product efficiency, sophisticated electronics and intelligent installation monitoring. SOLPLUS inverters from Solutronic cover power ratings from 2.5 to 12 kW and are built exclusively in cooperation with renowned partners in Germany. To optimize their efficiency, all SOLPLUS inverters are equipped with a microprocessor-controlled MPPT controller that allows the ideal operating point to be set with great precision. In addition, all SOLPLUS inverters are kitted out with a data logger, Ethernet connector and RS485 ports. Particularly noteworthy is the use of SOLPLUS string inverters in large-scale photovoltaic installations. The big advantages of these units are that they are far easier to install, maintain and monitor than central inverters, there is no need for expensive string boxes and Solutronic is able to supply them very quickly. The Majorcan PV installation pictured here comprises a total of 504 SOLPLUS 55 inverters arranged in 28 subsystems, each with 18 inverters, and has a total power
output of just under 3 MW DCp. Each of these subsystems is connected via RS485 to a master inverter, which collects all the yield and monitoring data and then forwards this to the server that requested it via the local network (using TCP/IP). The integral data logger allows each individual inverter to be accessed directly and its technical data to be monitored, even from Solutronics headquarters in Germany. This allows malfunctions or failures to be detected very quickly. All data collected is recorded and forwarded by the companys own server. The SOLPLUS+ graphics application is then used to generate easily understandable graphics that facilitate monitoring of the installation as well as referencing and archiving.
SOLUTRONIC AG Address: Kferstrae 18 73257 Kngen Germany Phone: +49 (0)7024 96128-0 Fax: +49 (0)7024 96128-50 Email: info@solutronic.de Web: www.solutronic.de
Year founded: 2004 Employees: 45
Endurance test on SOLPLUS inverters (left) Majorcan inverter shed (right)
82
83
Business areas: PV generators, power plant control, monitoring/supervision, planning and grid integration
Companies: xxx
SOLON SE
Experience, Quality and Innovation: The Solar System House SOLON SE SOLON SE is a globally active solar system house. The portfolio includes photovoltaic systems, project planning for and construction of largescale roof-mounted systems and turnkey solar power plants, as well as the production of solar modules.
SOLON power plant on the roof of car maker Opel in Rsselsheim, Germany
Ideal solar power plant monitoring for maximum output: SOLON Vega
SOLON production of solar modules in Berlin, Germany
Address: Am Studio 16
SOLON SE
Phone: +49 (0)30 81879-0 Email: solon@solon.com Web: www.solon.com Year founded: 1997 Employees: 800
Fax: +49 (0)30 81879-9999
As a solar system house, SOLON works daily to make photovoltaic systems even more efficient, profitable and, hence, more competitive. Our extensive range of services covers the development and distribution of PV system solutions for private homes and industrial roofs, and the planning and construction of large solar power plants. In addition, we offer monitoring, operation and maintenance services. This is how we ensure maximum yields throughout a plants entire service life. SOLON SE is a Berlin-based company with offices in Germany, Italy, the USA and France. We employ approximately 800 people. We are one of the most experienced solar firms in the market: To date, SOLON has produced and installed solar modules and solar power plants with an overall output of more than 1 GW worldwide, even under the toughest geographical and climatic conditions. As a customer, you benefit directly from this experience: through total reliability and perfect planning, starting with the project development stage, during construction and commissioning. Whatever your scheme is, SOLON has the perfect solution for every roof.
The most recent example: In early 2011, we were able to complete the worlds largest roof-mounted system with a capacity of 12.5 MW on top of a logistics center in Italy. The decisive components and processes have been standardized and all modules precisely aligned thanks to our experience. This allows us to guarantee maximum reliability and offer a safe investment across the plants entire service life. Optimized yield and grid capacity of solar power plants SOLON has developed a web-based remote control system for solar power plants in order to allow constant access to the yield of a PV system, detect errors and minimize downtimes: SOLON Vega. It allows owners and operators to retrieve realtime information and important data about the plants current output. Detailed analyses make it possible to precisely identify possible module row failures and fix them faster. This guarantees high yields throughout the entire service life. The evaluated data is available in the most common transmission protocols used by grid operators and can easily be integrated into existing systems. SOLON Vega also calculates plant yields for the following day and reports them to the grid operator if weather fore-
cast data is fed in. This makes it possible to better control grid capacity which grid operators are increasingly beginning to require. SOLON Vega is made from industrial components that are suitable for extreme temperature ranges. This makes the system extremely robust and weatherproof. Innovative monitoring and maintenance concepts Once a plant has been constructed and connected to the grid, owners and builders are proud of their successfully concluded project. However, smooth, optimal operation is just as important as planning and construction. Considering a minimum lifetime of 25 years, small operating errors and inaccuracies can easily lead to more severe consequences. SOLON, therefore, offers plant owners two different operating and maintenance concepts that ensure maximum outputs throughout the entire lifetime: SOLON Quorum includes remote-controlled plant monitoring with error, yield and operating analyses, optimization recommendations, inspection, maintenance and operation. SOLON Quest is a more comprehensive premium solution providing a full-service package for plant owners. It
includes all services of the SOLON Quorum package with added informational depth for the yield and operating analyses, and the package price covers repairs. In addition, closing a SOLON operating and maintenance contract extends the warranty period for solar plants from two to five years for both packages. A photovoltaic system is a long-term investment that is intended to generate stable revenues for several decades. The quality of SOLON products pays off our customers get more out of their investment.
Masate, Italy: The SOLON built solar power plant with a capacity of 1 MW
Fixed tilt SOLON solar power plant in Hegnenbach, Germany
Made by SOLON: the worlds largest roof-mounted system with a capacity of 12.5 MW (Interporto di Padua, Italy)
84
85
Companies: xxx
Sputnik Engineering AG
Quality Made in Switzerland Sputnik Engineering AG has been serving the solar energy market since way back in 1991, and during this time has pioneered significant advances. Founded in the Swiss town of Biel, from the very outset the company has focused its efforts on the development, production and sale of inverters for grid-connected solar power plants.
Swiss quality with high efficiency: With our SolarMax inverters, we set standards in terms of quality, reliability, and maximum yields.
Address: Hheweg 85
Sputnik Engineering AG
Phone: +41 32 346 56 00 Fax: +41 32 346 56 09
2502 Biel/Bienne Switzerland
Email: info@solarmax.com Web: www.solarmax.com Year founded: 1991
High-quality products made in Switzerland have enabled Sputnik Engineering to grow from a start-up into one of Europes leading inverter manufacturers in an astonishingly short space of time. At present, the company has some 330 employees at its Swiss headquarters and at subsidiaries in Germany, Spain, Italy and France, as well as at its branches in Belgium, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. Sputnik Engineering AGs SolarMax inverters are among the industrys best, offering high efficiency, an intelligent cooling concept, an attractive, easily-mounted casing and a user-friendly graphics display. Sputnik Engineering has the right device in its program for every application from residential buildings to agricultural sites and including solar power plants with outputs measured in MW. SolarMax string inverters are ideal for small and medium-size solar plants. Their high efficiency as much as 98% enables them to deliver the very best yields. Medium and large-scale solar plants, on the other hand, are fitted with SolarMax central inverters. Sputnik Engineering AG has 20 years experience in the development of central inverters.
All SolarMax inverters are extremely robust and absolutely reliable and the price/performance ratio is more than impressive. Every device contains the expertise gained over 20 years of development work. Extensive type and safety testing and a hassle-free package deal ensure stable and reliable operation for the entire life of the solar plant. Service at its very best SolarMax customers who call the technical help line obtain advice from highly qualified technicians who handle calls in five languages. The service team finds and eliminates errors by remote diagnosis or by sending a technician to the site. Retailers, wholesalers, electricians and operators of solar plants benefit from courses and training sessions designed by Sputnik Engineering for their own products and provided either at the companys headquarters, at one of its branches, or directly at the customers premises. The experts at Sputnik Engineering AG are always available for their customers with advice and support. All requests are answered rapidly, frankly and directly, because Sputnik Engineering believes in solid customer service and long-term customer relations.
Coping with enormous challenges: The highest solar power station in the world on the Jungfraujoch in Switzerland runs with SolarMax inverters. (above)
Employees: 330 (2010)
Top level service: Our customers get perfect, all-round service all over Europe in German, English, Spanish, French or Italian.
Under the brand name SolarMax, Sputnik offers its customers inverters for every application.
86
87
Business areas: inverters, monitoring/supervision, planning and grid integration, software/IT, charge regulators, communication services
SUNGROW
Inverters: Key Elements Affecting Performance and Energy Output Sungrow specializes in the design and manufacture of inverters for PV systems. Continuous, major investments have been made into the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of a wide range of high-quality, efficient inverters around the world.
Wieland Electric GmbH

A Well-Engineered System for PV Installations Watt for Watt Wieland Electric was founded in 1910 and is one of the pioneers of electrical connection technology. The product range includes over 20,000 components for industrial automation, building installation and the electrical infrastructure for renewable energies.
Business areas: PV generators, inverter components, housing, monitoring/supervision, LOP, connection technology, software/IT
Sungrow manufacturing shop (below right) One corner of the PV power plant in Brindisi, Italy (below, top left) Roof in Melle, Germany, 150 kW (below, bottom left)
Reference project under Californian sun Plug and play components for DC and AC
Headquarters SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD. Address: No.2, Tianhu Road, New and High Technology Industrial Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui China 230088
Sungrow Business Hotline: Fax: +86 551 532 7856 Phone: +86 551 532 7834/7845 Email: info@sungrow.cn
Sungrow is a private, high-tech company established in Hefei, China, in 1997. More than 10% of the annual revenue is invested in research and development. As a global supplier of renewable energy inverter products, Sungrow operates in China, Europe and in the Asia Pacific region. Sungrow held a market share of 43% for PV inverters in China in 2010. That year, the company entered the market in Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Australia, South Korea and India. A US office was setup in California, an AP office in Hong Kong and a factory in Toronto, Canada. Forbes identified Sungrow as one of the SMEs with the highest growth potential in China. Moreover, in 2010 the companys Nay 4 KW PV inverter received an A rating from Photon. Meeting market demands and serving our customers are Sungrows reasons for being. We provide excellent service, highquality and low-cost products in order to enhance our customers competitiveness and profitability, and we are deeply devoted to the research and development of innovative inverter technologies.
For 2011, Sungrow will release its new products, which are mainly targeted toward the European, North American and Australian markets. In the EU market, the updated SG2K5TL/3KTL/4KTL series, which is lighter in weight, lower in cost and has an IP65 protection rating, is sure to become a favorite of clients. In the commercial inverter market, the new SG20KTL/30KTL series, which features efficiency of over 98%, easy wiring and installation, an anti-theft design, a serial port and Ethernet communication, will be available from May and September 2011, and will meet BDEW medium voltage regulations. These features make this series the most competitive product collection in its power range. In the central inverter product range, the new SG125K3, designed to be used outdoors, and the latest SG630KTL achieve efficiencies of over 98.5%, and have a film capacitor design that guarantees high reliability. The SG1260KS 1 MW transformerless turnkey solution, with its integrated switchgear, combiner box, protection and SCADA system, covers every requirement and even goes beyond the expectations of our customers.
With its gesis system, Wieland has, by its own account, been the European market leader in pluggable installation systems for buildings for more than 30 years. The internationally oriented family-owned company is represented in more than 70 countries worldwide. Today the long-established company sets milestones worldwide in electrical installation technology. Products are manufactured to the highest environmental and quality standards. Because: Contacts are green. Wieland connects! Wieland Electric GmbH has been a specialist in electric connection technology for more than 100 years. The family business located in Bamberg produces contacts for many industries and provides ingenious indoor and outdoor connector systems used in building installations, among other products. Professional electrical installation solutions for PV The gesis AC-SOLAR system, designed for the pluggable connection of inverters, combiner boxes and tracking motors, was developed for the AC side of photovoltaic systems. The mechanically coded RST 25i3/i5,
Web: www.sungrowpower.com
3 and 5 pole, round connectors provide for easy plug connections and save valuable time at the construction site. Cable assemblies are available prefabricated to the required length, or field-assembled. More than 45 leading manufacturers already equip their photovoltaic inverters ex factory with pluggable Wieland device connections so that both installers and builders can profit from the benefits provided by easy electrical connections. Wieland Electric develops, builds and distributes standard and project specific gesis RAN SOLAR combiner boxes for the AC and DC sides of photovoltaic systems. The best of 40 DC connectors The prefabricated PST 40i1 PV connectors from Wieland Electric were test winners in the PHOTON trade magazine product test 2010. From the module to the grid: Wieland provides the complete solution!
Wieland Electric GmbH Address: Brennerstrae 1014 96052 Bamberg Germany Phone: +49 (0)951 9324-0 Fax: +49 (0)951 9324-198 Email: info@wieland-electric.com Web: www.wieland-electric.com
Year founded: 1910 Sales volume: 225 million Euro (2010)
Address: 27, Avenue de lOpera, Phone: +33 17038 5270
Europe Region
Employees: 2,200 (2010)
75001, Paris France
Email: lgarreau@sungrow.fr
SunGrow Canada Inc Address: 895 Edgeley Blvd, Vaughan, Ontario L4K 4V9 Canada Phone: +1 905 760 8618 Fax: +1 905 760 1158 Email: info@sungrow.ca (Business) service@sungrow.ca (After-Sales) Web: www.sungrow.ca
88
89
Companies: xxx
Companies: xxx
The Publishers
90
91
Business area: communication services
Business area: communication services
Solarpraxis AG
Engineering, Conferences and Publishing for Renewable Energies
Sunbeam GmbH
Communications for Renewable Energies Specializing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, Sunbeam offers technically oriented communication services which are perfectly tailored to the dynamic environment of the European renewable energy market.
Design and production of prime print products
Solarenergie in Deutschland Solar Energy in Germany
2010 2011
Solarwrme
Informationen fr Vermieter
Drei Jahre Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft
engineering the solar age
Solar so heizt man heute

The photovoltaics market continues to grow at a rapid pace. According to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), in 2008 the installed photovoltaic capacity worldwide rose from almost 16 to approximateley 23 gigawatts. EPIA predicts an increase of at least 10.1 gigawatts by the end of 2010. That the photovoltaics industry is now able to spread its wings is not only thanks to the manufacturers of solar cells and modules. Plant and machinery manufacturers also have a share in solar technologys unprecedented success story. engineering the solar age provides information about key applications, technologies and, most importantly, the key players in the fields of machine engineering, automation and factory design. Der Photovoltaikmarkt wchst zgig weiter. Nach Angaben der European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) ist die installierte Leistung photovoltaischer Anlagen 2008 global von fast 16 auf ungefhr 23 Gigawatt gestiegen. Bis Ende 2010 prognostiziert EPIA eine Steigerung um mindestens weitere 10,1 Gigawatt. Dass die Photovoltaik heute flgge ist, hat sie nicht nur den Herstellern von Solarzellen und -modulen zu verdanken. An der beispiellosen Erfolgsgeschichte der Solartechnik sind vor allem auch die Maschinen- und Anlagenbauer beteiligt. engineering the solar age stellt aktuelle Anwendungen, Technologien und vor allem die wichtigsten Macher aus den Reihen der Maschinenbauer, Automatisierer und Fabrikplaner vor.
engineering the solar age
Ident-No. 105634
We combine high-quality communications with expertise in technologies and markets in the field of renewable energy.
Solarpraxis AG Address: Zinnowitzer Strae 1 10115 Berlin Germany Phone: +49 (0)30 7262 96-300 Fax: +49 (0)30 7262 96-309 Email: info@solarpraxis.de Web: www.solarpraxis.de
Year founded: 1998 Employees: 53 Sales volume: > 5 million Euro
Solarpraxis is one of the leading knowledge service providers in the renewable energy sector. The Berlin-based company has been providing clients with expertise and professional services in the fields of engineering, conference organization and publishing for over twelve years. Engineering The engineering department of Solarpraxis generates up-to-the-minute knowledge and processes it for your customers using a targeted and project-orientated approach, operating in areas such as expert opinion reports, training, technical hotlines, technical documentation and planning for solar installations. Conferences Solarpraxis conferences are valued industry platforms, which offer decisionmakers in the renewable energy industry opportunities for targeted networking and information exchange. They are wellestablished, close to the market and customer-oriented. Using a combination of specialist presentations and topical panel discussions, they present practical knowledge relating to market development, financing and policies. Industry representatives are given the opportunity to share
ideas, to follow and discuss the latest developments, and to meet representatives from politics, the press and the financial world. Publishing With two B2B magazines published monthly, Solarpraxis reports on the latest developments within the solar industry: pv magazine focuses on the European, Asian and North American solar markets while photovoltaik (with Alfons W. Gentner Verlag) deals with the German PV industry. Generally in collaboration with the relevant technical associations, Solarpraxis AG and Sunbeam GmbH jointly publish industry guides for various sectors of the renewable energy industry. These provide companies with the opportunity to present their products and services. An editorial section sets out the essential facts and figures relating to each sector plus the latest technological and economic developments.
Since 1998, Sunbeam has been providing in-depth market knowledge and excellent contacts with industry associations and the media. We offer our expertise in the following domain areas: Communications With over twelve years of experience in renewable energy, Sunbeam has acquired expertise in all relevant technologies as well as an extensive media network in the field. The company has successfully conducted a variety of campaigns for governmental departments and offers a wide spectrum of services to corporate clients, ranging from PR concepts and consultancy to the complete management of all press contacts. New media Sunbeam is one of the leading German agencies for information-oriented, accessible websites. The agency has won a prestigious BIENE award and ranks top in relevant listings for the content management system TYPO3. Two team members are also the authors of renowned specialist books on the design and implementation of web presentations.
Design Sunbeam values visual communications as a key success factor in the renewable energy market, and thus offers comprehensive expertise in presenting complex matters to technically oriented target groups. In our work for companies, associations and governmental departments we specialize in editorial design for periodical magazines, high quality brochures and extensive industry guides. Added value Sunbeam operates through all media channels connected to public relations, new media and design. Clients benefit from our experience both in the management of individual formats and the creation of integrated marketing solutions. Examples of this cross-media approach include our widely distributed press reports on solar, wind and bioenergy (PresseTrend) and various services for print to web and/or social media publishing.
Address: Zinnowitzer Strae 1 Phone: +49 (0)30 72 62 96 - 300 Fax: +49 (0)30 72 62 96 - 309 Email: info@sunbeam-berlin.de Web: www.sunbeam-berlin.de Year founded: 1998 Employees: 18
Sunbeam GmbH
Sales volume: 1.2 million Euro
Pictures in lower row: The engineering department generates up-to-theminute knowledge (left). Solarpraxis conferences are valued industry platforms (center). Solarpraxis communicates expertise and practical knowledge to professionals (right).
92
2010 2011
Suppliers for Photovoltaics | Maschinenbau und Ausrster der Photovoltaikindustrie
Suppliers for Photovoltaics | Maschinenbau und Ausrster der Photovoltaikindustrie
93
Companies: xxx
Companies: xxx
Important Notice, Picture Credits and Legal Information

Important notice This brochure, all parts thereof and the website are protected by copyright. The reproduction, alteration and any other type of use of the brochure or parts thereof, except for purely private purposes, is prohibited except with the prior approval of Solarpraxis AG. This shall apply in particular to reproduction/copies, translations, microfilming and storage in electronic systems. The citing of text by media representatives and political decision-makers is expressly desired and does not require prior approval, provided that the source of any text used is also cited. Picture credits The illustrations printed in the company profiles were supplied by the respective companies. All other photos were created by Solarpraxis AG, with the exception of: SMA Solar Technology AG KOSTAL Electric GmbH, Tom Baerwald, Fronius Deutschland GmbH
Cover back SMA Solar Technology AG p. 8 Gehrlicher Solar AG p. 9 small Cover front Small images, f.l.t.r. Cover front Main image
IHS iSuppli
The Global Leader in PV Market Research

Legal information
Published by
Covering the topics critical to your business:

Inverter Market Tracker The Battle for the Heart of the Systems. Microinverters and Power Optimizers Special Report Can Moores Law Be Disruptive Again? Inverter and Microinverter Teardown Understanding the Cost Structure of Market Leaders.
Solarpraxis AG Zinnowitzer Strae 1 10115 Berlin Germany

Phone: + 49 (0)30 72 62 96 - 300 Fax: + 49 (0)30 72 62 96 - 309 Email: info@solarpraxis.de Web: www.solarpraxis.de
Responsible under the German Press Act:
Karl-Heinz Remmers
2663_0311PB
The texts and illustrations in this brochure p. 10 KACO new energy GmbH were produced with the greatest posp. 11 Sputnik Engineering AG sible care and to the best of the authors p. 16 left First Solar Manufacturing knowledge. As errors cannot be ruled p. 17 left CENTROTEC Sustainable AG out and both texts and illustrations are subject to change, we draw your attention p. 17 center Gehrlicher Solar AG to the following: Solarpraxis AG gives no p. 20 left Juwi/ Richard Kliche guarantee with regard to the timeliness, p. 20 right Tom Baerwald accuracy, completeness or quality of the p. 21 left information provided in this brochure. DORFMLLER-SOLARANLAGEN GmbH Solarpraxis AG accepts no liability for damages, material or non-material, which p. 21 right Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. p. 22 SMA Solar Technology AG are incurred through the use or non-use of the information provided or which are p. 24 top Sputnik Engineering AG caused directly or indirectly by the use of p. 24 bottom left SMA Solar Technology AG erroneous and incomplete information, p. 24 bottom right Fronius Deutschland GmbH except where deliberate or grossly negligent culpability may be proven. Company p. 25 IstockPhoto/ Neil Harrison p. 26 SMA Solar Technology AG entries are the sole responsibility of the respective company. p. 27 SOLUTRONIC AG
p. 28 top IKS Photovoltaik GmbH p. 28 bottom right unearthedoutdoors.net p. 30 DEHN + SOEHNE GmbH + Co. KG. p. 35 Multi-Contact AG p. 33 BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH p. 36 IstockPhoto / Jos Luis Gutirrez p. 38 Solarsiedlung Freiburg/ p. 40 right Younicos AG p. 41 Suntech Power
p. 9 large Sputnik Engineering AG
Delta Energy Systems (Germany) GmbH
2011 Solarpraxis AG
Idea and concept
Solarpraxis AG
Project management
To learn more:
www.isuppli.com/pv
info@isuppli.com
+49 89 2070260-61
Solarpraxis AG / Dr Roland Ernst

Assistance to editorial department
Ute Bartels, Jessyca Gro, Lena Kuhn, Sandra Steinmetz

Industry profile editors
Dr Detlef Koenemann, except p. 41: Ucilia Wang Ch. 2: Dr Henning Wicht/iSuppli

Industry technical proofreading
Solarpraxis AG / Christian Drschner

Industry translation
bersetzungsbro Peschel
Art Direction
Sunbeam GmbH / Steffen Wilbrandt

Layout & composition
Sunbeam GmbH / dermarkstein.de

Photo editor & image processing
www.solarpraxis.com
Tom Baerwald
Charts
Solarpraxis Engineering
Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal
Services to give you a head start
Technical Due Diligences Acceptance Tests Quality Assurance Seminars / Seminar material Planning of PV- and ST-Installations Yield Assessment Yield Forecast Yield Optimization Environmental Impact Assessment Grid connection services Technical hotline Technical documentation
unendlich-viel-energie.de
Kay Neubert
Website design by
sunbeam GmbH
Printed by
94
Data in infographics and tables are obtained by Solarpraxis AG unless otherwise stated.
Druckhaus Mitte, Berlin

Booklet website
www.pv-system-tech.com
Please contact Christian Steinberg, +49 (0)30 726 296-342, christian.steinberg@solarpraxis.de
95
Companies: xxx
Companies: xxx
Inhaltsangabe
Industry guide Inverter and PV System Technology 2012 2nd Edition

The industry guide is expected to be released following the Solarpraxis conference Inverter and PV System Technology in January 2012 in Berlin. This high-quality, English-language publication will assess both the upstream (production and supply chain) and the downstream (planning, distribution, installation and operation) aspects of the electrical system. It is targeted at system integrators, distributors, project developers, top planners and investors. Besides corporate portraits it includes an overview of market conditions, advances in technology, new areas of application and perspectives. Customer contacts and image building for your company Worldwide presence in the booming regions of the PV industry Internet presence in English at www.pv-system-tech.com At least 40 brochures for your own marketing purposes (larger quantities on demand, individual corporate and product presentations can be reprinted) Use of the information graphics in the brochure for press purposes, making the brochure a pool of information for the press and multipliers Text editing, graphics and typesetting High-quality design and printing of the industry guide Print run of 12,000 copies Internet presentation of the entire brochure at www.pv-system-tech.com Worldwide distribution of the industry guide by Solarpraxis AG Please nd the complete content of the industry guide Inverter and PV System Technology 2011 under www.pv-system-tech.com. Besides, Solarpraxis AG has also produced various other promotional brochures for the renewable energy sector More at www.renewablesinsight.com Scheduled to April 2012, Thin-Film Industry Forum 2012, Berlin 1-page full-colour presentation including Internet presentation: 3,500 euros plus VAT 2-page full-colour presentation including Internet presentation: 5,900 euros plus VAT Discount for participants of Inverter and PV System Technology 2011: 5% Prices include complete production with the above-named services and distribution of the brochures Please note the terms and conditions of Solarpraxis AG Ms. Bing Wang, Phone: +49(30)726296-443, Mail: bw@solarpraxis.de

Industry Guide 2011
2011 edition
Benets for you
Scope of services provided by Solarpraxis AG
References
Date of publication Prices
Conferences 2011/2012 Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal

Top marketing for your brand to the sector
Solar Industry Forum UK 2011 | 12 13 May 2011, London, UK Solar meets Glass 2nd Industry Summit for Logistics, Quality and Materials | 13 April 2011, Berlin, Germany Thin-Film Industry Forum 2011 | 14 15 April 2011, Berlin, Germany Conferencia de la Industria Solar Espaa 2011 | 13 14 October 2011, Madrid, Spain 12th Forum Solarpraxis | 17 18 November 2011, Berlin, Germany PV Power Plants 2011 USA | 1 2 December 2011, USA 2nd Inverter and PV System Technology Forum | January 2012, Berlin, Germany SMEThermal | February 2012, Berlin, Germany Conferenza dellIndustria Solare Italia 2012 | February 2012, Rome, Italy PV Power Plants 2012 EU | March 2012
Contact
Reply form | Fax: +49-30-72 62 96-309

Yes, we would like to reserve a page presentation in the industry guide Yes, we have participated in the Inverter and PV System Technology 2011 Please send me a specimen copy of Inverter and PV System Technology 2011 Company First name and surname Street, Postcode, City Phone
96
Mail
www.solarpraxis.com
97
In the on-going discussions about cost reductions and technical optimization in photovoltaics, usually the focus lies on the modules. However, it is important to optimize the entire system as a matched unit, not just the individual components; in this way, the efficiency of the whole PV system can be increased and the price reduced at the same time.
Inverter and PV System Technology takes a close look at the electrical components of the system and its interactions, gives an overview of market conditions and presents the latest technical developments. Corporate portraits of 36 international companies round off this comprehensive industry guide on PV system technology.
www.pv-system-tech.com
42
recommended by
klimaneutral gedruckt

Industry Guide For PV and Inverter 2011

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Industry Guide For PV and Inverter 2011

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Companies: xxx

Inverter and PV System Technology

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Inverter and PV System Technology

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Karl-Heinz Remmers, CEO of Solarpraxis AG

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Photovoltaic Plants and the Importance of Electrical Components

Photovoltaic Plants and the Importance of Electrical Components

Inverters are crucial to the efficiency of the PV system.

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Market Situation and Forecasts

PV system components (possible designs) 8. 3. 4. 5.

Market Situation and Forecasts

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Market Situation and Forecasts

Annual PV installation worldwide 40,000 35,000

PV inverter shipment forecast

MLPM shipment forecast 140 120 100

Source: iSuppli | SOLARPRAXIS AG

80 60 40 20 0 2014* 2015* -20

Y/Y growth (%)

Micro inverters (MW)

Source: iSuppli | SOLARPRAXIS AG

Source: iSuppli | SOLARPRAXIS AG

National markets and global development

Estimated PV installations in selected countries (MW)

Czech Republic France Germany Italy Spain

397 250 3,806 720 70

1,331 719 6,727 2,850 250

350 1,307 7,100 4,100 345

350 873 5,000 2,750 1,000

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Surface area need for 1 kWp

1319% 1115% 810% 1012% 911% 58%

58 m2 79 m2 1012 m2 810 m2 911 m2 1320 m2

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20

STC (Standard Test Conditions)

TC ISC CdTe TC ISC cSi

TC UOC aSi TC UOC cSi

TC PMPP aSi TC PMPP CdTe / TC UOC CdTe

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Inverters and Their Influence on the Overall System

Inverters and Their Influence on the Overall System

Inverters reconcile the PV system with the public grid.

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Inverters and Their Influence on the Overall System

I-V curve of a crystalline solar cell 4

European Efficiency 100% 1,2

0 0 0,2 Cell voltage (V) 0,4

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Inverters and Their Influence on the Overall System

1. PV generator 2. Generator junction box 3. DC switch 4. Inverter 5. Grid supply

1. PV generator 2. Inverter 3. Grid supply 2.

Island inverter with battery

1. PV generator 2. DC switch 3. Inverter 4. Grid supply

Inverter and PV System Technology 2010 Industry Guide

Inverters and Their Influence on the Overall System

Simple DC motors, fountain pumps, fans

Pumps cathodic protection