KACO Debuts 50-kW Smart Module Mode Inverter

KACO new energy, one of the world’s largest solar inverter manufacturers with more than 6.8 GW of PV inverters in the field, announced the availability of its blueplanet 50 TL3 SM solar PV inverter with Ampt Mode, a setting that optimizes the inverter for use in a distributed power architecture. Used in combination with Ampt DC/DC module-level optimizers, KACO’s 50-kW inverter operates at full rated output power in both 600 VDC and 1000 VDC systems.  This technology partnership increases the allowable amount of modules per string, reduces balance-of-system (BOS) costs and increases energy yield from every module.

KACO will showcase its new inverter offering at booth #8047 during Intersolar North America, taking place from July 9-11, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.  The blueplanet 50 TL3 SM is the first of a series of “Smart Module Mode” inverters in to be released by KACO, featuring Ampt Mode™ to serve commercial and utility-scale solar projects.

“Recognizing the benefits of a distributed power architecture, we incorporated both a Standard and ‘Smart Module Mode’ setting into the global platform of the 50 TL3 inverter,” said Bill Reaugh, Sr. Director of Product Management at KACO new energy. “The Smart Module Mode setting deployed with Ampt DC/DC converters gives PV engineers the ability to optimize system designs to save up to 40 percent on inverter and cabling costs. The inverter operates at a higher efficiency, and maximum power is captured from each PV module to increase overall performance of the system,” said Reaugh. “The combination of more energy at a lower cost gives our customers a significant economic advantage.”

“As a top global supplier of PV inverters, KACO has an impressive track record of embracing innovation,” said Levent Gun, CEO at Ampt. “Together, we deliver a unique value to customers. Pairing KACO DC/AC inverters with Ampt DC/DC converters puts in place a distributed power conversion architecture that represents a best-in-class PV plant design.”

Both KACO new energy and Ampt are founding members of the HDPV Alliance, a commercially-focused network of companies working together to realize up to 50 percent improvement in PV system return on investment (ROI). HDPV, or High Definition PV, is the solar industry’s standard for delivering more energy at a lower cost by utilizing higher resolution power optimization, information gathering and controls.