A PV inverter is a device that converts the DC current to AC current of the required frequency, which is then supplied to the electric grid. The device uses the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique to extract the max amount of power from an array of solar panels.
PV inverters are the most essential part of a solar power plant, and account for 10-15% of their overall cost.
The global solar PV inverter market is expected to reach an annual installed capacity of 107.10 GW by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 21.62%.
Technavio has identified the top companies in the solar PV inverter market:
ABB
ABB has one of the widest portfolios of solar inverters ranging from small micro-inverters and three-phase string inverters up to megawatt-sized central inverters. This extensive range of solar inverters is suitable for the smallest residential photovoltaic (PV) systems right up to multi-megawatt PV power plants.
Advanced Energy
From flat-panel displays to solar PV inverters, new technologies are moving the world forward. And Advanced Energy is moving new technologies forward—with power conversion solutions as dependable as they are innovative.
Bonfiglioli Riduttori
Here at Bonfiglioli, we operate through four different Business Areas: Industrial (incorporating our mechatronics and power transmission divisions), Photovoltaic (which also develops regenerative solutions), Wind and Mobile (focusing on applications for construction, agricultural and earth moving machinery, etc.).
These four distinct sectors develop specific solutions and applications in response to the varying needs of our increasingly complex and technologically advanced markets.
Eaton
Eaton is your bankable supplier for complete solar PV electrical BOS solutions. Eaton is a single-source BOS supplier for residential, commercial and utility installations. We offer support services provided by hundreds of Eaton’s application and field service engineers, as well as comprehensive, hands-on training.
Emerson Electric
Solar PV (photovoltaic) installations rely on arrays of solar cells to capture the sun’s rays during daylight hours. Emerson Industrial Automation designs and manufactures tracking systems (comprised of motors, gearboxes and intelligent software) that ensure solar arrays are positioned for maximum exposure to the sun.
Our high efficiency power conversion equipment transforms the captured solar energy into grid-ready AC power. Our innovative grid-tie inverters are designed as part of a modular architecture that is compact and scales easily. These inverters have built-in intelligence that maximizes energy yield by controlling the active and standby sequence for each module, and the modules are rotated so that duty is shared and inverter life is extended.
Enphase Energy
We’ve always pushed the boundaries of solar technology, ever since our founders took one look at a string inverter and knew they could do better. We’re still at it. We’re passionate about developing new technologies that make energy more intelligent, more connected, and more cost effective than ever before.
Fronius International
We love to enthuse and inspire our customers with innovative solutions. In a world ever-changing with technology, we feel this step-forward sets us a part from our competitiors, and helps to build a foundation for lasting and sustainable advancements. Fronius is a company in which community is key: we value each other as much as the products we produce. Learn about our company here and discover why many across the globe choose Fronius.
GE
GE’s Power Conversion business provides a complete range of central inverters based on a modular and compact approach, and specifically designed for the solar industry. As part of GE’s ongoing development in power electronics technology, the solar inverters build on extensive experience with designing, manufacturing and installing more than 34 GW of converters for the renewable energy industry, and decades of experience in controls for a wide range of utility applications. The installed base covers the full range of utility scale requirements, including converters to meet stringent grid code requirements in extreme environmental conditions.
Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric is pursuing the development of products and technologies that contribute to increased efficiency in the use of PV systems, which continue to attract interest as a power generation method that does not emit CO2. The power generated through PV systems is a direct current that cannot be channeled to equipment and devices in its initial form. PV inverters convert this direct current into an alternating current form that can then be used to power equipment and devices. Increased conversion efficiency leads directly to the reduction of power generation waste.
Omron
Established in 1933 and headed by President Yoshihito Yamada, Omron has more than 37,000 employees in 36 countries working to provide products and services to customers in a variety of fields, including industrial automation, electronic components industries and healthcare. The company has head offices in Japan (Kyoto), Asia Pacific (Singapore), China (Hong Kong), Europe (Amsterdam) and US (Chicago). The European organisation has its own development and manufacturing facilities, and provides local customer support in all European countries.
Proinso
PROINSO is a company who focuses their activities in the field of Renewable Energies and more specifically in the area of Grid connected Photovoltaics.
When conducting a photovoltaic solar installation, the choice of materials to use or the company in which we place our trust throughout the course of our project is the most important decision. The cost is an important factor, but the system to be implemented must ensure full compliance with the requirements of the project and ensure its long-term duration.
Riello
The reduction of environmental impact is a very important matter in terms of sustainability and quality of life. Energy resources extracted from oil are becoming scarce and the conversion to alternative sources of energy is both fundamental and necessary.
Based on this awareness, over the last few years, Riello has reconverted its products, enhancing the research to develop energy from renewable sources, focusing mainly on solar energy.
Siemens
Cutting-edge products for maximum performance
Backed by decades of experience as a supplier of large-scale power plants and its reputation as a reliable partner in the energy sector, Siemens has developed comprehensive answers to the challenges in the growing market. Today, Siemens is an one-stop supplier for all key components of Solar Power plants.
SMA Solar Technology
As a leading global specialist for photovoltaic system technology, SMA is setting the standards today for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. More than 4,000 SMA employees in 21 countries have devoted themselves to this task. Our innovative solutions for all photovoltaic applications and our unsurpassed service offer our customers worldwide greater independence in meeting their energy needs.
Sungrow Power Supply
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. manufactures power supply equipment for solar PV and wind power projects. The company’s products range from grid-connected PV inverters, wind power converters, and distributed power supply. We also provide development, construction, and operation management for renewable energy projects.
Sungrow is committed to improving the environment and the renewable energy industry, and continues to develop more efficient and cost-effective solutions to bring more green electricity to our lives.
TDK
TDK’s main products are what are known as passive components which are the basic components used in all kinds of electric and electronic devices. These include ferrite cores, coils, transformers, ceramic capacitors, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, RF components and sensors, to name but a few. This accumulated knowledge, and the technology and know-how born from it have enabled TDK to develop and manufacture magnetic heads, magnets, power supplies, batteries and the like.
TMEIC
TMEIC was established in October 2003 initially through the integration of the industrial systems divisions of Toshiba Corporation and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Since then, TMEIC has collectively worked to concentrate the development capabilities as a means of establishing product supply systems selected from customers. Measures were also taken to realize our mission by building sales and technological structures to meet the market needs. We would like to extend our gratitude to all clients and business partners for placing confidence in and supporting TMEIC operations during our first ten years.
Toshiba
Toshiba is a global provider electrical and electronics equipment.
We are driven by the idea of the solar revolution. A new way of using the sun. A new way of sharing the oldest and cleanest energy source of them all. By turning the power of the sun into the power of the people. Not just the selected few. Everybody.
How? Through easy to use, reliable and affordable photovoltaic inverters. That’s the part we take care of. By combining the best of two worlds: Chinese flexibility and German reliability. And by increasing the quality of our products and services through process competence and advanced engineering that we acquired since becoming a part of the SMA Group in 2013.
