Solutions for solar energy systems
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Leading products for end-to-end solar power solutions
One of the biggest challenges facing the renewable sector is the need to balance supply and demand. The power supplied by photovoltaic (PV) modules fluctuates heavily depending on weather conditions.
PV modules supply power in the form of direct current (DC). This has to be converted to alternating current (AC) before it can be fed into the grid and be either consumed locally or transmitted to the point of use. Solar inverters convert DC to AC.
Combining solar panels with energy storage systems is one effective way of synchronizing supply and demand. Efficient and reliable power semiconductors and inverter technologies are required to convert DC to AC and transmit the power with minimal losses. Depending on their implementation topologies, inverters fall into the micro-inverter, power optimizer, string inverter or central inverter categories.
Our portfolio comprises a broad selection of inverters ranging from just a few watts and kilowatts for residential use to several megawatts for the commercial and utility-scale markets. It includes best-in-class discrete OptiMOS™ , CoolMOS™ and CoolSiC™ MOSFETs and IGBTs as well as highly integrated 3-level Easy 1B/2B modules, functionally integrated EiceDRIVER™ gate driver ICs and XMC™ controllers. Backed by our end-to-end application expertise, we offer the best chip combinations to achieve leading power density levels and best-in-class efficiency. Our wide portfolio ensures the perfect match for a wide range of solar applications including residential, small and large commercial, and utility-scale deployments.
Learn more about PV inverter types in the interactive graphic below
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Solar
Micro inverter
Micro inverters perform power conversion at each individual photo-voltaic panel or multi-panel. These inverters are rated from 200 watts up to 1500 watts. Microinverters typically rely on two or three-stage power conversions.
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Solar
Power optimizer solutions
In multi-string inverter, string inverter is connected with several power optimizers at panel level or string level. Multistring inverters are rated up to 30 kW. Power optimizers offer similar benefits as micro inverters, but less expensive.
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Solar
String inverter
String inverters perform power conversion on series connected photovoltaic panels. Usually these inverters are rated around few kilowatts up to 200 kilowatts. String inverters typically come with Maximum PowerPoint Tracker (MPPT).
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Solar
Central inverter
Central inverters perform power conversion on multiple strings of solar panels, connected together. They are rated around 600 kW up to 3000 kW. Central inverter typically relies on Single stage power conversion.
The benefits of an optimal system solution
With CoolSiC™ MOSFETs, the power of a string inverter can be doubled at the same inverter weight. CoolSiC™ allows a power density increase by a factor of 2.5, e.g. from 50 kW (Si) to 125 kW (SiC) at a weight of less than 80 kg, so it can be lifted by two installers. Furthermore, the efficiency reduction at high operating temperatures is significantly lower compared to a Si solution. You can achieve a maximum efficiency of over 99% by using CoolSiC™ MOSFET solutions from Infineon.
New whitepaper: Silicon carbide MOSFETs for next-level power density in solar and energy storage
The latest generation silicon carbide semiconductors and CoolSiC™ MOSFETs enable a significant increase in power conversion efficiency in solar power generation systems and associated energy storage. Read more about these applications and how lower loss not only saves energy, but also results in smaller and lighter equipment with lower capital, installation, and maintenance costs.
Application presentation: Exploiting the unlimited potential of Solar energy
This presentation gives you an overview of topologies, technological trends, and requirements of solar applications. Find out more about our offering for each inverter type – from the microinverter to the central and string inverter. Check our recommendations for your application, and you get your customized module in a five-month timeframe.
On-demand webinar: From solar and wind to energy storage
In the webinar, you will gain insight into renewables and the emerging applications of energy storage. Learn more about application trends and requirements, and understand Infineon's solution offerings for these applications.
Let’s learn more about how solar inverters work, from the ones we have in our houses, to the ones that are applied in major factories. We will also see how Infineon innovates in power semiconductors for solar inverter technology and how that can help with reducing costs and time to market.
Get know recent trends in 1500 Volt PV system, challenges and technical and gain educated comprehensive solution for the 1500 Volt PV market.
Let the sun shine with Infineon’s new 2300 V PrimePACK™ 3+ module for 1500 V PV central inverters. In this training, you can get to know them.
Take this course to learn about the multilevel inverter demo board, targeting applications where efficiency and power density are critical.
