At the leading PV trade fair, SolarMax presents new inverter and self-consumption solutions
Biel, May 20, 2014 – Self-consumption and energy storage devices are again the central topics of this year’s European photovoltaics trade fair, Intersolar. The Swiss inverter manufacturer Sputnik Engineering (SolarMax) will exhibit the P series inverters optimized for self-consumption with new energy flow control features and provide information on the new three-phase TP series inverters for private PV power plants, as well as the future P-Battery upgrade kit for energy storage device connection. Furthermore, SolarMax will present the HT series for commercial and industrial power plants and innovations for monitoring and communication solutions.
SolarMax string inverters increase self-consumption
SolarMax’s P series (2-5 kW) has been upgraded for self-consumption optimization. Beginning in June, a new I/O module version and new device software will be available. These will make it possible to connect external energy counters using an S0 interface in order to intelligently control additional large-scale electrical loads in the household. The integrated energy management system can be configured using the MaxTalk software. It is possible to define when the energy is to be used for operating a heat pump and when it is to be fed into the grid. Thus, customers will be able to noticeably increase their share of self-consumed PV energy at nearly no additional cost.
The new, three-phase SolarMax TP series (4-7kW) is also developed specifically for the needs of private PV power plants. Equipped with two MPP trackers and a broad input voltage range, it is specifically suitable for power plants with east-west orientation in the range between 6-10kWp. In order to further optimize electricity self-consumption, this series will also be equipped with advanced interfaces, integrated energy flow control features, and a direct connection to a free plant monitoring system. Thanks to the three-phase feed-in, the TP series meets the increasingly higher requirements of local grid operators for connection of small-scale PV power plants. Beginning in the 4th quarter of 2014, the first devices will be available.
Both series are complemented by the MaxView monitoring solution. MaxView is a new app for mobile terminal devices and can also still be used via a web browser. As a new feature, the output values, energy yields, and energy consumption can be retrieved at intervals of 15 minutes. In this way, MaxView is the ideal solution for monitoring the proper operation of PV power plants at no cost and independent of location.
SolarMax storage solutions
The P-Battery upgrade kit will make it possible to retrofit a battery interface on all P series devices (now already “battery ready”) in the future. At the Intersolar, SolarMax will demonstrate the simplicity of retrofitting and what fitters must take into consideration. At the beginning of next year, the first P-Battery systems will be launched for private PV power plants, consisting of a SolarMax P series, including upgrade kit, an energy management system, an energy storage device (lithium iron phosphate battery), and the entire wiring. In order to minimize the energy drawn from the public grid, the entire system will provide a battery capacity of 7.2 kWh.
String inverters for commercial and industrial power plants
The new HT string inverters are suitable for implementing cost-optimized systems with high levels of availability and efficiency in order to achieve a good return even with reduced feed-in tariffs. In particular, the high output density and compact dimensions of the inverters make it possible to minimize the required installation surface, simplify AC wiring, and reduce the installation costs. The HT series offers string inverters in models with 4 MPP trackers and 30 kW and/or 32 kW output (30HT4 / 32HT4) as well as with 2 MPP trackers and 32 kW output (32HT2). If external DC switch units and surge arresters are required, the 32HT2 connection box is a cost-optimized installation variant. Moreover, the HT series inverters are equipped with the latest communication solutions, meaning they can also be monitored using the MaxView portal. The first HT inverters will be launched in June, as announced.
The entire SolarMax portfolio will be presented at the Intersolar Europe Munich from June 4 to June 6, 2014. You will find us in hall B3 / booth 110.
About SolarMax
Sputnik Engineering AG, a Swiss company, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of grid-connected solar inverters. Under the brand name of SolarMax, the company has been developing, producing, and selling inverters for every area of use for more than 20 years – from photovoltaic systems on detached houses with moderate kilowatt output to solar power plants whose output is measured in megawatts. The inverter is a key component of a PV plant, transforming the generated direct current into grid-compliant alternating current. 20 years of experience are reflected in the Swiss quality, highest efficiency, reliability, and durability of the SolarMax products, to name just a few of their advantages. Furthermore, the company offers its customers excellent international support in after sales, comprehensive warranty services, and intelligent solutions for system monitoring.
SolarMax is positioned internationally and currently has approx. 300 employees at its headquarters in Switzerland and its branch offices worldwide.
