Solar Inverter Buyer’s Guide 2021

The Sunny Tripower CORE1 is the only inverter that offers an intelligent IV curve diagnostic, advanced string monitoring, and SMA Smart Connected. The world’s first free-standing PV inverter for commercial rooftops, carports, ground mount and repowering legacy solar projects, the Sunny Tripower CORE1 enables logistical, material, labor, and service cost reductions, and is the most versatile, cost-effective commercial solution available.

• First commercial system listed to standard UL 3741 PV Hazard Control for NEC 690.12 compliance
• System visibility with intelligent IV curve diagnostic and advanced string monitoring
• Integrated SunSpec PLC signal for module-level rapid shutdown compliance to 2017 NEC
• ShadeFix optimization generates more power
• SMA Smart Connected, Sunny Portal, and SMA’s Online Service Center provide automatic, proactive, and unmatched service support

The Sunny Tripower X is the latest in commercial solar energy generation and can be used in a variety of applications including but not limited to rooftop, carport, and ground mount applications. As a comprehensive solution, the integrated System Manager enables complete energy management from one platform while combining state-of-the-art technology into one device. This comprehensive design ensures small to medium-sized businesses can accommodate future energy management and needs. SMA Sunny Tripower X key features: High flexibility in system design with 3 MPP trackers and up to 150% overdimensioning capabilities. Easier installation with an overall lighter weight and wall-or-rack mount. Flexible and scalable system sizing: 30 kW, 25 kW & 20 kW. Integrated System Manager allows monitoring and control of up to 5 inverters (with up to 150 kVA) and 1 energy meter. SMA ShadeFix offers next level performance optimization

UL 3741 listings:

• Unirac
• IronRidge
• Panelclaw
• Aerocompact
• Sollega

The Sunny Highpower PEAK3 FLEX US-21 (PEAK3 FLEX) model delivers adjustable AC outputs for power, current and voltage. The PEAK3 FLEX can be tuned to match older inverters that might operate at now uncommon voltages, like 385VAC or 400VAC, thus enabling customers to leave the transformers in place and avoid costly or time-consuming studies.  Similarly, the AC output current can be adjusted to help customers avoid replacing AC wires and OCPD equipment.

Adjusting the AC Voltage downward also widens the DC operating window of this 1500VDC inverter, so the PEAK3 FLEX can repower older projects with central or string inverters that were built at 600VDC or 1000VDC. Once field commissioned to the desired AC output values, the UL label will be completed to match, and those parameter settings are lockable behind OEM password protection.  The flexibility in design, capacity and capability makes the Sunny Highpower PEAK3 FLEX the perfect inverter solution for repowering projects.

The QT2 is a 3-Phase microinverter for C&I applications. Each QT2 connects to up to 4 PV modules, is rapid shutdown and UL 1741 SB (CA Rule 21) compliant and comes in 1728W (208V) and 1800W (480V) output models. Why microinverters in commercial solar? As featured in the recent Solar Builder article “Making the case for microinverters in C&I solar,” the QT2 offers built-in rapid shutdown, pairing with higher capacity PV modules, improved performance over string inverters under a variety of conditions, fewer potential points of failure, plug-and-play three-phase wiring, and bonus: microinverters are now more cost-effective than ever!

• 208V and 480V models, wye and delta 3-Phase.
• True 3-Phase in the cable, no need to balance phases manually.
• Pairs with 4 PV modules 500-600W+ (dep. on your preferred AC/DC ratio).
• Inherently Rapid Shutdown compliant, no separate RSD system required.
• Reduces potential points of failure (PPoF) by 75% over competing solutions.

The APstorage solution is a battery agnostic AC-coupled solution. Installers can choose from a variety of compatible low-voltage batteries. It can be used as a partial backup home system upon grid outage, allow homeowners to operate in self-consumption to limit grid usage, or to take advantage of time of use rates to offset electricity costs.

Because it is AC-coupled, batteries can be charged from any grid-tied solar inverter. During a grid outage, DS3s can be to charge the batteries.

Key specs:

• kW range: 5000VA, 7500VA surge for 10 seconds.
• Operating voltage range: 240VAC nominal output, 211-264V.
• Max / CEC efficiency: 97%
• DC Battery Input Voltage: 40-60VDC.

UL listings: UL1741SB, UL 9540

The 350kW high power CPS three-phase string inverters are designed for large-scale solar PV applications. The units are high performance with full power capacity up to 45 degrees C and include advanced and reliable inverters designed specifically for the North American environment and grid. High efficiencies, wide operating voltages, broad temperature ranges and NEMA Type 4X enclosure enable this inverter platform to operate at high performance across many applications. Each inverter includes 15 MPPTs and is available with 30 unfused PV string inputs. Additional features include integrated PID mitigation, reactive power at night functionality, and CAN communication capability. The CPS FlexOM solution enables communication, controls and remote product upgrades.

The new CPS 200 kW-480 V three-phase string inverters are designed for solar PV applications with 480Vac service voltage. The units are high performance, advanced, and reliable inverters designed specifically for the North American environment and grid. High efficiency at 98.5% peak and 98.0% CEC, wide operating voltages, broad temperature ranges, and a NEMA Type 4X enclosure enable this inverter platform to operate at high performance across many applications. The CPS 200 kW-480 V products ship with the Distributed or Centralized Wire Box, each fully integrated and separable with AC and DC disconnect switches. DC Enhanced wireboxes allow disconnection under short circuit conditions. The CPS FlexOM Gateway enables communication, controls, and remote product upgrades.

CPS America is excited to introduce its new 7.6-12kW single-phase hybrid inverters, designed to address the growing demand for scalable and efficient energy solutions. This system offers small C&I applications a reliable way to integrate solar power and battery storage. This comprehensive solution provides businesses with a seamless transition between grid-tied and off-grid modes, optimizing energy usage and reducing costs. This advanced hybrid inverter can be configured as either AC or DC coupled with an onsite PV array, offering up to three maximum power point tracking (MPPT) inputs for flexibility in system design. It also features an integrated generator input terminal, providing additional power backup when needed. The single-phase hybrid inverters integrate seamlessly with CPS's modular 5-20 kWh batteries, allowing users to stack up to 60 kWh of storage capacity.

The CPS 25kW-208V three phase string inverters are designed and optimized for rooftop and carport applications with 208Vac service voltages. The CPS 25kW product ships with the Rapid Shutdown wire-box, fully integrated and separable with touch safe fusing, monitoring, and AC and DC disconnect switches. The integrated PLC transmitter in the Rapid Shutdown wire-box enables PVRSS certified module-level rapid shutdown when used with the TIGO, APS, and NEP products. The CPS Flex Gateway enables monitoring, controls and remote product upgrades.

• 208V AC output
• 3 MPPTs with 2 inputs each for maximum flexibility
• Integrated RSD wire-box options with TIGO, APS, and NEP
• NEC 2017/2020 compliant and UL listed Arc-Fault protection
• Separable wire-box design for fast service

The new, V2 version of the 36kW (36kVA) CPS three-phase string inverter is designed for rooftop and carport applications. The units are high performance, advanced and reliable inverters designed specifically for the North American environment and grid. High efficiency at 98.8% peak and 97.4% CEC, wide operating voltages, broad temperature ranges and a NEMA Type 4X enclosure enable this inverter platform to operate at high performance across many applications.  CPS 36KTL V2 ships with either the Standard wire-box or the Rapid Shutdown wire-box, each fully integrated and separable with touch-safe fusing, monitoring, and AC and DC disconnect switches. The integrated PLC transmitter in the Rapid Shutdown Wire-box enables PVRSS certified module-level rapid shutdown when used with APS RSD-S-PLC/RSD-D products. The CPS FlexOM Gateway enables monitoring, controls and remote product upgrades.

The CPS SCA36KTL-DO-US-480-V2 is currently UL 1741-SB listed and is expected to receive UL 3741 listing with IronRidge, Sollega, Panelclaw, and Unirac by Q2 2023.

• Separable wire-box for simplified O&M and fast service
• 3 MPPTs with 5 inputs per MPPT
• Optional FlexOM Gateway enables remote firmware upgrades
• Standard and integrated RSD wire-box options
• Copper- and Aluminum-compatible AC connections

The H7 hybrid inverter is sold with the B17 LFP battery. Since they are both out-door rated, they can be installed outdoors for easy access. Since Darfon makes both the inverter and battery, we can gather data to monitor and troubleshoot both products. The H7 comes with an external wireless display to control and see the current status of the system from inside the home. Like out previous hybrid inverters, the H7 is transformerless and has breakers, disconnect switches and generator support circuitry.

• Support loads of up to 7.6kW
• Grid input and output can be as much as 9.6kW
• Up to 12kW of PV with 4 MPPT when DC-coupled or 7.6kW when AC-coupled
• To be installed with the B17, a high-voltage LFP battery
• It only weighs 86.8lb, so it can be easily mounted and installed.

Darfon’s H5001 hybrid inverter can be used as a string inverter. Why is this useful? A hybrid inverter is more than double the cost of a string inverter. But if you look at the system cost, the inverter is only a small portion of that cost. The batteries are the most expensive component in hybrid system. In some cases, the additional cost of the batteries is what people cannot afford. So, it makes sense to install the H5001 as a string inverter and have a system that is energy storage ready. Then the batteries can be purchased and installed down the road. The thing that installers like about the H5001, is that it is straight forward to install and configure.

• PV Operation Voltage Range 120 to 500VDC
• Two MPPTs
• Output to Grid: 5000W, Output to Load: 5500W
• SGIP Compliant
• Compatible with various battery chemistries

The IQ Series Microinverters are Enphase’s smartest microinverters yet. They are the industry’s first grid-forming microinverters, enabling solar-only backup during grid outages without the immediate need for battery storage. This is facilitated by a specialized application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that allows the microinverters to operate in both grid-tied and off-grid modes, providing homeowners with enhanced energy resilience. Additionally, the IQ8 series supports split-phase power conversion, optimizing the efficiency of DC to AC power transformation. Each microinverter is designed to handle one panel each which enables easy installation and a distributed architecture to easily monitor every panel independently. IQ8 Microinverters redefine reliability standards with more than one million cumulative hours of power-on testing, enabling an industry-leading limited warranty of up to 25 years. IQ8 Microinverters are UL-Listed as PV Rapid Shutdown equipment and conform with various regulations when installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

The IQ8 Commercial Microinverters are built to support the small commercial solar industry by simplifying the design and installation process, improving energy harvest with higher uptime, expanding system monitoring capabilities compared to similar solutions, and offering industry-leading safety through an alternating current (AC)-based system using low-voltage power. The microinverters are compatible with a wide range of solar panels including 54, 60, 66, 72, and 144 cell panels with full or split cell, and with a range of 380 W to 640 W, making the products viable to support projects now and in the future. The distributed architecture of the Enphase system makes designing projects more seamless by reducing complexity and enabling an optimized panel layout for maximum energy harvesting on crowded or shaded small commercial rooftops. All IQ8 Microinverters activated in the United States and Canada, and a 12-year warranty for products activated in Mexico.

With peak output AC power of 384W, IQ8HC, and IQ8X Microinverters are designed to seamlessly pair with a full range of solar modules up to 540W DC. IQ8HC Microinverters are available for all of North America and can manage a continuous DC current of 14 amperes, supporting higher-powered solar modules through increased energy harvesting. IQ8X Microinverters are available in the United States, supporting solar modules with higher output DC voltage and cell counts, such as 96 cells, 80 half-cut cells, and 88 half-cut cells. The high-quality manufacturing process and low failure rates unlock an industry-leading 25-year warranty for all IQ8 Microinverters activated in the United States and Canada, and a 12-year warranty for products activated in Mexico.

The PVS-10/33-TL-US inverter family will be introduced in 2021 to compliment the currently available PVS-60 commercial 60 kVA 480 Vac inverter. With capacity ranges of 10 – 15 kVA (208 Vac), and 20 – 33 kVA (480 Vac), this inverter is designed to cover the full range of commercial 1000 Vdc applications, with accommodations for bifacial PV modules and increasing DC:AC ratios. The FIMER commercial inverters are fully compatible with industry leading rapid shutdown solutions, and may be AC coupled with energy storage.

• UL1699B Ed 1 DC arc fault certified
• Integrated rapid shutdown options
• 10 – 15 kVA (208/120 Vac)
• 20 – 33 kVA at (480/277 Vac)
• 4-Step wireless commissioning

The award winning 1500 Vdc PVS-175-TL-US inverter, updated to today’s standards and new features for 2021, provides an optimized solution for small- to mid-size utility scale applications. The integrated fuse-less DC combiner and DC AFCI reduces both upfront balance of system equipment costs and operational costs. With 12 independent MPPTs and 24 DC inputs, the PVS-175-TL-US is proven to be a choice for community solar and utility scale projects.

• UL1699B Ed 1 DC arc fault certified
• Max power output of 185 kVA
• 12 independent MPPTs/24 DC inputs
• Integrated fuse-less DC combiner
• 4-Step wireless commissioning

With power categories ranging from 3.8 kW to 15.0 kW, the Fronius Primo is the ideal compact single-phase inverter for residential applications. This sleek inverter is equipped with the SnapINverter hinge mounting system, which allows for lightweight, secure, and convenient installation. The Primo inverters provide maximum safety, reliability, and highest energy yield even on complex roofs of shaded systems – giving customers the best return on their solar investment.

• Two size ranges: Fronius Primo 3.8 – 8.2 & Fronius Primo 10.0 – 15.0
• Smart shade mitigation with Dynamic Peak Manager
• SuperFlex Design for complex roofs and maximum design flexibility
• Wide voltage windows from 80V to 1,000V
• Integrated energy management feature
• Truly field-serviceable

Size / category: 10.0 kW – 24.0 kW  /   Commercial

The Fronius Symo Advanced inverter line features six models ranging from 10 kW to 24 kW, ideal for commercial and industrial applications. The Symo Advanced is lightweight and combines high-power density with flexibility to ensure the fastest possible installation for your PV project. The small number of total power conversion electronics adds to the high serviceability from any mounting spot. You get total system granularity with only a low number of system components.  Developed with 2 Multiple Power Point Trackers and Dynamic Peak Manager, our shade mitigation solution, the Fronius Symo Advanced ensures your PV system operates at maximum performance and efficiency.

UL 3741 listed? Yes, with use of Unirac, IronRidge, PanelClaw, Schletter and AeroCompact flat roof mounting systems

Key specs

1. 208V AC and 480 AC versions available
2. Smart shade mitigation with Dynamic Peak Manager
3. SuperFlex Design for complex roofs and maximum design flexibility
4. SunSpec transmitter for Module Level Rapid Shutdown integrated
5. Truly field-serviceable

The GoodWe SMT-US Series inverter is ideal for medium and large-scale commercial installations. Harvest maximum solar energy and generate environmental-friendly power for an increased return on investment. Its unique fuse-free design makes it exceptionally easy to maintain for operators, saving time and money.

• Up to 6 MPPTs for ultimate design flexibility
• 150% DC input oversizing
• Type II Surge Protection for both DC and AC

The SMT-US's 180V-980V wide operating voltage range allows the PV system to begin producing power earlier in the day, fully maximizing solar energy generation. With a max. 15A DC input current per string, the SMT-US Series is compatible with many high-power modules, giving integrators greater versatility in module selection and system design. Up to 6 MPPTs guarantee optimal energy production, even in areas with shading, delivering best-in-class ROI for commercial systems.

Key specs:

• kW range: 22 and 28 (208V) 50 and 60KW (480V)
• Operating voltage range: 180V-980V
• of MPPTs / MPPT voltage range: 6 MPPT’s/550V-850V
• Max / CEC efficiency: 98.5%
• Rapid Shutdown integrated
• AFCI integrate
• AC and DC surge protection integrated

UL listings: PVRSS capability for NEC-2020, CSA, C22.2, UL1699B, UL1741, UL1741SB,  IEEE1547 (with California,Hawaii). California CEC efficiency, California CSIP, ISO/IEC 17065, IEEE2030.5, EMC certification testing

The 5-9.6-kW, single-phase A-ES is one of the only hybrid inverter on the market with 4 MPPTs. With UPS-level switching, the inverter can switch to backup in less than 10 milliseconds in case of power outage. This ensures household appliances are not compromised.

• 4 MPPTs, 50% DC oversizing
• AFCI & Rapid Shutdown
• UPS-level switching
• Smart Meter integrated
• Optional AC bypass switch

NEP added NEPTUNE 3-phase inverters to go with its RSD solutions. These inverters include fully integrated transmitters and provision for NEP gateway to be installed inside the inverter wire-boxes. Just one gateway is needed to support numerous inverters (wifi, Ethernet and cellular internet connectivity). 5 models; 30kW-208Vac and 33,50,75,100kW-480Vac.

The BDM series involves nimble engineering, better service execution and easier positioning. Fill voids and gaps of content incumbents to generate customer focused value. A key attribute is its metal exterior, which avoids the more common failures associated with plastic module-level power electronics on hot roofs.

NEP’s unique, two-way data communication Rapid Shutdown solution enables installer confidence that rapid shutdown is functioning correctly. This is valuable for safety assurance, code compliance, AHJ approval and characterization of the array performance upon commissioning. Further, NEP includes IV Curve trace ‘service mode’ to enable easier measurements at time of commissioning and through the life of the project. NEP’s optional data gateway is available for remote PV panel diagnostics and data performance.

• PVG-1 and PVG-2 for single and dual PV panels
• Mounting for racking rail and optional clip available for PV module frame mount
• Two way data flow for safety and performance with optional NEP gateway
• Transmitters available in stand-along enclosure and integrated with leading C&I inverters providers

NEP's Rapid Shutdown units are 20Amp models. The PVG-2 (dual PV) and PVG-3 (3 PV modules) are built with a metal enclosure. Why metal? The industry has seen numerous examples of RSD reliability issues with Non-NEP units. To reduce the risk of such, a metal enclosure improves heat dissipation and overall thermal management. Also, a metal enclosure is more robust, ‘fail-safe’ engineering investment to lower overall risk and improve the expected life-span of the devices. These same units are tested to 25Amp in Europe (CE marking). Lots of design margin with this improvement.

The Schneider Inverter is a hybrid inverter, connecting the Boost battery and solar panels to the home and grid. The Inverter has DC ports for Boost and solar, with 3 battery inputs and 4 MPPT inputs for solar. When the Inverter is installed with Boost and a Schneider Pulse CSED or Backup Controller, the system automatically powers the home during a grid outage. Powerful 100A LRA load start capability and 13.4 kW peak power provides reliable backup power. The Schneider Inverter and Boost system has the flexibility to be paired with AC coupled or DC coupled solar. With the Schneider Home app, homeowners gain visibility on solar production, battery usage, and home energy consumption. Optional accessories allow monitoring the energy cost of individual circuits, appliances, and devices, as well as automated scheduling and control through the app. For installers, the commissioning app will save time, while the installer portal web app enables ongoing system monitoring and remote troubleshooting.

The XW Pro leads Schneider Electric Solar’s hybrid inverter range, as it provides installers with the flexibility to design and install a complete solar and storage system. The XW Pro offers a high overload power rating of 1.75x with the ability to stack up to 4 inverter units to increase overall power output. Because of its scalable and adaptable infrastructure, the XW Pro can also be integrated with lithium-ion batteries for solar and storage, or backup power systems without solar. Schneider Electric’s solar hybrid inverters come with a complete ecosystem of accessories to enable efficient installation. This includes integration with MPPT charge controllers and Insight Energy Management, Schneider Electric’s energy management software that allows solar professionals to remotely manage multiple installation sites with ease.

• Reliable performance with a 6.8 kW output with up to 12 kW peak overload
• Flexibility in installations and operations with Stacking capability of up to 4 units in single-phase or 6 units in 3-phase
• Compatibility with a wide range of battery technologies, including Lithium-ion battery integration
• Optional integration with generator
• Compatible for use across a wide range of applications such as grid-tied, off-grid, self-consumption, backup power

Sol-Ark’s 15K-2P (UL# Limitless 15K-LV) is so powerful that it eliminates standby generators, a 200A whole home transfer switch (built in), UPS’s for electronics due to 5ms switching, Neutral Forming Transformer due to split phase output, and parallel stacking because only one is needed. Sol-Ark also sells smaller units (12K-2P, 8K-2P, 5K-1P) for critical loads, off grid, and mobile applications. Features and benefits include parallel stacking, grid sell, meter zero, time of use, smart load, generators, simultaneous AC & DC Coupling, & peak shaving. The company has partnered with many battery companies like HomeGrid, Endure, SimpliPhi, Fortress, Blue Ion, Storz Power, PowerSync, and Discover to advance inverter and battery control through extensive communications.

• 20 kW pk power
• 4ms UPS Transfer times,
• Generator support,
• 93% Round Trip Efficiency

The Sol-Ark 15K-2P Whole Home hybrid inverter is the most powerful and versatile residential energy storage solution available today. Designed and engineered for complete whole-home backup, it seamlessly integrates with solar, batteries, generators, and electric vehicles, ensuring energy independence and cost savings. With NEM 3.0 readiness, this system optimizes home energy use during peak hours, reducing electricity costs through advanced Time-of-Use (TOU) management.

The 15K-2P inverter has Grid Down Generation for uninterrupted power, and the DC-to-DC architecture enhances battery efficiency and longevity, while military-grade reliability protects against lightning and electromagnetic threats. Featuring EV home charging, 275A battery charging, and UL 9540-certified battery compatibility, the 15K-2P is virtual power plant-ready with rapid 5ms transfer time.

Designed for flexibility and resilience, the Sol-Ark® 15K-2P is the ultimate choice for homeowners looking to reduce energy costs, enhance security, and stay powered - no matter what.

The Sol-Ark 60K-3P-480V Commercial Hybrid Inverter is a powerful, scalable energy storage solution designed for large commercial and industrial applications. This high-performance inverter helps businesses reduce peak demand charges, optimize solar energy usage, and participate in grid services programs for additional revenue. All backed by Sol-Ark’s 10-year warranty.

Designed for seamless integration, it features native 277/480V 3-phase output, AC & DC coupling, and a modular design scalable from 40kWh to 9.6MWh. Businesses can parallel up to 10 inverters and 16 batteries per inverter, ensuring future energy expansion. With built-in MPPT, grid switchgear, generator switchgear, and an advanced energy management system (EMS), the 60K-3P-480V delivers unmatched efficiency, simplifying installation and reducing costs.

5ms transfer time, 200A grid pass-through, and seamless backup power ensure uninterrupted operations, even during outages. For businesses seeking energy independence, resilience, and cost savings, the Sol-Ark® 60K-3P-480V is the ultimate solution.

6 MPPTs make designing with the SG60CX flexible, simple, and quick. Our MC4 connections enable safe and reliable PV inputs, ideal for any installation setting. Integrated AC and DC disconnects makes working with this unit convenient and safe.

UL 3741 listings?

• Ironridge -BX line
• Unirac – Ecofoot2+, Ecofoot 5D, GridFlex10, GridFlex5, NXT Umount, RM10 (Evo) RM5, RMDT, Solarmount
• Panelclaw-ClawFR
• Aerocompact-CompactFLATs, Compact FLATsn
• Sollega – Fastrack510
• Sunmodo – Nanorack, SMR Pitched Roof,
• Schletter – FixGridPro
• Opsun Systems - Sunrail

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