By far the most entertaining expert panel of the conference was on system optimization. The title of the discussion was "Power Optimizers - the way to maximized energy yield and high rates of return?" Panelists were:
Ralph Nolte, National Semiconductor (maker of SolarMagic power optimizer chip)
Lior Handelsman, SolarEdge (maker of combo power optimizer/inverter)
Bernd Neuner, Tigo Energy (maker of power optimizer module)
Andreas Umland, SMA (world's largest mfr of traditional inverters)
Bent Sloth Lave, Danfoss (traditional inverter mfr)
Alaa Mohd, Enecysys (maker of microinverter)
Here's a brief synopsis of how it went down:
1) National Semi - We make reference designs that you can put into your panel, microinverter, junction box, inverter, or charge controller to make the system smarter and safer. We've tested increases in system efficiency from 62% to 82%. We are the most flexible.
2) Tigo - We offer centralized brains that connect to dumb agents at the panel. Compensation of impedance mismatch provides more power, active monitoring reduces O&M costs, and remote output control offers increased safety. We are the most innovative.
3) SolarEdge - Our solution offers maximum shading tolerance with a total system cost (power optimizer and inverter) similar to cost of traditional inverter alone. We are the most cost effective.
4) Enecsys - Our microinverters use thin film capacitors rather than electrolytic, providing more reliability. Dealing with AC on microinverters is safer than dealing with high voltage DC on string inverters. We are the easiest to install and maintain.
5) Danfoss - There are three types of MPPT inverters: central, string, and module level. We've done our own outdoor testing to compare efficiency of inverters with and without power optimization. Under no shadow conditions, power optimizers reduce overall yield. Under shadow conditions (tree, pole, chimney) the yield is the same. You guys all suck.
6) SMA - Including power optimization in the plant increases Total Cost of Ownership, raises the number of potential failure points, is harder to install and maintain. The money saved through improved yield doesn't offset this risk unless the installation is very heavily shaded. The value proposition doesn't make sense.
The audience was heavily in favor of the Goliaths, clapping heartily after SMA commented that the costs don't add up. One analyst asked why SMA seemed to be badmouthing microinverter technology after they had recently acquired OKE Services from the Netherlands: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/sma-enters-microinverter-biz-through-acquisition/
The answer was that they are keeping tabs on the "niche technology" but they don't expect it to become a major competitive threat.
We shall see. The DMPPT guys are certainly growing at a faster clip than the traditional inverter folks, but they are starting from a much smaller overall number. What do you all think?
Ralph Nolte, National Semiconductor (maker of SolarMagic power optimizer chip)
Lior Handelsman, SolarEdge (maker of combo power optimizer/inverter)
Bernd Neuner, Tigo Energy (maker of power optimizer module)
Andreas Umland, SMA (world's largest mfr of traditional inverters)
Bent Sloth Lave, Danfoss (traditional inverter mfr)
Alaa Mohd, Enecysys (maker of microinverter)
Here's a brief synopsis of how it went down:
1) National Semi - We make reference designs that you can put into your panel, microinverter, junction box, inverter, or charge controller to make the system smarter and safer. We've tested increases in system efficiency from 62% to 82%. We are the most flexible.
2) Tigo - We offer centralized brains that connect to dumb agents at the panel. Compensation of impedance mismatch provides more power, active monitoring reduces O&M costs, and remote output control offers increased safety. We are the most innovative.
3) SolarEdge - Our solution offers maximum shading tolerance with a total system cost (power optimizer and inverter) similar to cost of traditional inverter alone. We are the most cost effective.
4) Enecsys - Our microinverters use thin film capacitors rather than electrolytic, providing more reliability. Dealing with AC on microinverters is safer than dealing with high voltage DC on string inverters. We are the easiest to install and maintain.
5) Danfoss - There are three types of MPPT inverters: central, string, and module level. We've done our own outdoor testing to compare efficiency of inverters with and without power optimization. Under no shadow conditions, power optimizers reduce overall yield. Under shadow conditions (tree, pole, chimney) the yield is the same. You guys all suck.
6) SMA - Including power optimization in the plant increases Total Cost of Ownership, raises the number of potential failure points, is harder to install and maintain. The money saved through improved yield doesn't offset this risk unless the installation is very heavily shaded. The value proposition doesn't make sense.
The audience was heavily in favor of the Goliaths, clapping heartily after SMA commented that the costs don't add up. One analyst asked why SMA seemed to be badmouthing microinverter technology after they had recently acquired OKE Services from the Netherlands: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/sma-enters-microinverter-biz-through-acquisition/
The answer was that they are keeping tabs on the "niche technology" but they don't expect it to become a major competitive threat.
We shall see. The DMPPT guys are certainly growing at a faster clip than the traditional inverter folks, but they are starting from a much smaller overall number. What do you all think?
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