Direct Grid Technologies Introduces 480W Micro-Inverter, Reducing Number of Conventional Micro-Inverters Required by 50%
Direct Grid announced the development of a new dual-module 480W micro-inverter product. The Gemini Series micro-inverter allows photovoltaic design engineers to utilize half the number of micro-inverters in an array, when compared with conventional 1:1 micro-inverter designs, by connecting two modules per Gemini micro-inverter.
Direct Grid states that it is extending its industry lead in total power density by offering a market leading "utility grade" micro-inverter, 240VAC, 60Hz with a maximum output of upwards to 530W. While the Gemini was designed for the ultra-rigorous physical and power level requirements of the utility sector, it is also embraced by the commercial/industrial market, due to the obvious economic advantages of only having to purchase 50% of the micro-inverters for a given design. Initial certifications on the Gemini Series include compliance to UL1741/IEEE1547/CSA for the North American market.
With the Gemini series, the highest power commercial or residential solar modules can be easily connected to the unit in pairs, without any concerns of power limiting. Additional benefits include deployment of fewer modules to achieve desired ac harvest, lower line losses, lower installation costs and higher system reliability – all without significantly detracting from harvest gains associated with individual maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Additionally, unlike most competitive products, the Gemini Series micro-inverter is both frequency flexible and "self tuning" with regard to grid frequency, so it can serve both 50Hz and 60 Hz grid-tied application segments.
"Enabling customers to gain the overwhelming majority of the known advantages of a distributed inverter topology, while cutting the cost in doing so by such a substantial margin, turns Gemini into a disruptive innovation for the market," said Direct Grid Technologies’ CEO, Scott Landstrom. "Not only do customers love the idea of using half the micro-inverters to build out the array, but Direct Grid also enables customers to use the higher power modules now available in the industrial market. We have been told that the market is tired of MI solutions that simply "clip" the peak power output of these higher power modules, throwing away valuable energy output that could obviously be utilized. The message from the market is clear that LCOE must continue to decrease, and the new Gemini product is a step-function leap forward in micro-inverter economic competitiveness."
Production of the Gemini Series is currently underway in the US and is ARRA compliant.
More news and information regarding the latest developments in Smart Grid electronics can be found at Darnell’s SmartGridElectronics.Net.
