SolarBridge Technologies has announced the launch of the SolarBridge AC Module System, a complete microinverter solution that enables the industry's first integrated AC modules with a full 25-year warranty.
The company is partnering with market-leading photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers to bring AC modules to market. Kyocera Solar and SunPower are two of these partners, with additional companies at varying stages of joint product development.
SolarBridge-enabled AC modules increase PV system reliability and energy harvest, while reducing installation costs as compared to traditional, DC-based systems with central inverters. The SolarBridge Pantheon microinverter and PV-DockTM replace today's junction box and are integrated directly onto the back of a solar module during module manufacturing.
"For solar energy to become truly mainstream among residential and commercial sites, installation and operating costs must come down, and energy harvest must go up," said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO, SolarBridge.
"Achieving this requires an advanced design that increases system reliability and uptime, and simplifies installation. The SolarBridge AC Module System is a groundbreaking solution that will contribute to the growth of solar as a viable, affordable renewable energy choice."
With the SolarBridge AC Module System, module manufacturers can now offer their networks of dealers and installers a complete and differentiated AC module solution, allowing them to qualify sites that otherwise are not suitable for solar due to shading or roof orientation.
The SolarBridge AC Module System is covered by 36 patents (15 issued, 21 pending) and comprises the SolarBridge Pantheon microinverter, SolarBridge PV-Dock, SolarBridge Power Manager and SolarBridge Power Portal.
SolarBridge Pantheon Microinverter: a low-profile, DC to AC power conversion device mounted on the back of the PV module
+ Integrated during module manufacturing
+ Backed by a 25-year warranty
+ Module-level maximum power point tracking (MPPT) improves energy harvest up to 25 percent with 95.5 percent efficiency
SolarBridge PV-Dock: a plug-and-play docking station for the Pantheon microinverter
+ Enables drop-in integration of the Pantheon by the module manufacturer
+ Allows easy field serviceability
+ No exposed DC wiring; lowest DC resistance, highest efficiency
SolarBridge Power Manager: the on-site communications gateway
+ Continuously monitors PV system
+ Outdoor rated enclosure for flexible installation
+ Manages communications with the Power Portal and third party systems
+ Smart grid-ready
SolarBridge Power Portal: a web-based management system for installers, module manufacturers and system owners
+ Provides detailed visibility into every site's performance
+ Non-proprietary architecture supports extensibility and integration
+ Easy to customize and install
