Enphase Energy to unveil next-generation microinverter platform

PETALUMA, USA: Enphase Energy Inc., a leader in solar microinverter systems, will unveil its next-generation microinverter platform at booth #3809 at the Solar Power International 2010 Conference and Exposition on October 12-14, 2010.

The next-generation Enphase Microinverter achieves a CEC efficiency of 96 percent, a record for microinverter technology. In addition, the design of the new platform allows for direct integration into solar modules, enabling a new breed of "AC Module" products. The first products using the new platform will be available in the first half of 2011.

"Through deep know-how in system design, semiconductor integration and digital processing, we have succeeded in setting new standards for microinverter performance and design," said Martin Fornage, co-founder and chief technology officer, Enphase Energy. "These advancements are instrumental in accelerating the transition away from traditional centralized inverter technology."

Enphase defined the microinverter technology category in 2008 with the introduction of the world's first solar microinverter system. Since then, Enphase has shipped more than 400,000 microinverters, for more than 10,000 residential and commercial solar systems. A recent report by IMS Research predicted the microinverter market will grow more than 100 percent per year over the next five years, generating more than $1.5 billion in sales.

"AC Module" platform
In addition to its efficiency gains, the next-generation Enphase Microinverter delivers a platform for "AC Modules," or solar modules with integrated microinverters. The platform offers a simple connector that replaces the junction box and allows the solar module manufacturers to easily incorporate Enphase's field-proven microinverter technology into new "AC Module" product lines.

For solar installers, "AC Modules" save significant time and cost during the design and construction phases of a solar project. Specifically, an "AC Module" eliminates any need to install inverters, and it reduces the cost of wiring, grounding, fastening and other balance-of-system equipment.

"Solar installers and module manufacturers have always seen the value in the 'AC Module' concept, but they have been waiting for a trusted technology partner before investing in it," said Paul Nahi, CEO, Enphase Energy.

"Through partnerships with world-class module manufacturers, Enphase is enabling a new breed of 'AC Modules' that have been shaped by years of high-volume module and microinverter manufacturing experience and that embody field-proven product quality."

Enphase's "AC Module" partners will be announced in early October, before the Solar Power International conference. "AC Modules" will be on display in the Enphase booth during the conference. The first "AC Module" products using Enphase Microinverter technology will be available in the first half of 2011.