Full SiC 1500V PV Inverters are 99% Efficient

GE has unveiled its LV5+ 1500V PV inverters which are the first multi-MW utility-scale inverters based completely on SiC power electronics. Other features of the LV5+ inverters include; Robust air cooling system with air-to-air heat exchangers instead of filters, for hot and harsh environments; SiC MOSFETs; and GE Predix ready with advanced diagnostics for optimal performance monitoring. These 250kW inverters have a maximum current rating of 3000A. They include Ethernet, Modbus, TCP communications capabilities and have an operating temperature range of -20 to +50 degrees C.

Enabling the renewables industry to gain in efficiency while lowering the cost of electricity, GE's SiC technology promises unprecedented power conversion efficiency levels. SiC is the defining feature of GE's latest LV5+ Series Solar Inverter, which increases the power conversion efficiency to 99 percent weighted European Union level (EU level). Higher power conversion efficiency means more annual energy production (AEP) from the same renewable energy resource. The efficiency increase is equivalent to US$2.5million additional energy generation over the lifetime of a 100MW solar plant.

Higher part load efficiency of LV5+ Solar Inverters helps to produce more energy even in regions with suboptimal irradiation profiles. The filter-less air-to-air heat-exchanger system enables the LV5+ Solar Inverter to enjoy a simpler design and high reliability. This can translate into OPEX savings of approximately US$300,000 over the lifetime of a 100-MW power plant.

In addition to the new inverter solution, GE also announced its new LV5+ E-house Solution with the SiC inverter sitting at its core. The LV5+ inverter will be sold as a standalone product or as a complete BOS system, called the Solar E-house solution. The E-house solution installs the entire solar skid into a container, providing the base and protection for the equipment, and saving logistic cost. Its "sleep feature" smartly disconnects transformers at night, eliminating no-load losses which can provide customers US$800,000 of savings over the lifetime of a 100MW solar plant.

As it is operated in a highly controlled way, stress on the system is minimized, which help equipment achieve a longer lifespan. The pre-assembled and pretested solar container (the “E-house”) requires minimal field work during installation on-site, which greatly reduces risk and time needed during commissioning.