2,000-V central inverters, whole-home energy systems and more at RE+ 2024 Editor Kelsey Misbrener provides a rundown of new power electronics

Along with domestic content updates, some other trends stuck out with the power electronics manufacturers I talked to at RE+ 2024. Large central inverters are getting bigger — making the jump from 1,500 to 2,000 V. Most are using closed-system liquid cooling technology too to limit the amount of dust, animals and junk that can get into the inverter and cause problems.

On the string inverter front, many manufacturers are working on UL 3741 listings for their products so installers have options beyond module-level rapid shutdown. And residential inverter-makers are bringing as many home energy system components in-house as possible, including batteries, EV chargers and even smart switches.

Here’s some of what I saw this year in Anaheim.

SMA America

SMA gave RE+ attendees the first look at its SMA Home Storage system, which includes a modular residential battery and SPAN Smart Panel integration. The company is working to bring as many components in-house as possible under the SMA warranty.

In the C&I space, SMA showed the latest update to the Sunny Tripower CORE1, including a free-standing design for UL 3741 compliance, string-level monitoring and diagnostic tools. SMA has found a sweet spot in repowering aging sites using the Sunny Tripower and its wide DC options.

SMA has announced it is planning to start 3.5-GW production factory in the U.S. in 2025, but has not disclosed the location yet.

Growatt

Growatt’s newest residential hybrid inverter and battery, the SPH and AXE, incorporate the automatic transfer switch (ATS) for fewer components to install. The SPH is engineered for flexibility and can be used on or off grid, paired with a generator or a battery or simply with solar. This inverter can also be used in both single- and three-phase applications, which opens up possibilities in the small commercial market too.

Ingeteam

Spanish inverter maker Ingeteam is now focused on the U.S. as one of its primary markets for central inverters. The company’s new 5.4-MVA inverter, which will be available in Q2 2025, is the next evolution of its 3.6 MVA inverter, moving toward the new utility-scale standard. It’s liquid-cooled with a completely closed design for harsh environments and a longer lifetime.

Hitachi Energy, which acquired eks Energy in 2023, is also soon launching a liquid-cooled 5.4 MVA inverter.

CPS

CPS’s new DC Enhanced 250 kW-600 V string inverter is designed for ground-mount solar projects, featuring both centralized and distributed wire-box options for quick field replaceability and integrated AC and DC disconnect switches. The PCS cabinet option includes the inverter, components and a simple connection to batteries and the grid.

GE Vernova

GE Vernova is a recognized name in the wind power space, but a new sight on the RE+ exhibit floor. The company makes large central inverters, including its newest 2,000-V FLEXINVERTER. GE Vernova is looking to increase its presence in the U.S. and is also looking into U.S. manufacturing to qualify for domestic content. Inverters are currently manufactured in Chennai, India.

Schneider Electric

Schneider’s “grid-to-plug” solution starts at the smart electric panel and includes an inverter, batteries and smart plugs to give homeowners as much power over their electricity use as possible. The smart panel is the heart of the home, providing layers of monitoring and control for large electric loads.

Yaskawa Solectria Solar

Yaskawa announced its XGI 1500 American-made utility-scale solar inverter at last year’s RE+, but is shipping the product now. The inverter is designed to optimize output of First Solar’s thin-film modules and minimize PID using a grounded DC input. Solectria offers this inverter in a “Power Rack” design to help developers simplify modular inverter installs on large projects.

CE+T

CE+T’s “microgrid on a skid” features the Belgium-headquartered company’s flexible Stabiliti inverter, controllers and more. The Stabiliti allows for programming of all ports to manage peak demand, and can also be paired with an islanding switchgear. Reps say the fourth-generation Stabiliti is made with over 90% domestic content.

Eaton

Eaton has announced its AbleEdge home energy management system that’s compatible with any residential solar + storage system in the U.S. The system includes Eaton’s Gen 2 Smart Breakers that help extend battery life and simplify load management, a microgrid interconnect device, and critical loads and combiner box panels. Eaton’s AbleEdge system is engineered to pair seamlessly with Tesla products and accompanying app, with more partner integrations to come.

Goodwe

Goodwe developed a new 280-V C&I inverter for smaller projects that’s designed for complicated rooftop configurations and compatible with numerous batteries. The company is also giving customers multiple fire safety options — rapid shutdown using its new proprietary receiver, or a UL 3741 listed hazard control system paired with specific racking products.