Mitsubishi Electric (MIE1.F) has introduced two photovoltaic (PV) inverters for the North American market: a 100 kilowatts (kW) model and a 250kW model. This will make the company the first Japanese manufacturer to enter the North American large-scale PV inverter market.
The inverters will be marketed in the United States by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., headquartered in Cypress, Calif.
Inverters are an essential part of a PV system, converting DC
electricity generated from solar cells into AC electricity for power
grid use. Higher efficiency PV inverters allow for reduced system costs.
“Solar installation companies and system integrators will benefit from our entry into the North America inverter marketplace,” says Gina Heng, general manager for Mitsubishi Electric’s Photovoltaic Division. “Now they will be able to buy both PV modules and high-efficiency inverters from the same manufacturer, making purchasing, installation and maintenance easier.”
Mitsubishi Electric says its PV inverters use the gradationally-controlled inverter technology and a transformer-less specification which reduces voltage loss and decreases the weight of the inverter. The products are designed for indoor and outdoor use, including desert environments, areas with limited-access and other locations with severe conditions.
The 100kW model is scheduled for an October 2010 launch and the 250kW model scheduled for April 2011.
SMA Solar Technology AG (S92.F) and Satcon Technology Corporation (NASDAQ CM: SATC) are currently two of the leaders in the production of solar inverters. Both companies recently announced plans to expand production.
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