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 the new centerpiece of the proven SMA Commercial Energy Solution. 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 single-source design ensures small to medium-sized businesses can accommodate future energy management and needs.

• High flexibility in system design with 3 MPP trackers
• 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 listings: UL 62109-1, UL 1699B Ed. 1, CAN/CSA 22.2 No. 62109-1:16 / 62109-2:16, PV Rapid Shutdown System Equipment in accordance with UL1741:2021

The SMA Sunny Highpower PEAK3-US-21 lineup of 1500VDC inverters has been robustly built to last 25+ years and yield full nameplate output under intense operating conditions, such as high ambient temperatures and high DC:AC ratios.  This makes the SHP PEAK3-US-21 inverter ideal for distributed generation ground mounts and large carports, Community Solar, Floating PV, Agri-voltaics projects and more.  Notably, the SHP PEAK3-FLEX-US-21, with its adjustable AC voltage, power and current, is an excellent candidate to Repower failing inverters and breathe new life into older sites.

kW range:

• SHP PEAK3 125 kW @480VAC
• SHP PEAK3 150 kW @600VAC
• SHP PEAK3 165 kW @630VAC
• SHP PEAK3 172 kW @660VAC
• SHP PEAK3 FLEX (52-172kva) @200-660VAC
  • Repower Solution for 600-1500VDC systems

(DC) Operating voltage range: 298-1500VDC, dependent on AC Voltage and Power class

No. of MPPTs / (Rated) MPPT voltage range:

• Single MPPT (bifacial module friendly)
• 705-1450VDC, dependent on AC Voltage and Power class

Max / CEC efficiency: 99.0%

DC:AC Design Ratios: 200%+ and up to 3000 full load hours

Full power up to 52C (125F)

25-year extendable warranty

UL listings: UL1741SB, IEEE 1547:2018, UL 1741-SA - CA Rule 21, HECO Rule 14H, UL 62109, UL 1998, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.62109

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 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 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 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

IQ8 Microinverters are UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and have more than 1 million cumulative hours of power-on testing. IQ8 also unlocks new backup power opportunities for customers and sales avenues for installers. In addition to providing sunlight backup for the first time ever, typical storage sizing and ratio restrictions no longer apply with IQ8. Installers can add a range of battery sizes to customers’ homes and expand their systems over time as needed.

• Grid-forming microinverter with proprietary microchip makes sunlight backup possible for the first time and eliminates constraints on battery sizing for home energy systems;
• Split-phase power conversion capability efficiently converts DC power to AC power;
• Included Q-DCC-2 adapter cable with MC4 connectors supports quick PV module connections;
• Warranty of up to 25 years;
• UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment.

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.

Key specs:

• kW range: 380-640 W
• Operating voltage range: 16 - 63
• of MPPTs / MPPT voltage range: 35.5–53
• Max / CEC efficiency: 5%

UL listings: Meets CA Rule 21 (UL 1741-SA) and IEEE 1547 (UL 1741-SB) requirements

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.

IQ8-HC

• kW range: 320 - 540 W
• Operating voltage range: 18 – 58 V
• of MPPTs / MPPT voltage range: 29.5–45
• Max / CEC efficiency: 0

IQ8X

• kW range: 320–540 W
• Operating voltage range: 25–79.5
• of MPPTs / MPPT voltage range: 43–60
• Max / CEC efficiency: 5

UL listings: Meets CA Rule 21 (UL 1741-SA) and IEEE 1547 (UL 1741-SB) requirements

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

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 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.

Get more power out of your solar panels with Schneider Inverter’s integrated optimizers. With 4 independent channels, systems are efficient, easier to install, and support complex PV arrays with multiple orientations. For home battery systems, the Inverter pairs with the Boost battery. The compatible Pulse electrical panel can be used to intelligently control what appliances use the battery power during a grid outage. This can extend the battery runtime up to 80% while maintaining flexibility for the homeowner to choose what to power on the fly. The inverter’s 200% surge capability means higher reliability backup power by better handling the initial surge of electricity that many appliances require when starting. The solar and battery systems can operate with dc or ac-coupled solar, and are compatible with generators for extended backup. Schneider’s 200 Amp rated Backup Controller is available in multiple configurations for easier installations and fewer boxes on the wall. Schneider Inverter will be available in H2 2023.

• 7 kW continuous backup power, 15.4 kW peak output power (10 sec)
• Easy installation and commissioning experience
• Easy integration with load control and management
• Flexible battery capacity with 10 to 30 kWh per inverter, or install as a battery-ready solar power system
• Rated for Indoor or Outdoor installations

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 Whole Home hybrid inverter is a powerful and versatile home energy storage solution on the market. The 15K-2P hybrid solar inverter is a complete whole home backup, supporting essential appliances like your lights, internet, and refrigerator, as well as large appliances like your air conditioner when your home has lost electricity. It can also power and charge your electric vehicles or generators and help reduce your monthly electricity bills.

The 15K-2P is capable of a full 15kW of AC output to power homes, and with a built-in 200A grid pass through, the Sol-Ark Whole Home has a faster, cleaner system installation because it doesn’t need additional gateways between the grid and your home’s service panel. It’s NEM 3.0 ready, with built-in TOU functionality, this inverter provides you with high power reliability for solar energy management, enhancing your home’s energy independence and resilience.

Key specs:

• Capacity kWh DC: 15kW
• kW range: 12kW – 144kW
• Operating voltage range: 150-500V
• of MPPTs / MPPT voltage range: 3, allowed amperage 26
• Max / CEC efficiency: 5, max- 97.6
• Operating Temperature: -25°C — 55°C; >45C = Derating
• UL listings: UL1741-2010/2018, IEEE1547a 2003/2014, FCC 15 Class B, UL1741SB, CA Rule 21, HECO Rule 14H

Sol-Ark introduced a line of three-phase hybrid inverters in light commercial 30K-3P-120/208V and industrial 60K-3P-277/480V. Both support 4 MPPTs for dc coupling, ac coupling, generators, UPS grade 200A 5ms auto transfer switch between grid/off-grid/generator, 12 parallel stacking, two independent high voltage batteries, and U.S.-based remote monitoring/control. Previously, 208V ESS applications had to use 480V inverters and massive transformers, wasting power and install time. Most previous C&I hybrids were for on-grid peak shaving or meter zeroing and lacked built-in transfer switches for grid forming. Sol-Ark 30K & 60K is an all-in-one, easy-to-install hybrid inverter for the C&I market.

• Native 3Phase 120/208V or 277/480V without a transformer
• Built in 200A 5ms Grid/Off-Grid/Generator transfer switch
• Built in 4 MPPT’s for DC Coupling & Simultaneous AC coupling
• Parallel stacking to 12 units
• US based remote monitoring/control

Sungrow’s new SG36CX-US features a fuseless, direct DC input design, utilizing Staubli MC4 Evo2 series connectors for ease of install and peace of mind. Additionally, with safety and reliability at the vanguard of its introduction, our new CX line includes an all-new external AC wiring box.

The Utility-scale turnkey product is the SG3600UD-MV.

• All in one, MV system, Block communication and AUX. power supply
• Reduces transportation cost, standard 20-foot sea-shipping container
• Plug & Play, Reduced installation cost and commissioning time
• 3-level Inverter technology, Inverter peak efficiency 98.9%, CEC eff. 98.5%
• Complies with UL 1741-SA and IEEE Std 1547^TM -2018
• Complies with latest NERC & FERC grid support requirements
• Reserved space for 3^RD party equipment, communication and tracker controller enclosures