GE Vernova to build utility-scale solar inverters in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh on map

Noting the surging demand for electricity and U.S.-made components, GE Vernova is planning to invest nearly $600 million in its U.S. factories and facilities over the next two years. Among those investments is roughly $10 million going to GE Vernova’s Pittsburgh facility to add a new domestic manufacturing line for the company’s FLEXINVERTER.

The total GE Vernova investment in Pittsburgh is expected to create more than 270 new jobs, with the new line producing both the 1500V and 2000V FLEXINVERTER.

“These investments represent our serious commitment and responsibility as the leading energy manufacturer in the United States to help meet America’s and the world’s accelerating energy demand,” said Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova. “These strategic investments and the jobs they create aim to both help our customers meet the doubling of demand and accelerate American innovation and technology development to boost the country’s energy security and global competitiveness.”

GE Vernova FLEXINVERTER

GE Vernova FLEXINVERTER

GE Vernova is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. GE Vernova’s FLEXINVERTER is a utility-scale inverter built for solar and energy storage applications.

In 2012, GE Vernova was the first to introduce the 1500 Vdc inverter to the market. The new FLEXINVERTER is a 6 MVA, 2000-volt direct current utility-scale inverter. With the 2000 Vdc architecture, the company is once again leading the way by further reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCoE) for solar PV installations.

Why 2000 Vdc?

  • ~25% fewer PV strings, combiner boxes and connectors
  • ~25% fewer power stations
  • ~13% reduction in string DC cable
  • ~22% reduction in main DC cable
  • ~23% reduction in average DC loss
  • Reduced labor & site preparation cost

The inverter can boost power output by 30% within the same footprint, reducing costs and improving scalability for solar farms.

GE Vernova’s FLEXINVERTER 2000 Vdc is set to debut in a multi-megawatt solar park as a pilot installation in North America, expected to be operational by Q1 2025. The company is collaborating with Shoals Technologies Group™ and an industry PV module supplier on this project. GE Vernova will provide the 2000 Vdc inverter for the solar park, while Shoals Technologies will supply the electrical balance of system solutions. The other collaborating supplier will provide the PV modules.

Tags:

See Discussion, Leave A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.