Optimizers & Inverters

Enphase’s 3rd quarter results saw revenues at $78 million with an estimated $10 million sales shortfall due to a component shortage, as the company shipped 204 MW of inverters. Future speculation saw an international play on the IQ8, the SunPower partnership, and energy storage driving growth.

In a slow global solar market, SolarEdge grew total shipments 44% year-over-year, expanded its presence in the C&I market, and grew global sales. Margins did slip, and growth rates were slower.

The German inverter maker has joined forces with the Chinese battery maker after losing U.S. market share to SolarEdge. This follows BYD linking up with Kostal to optimize communication interfaces between inverters and storage applications.

The power electronics maker will buy 75% of Kokam’s shares for $88 million, with an intent to acquire the remainder thereafter. Strategic company acquisitions and close partnerships are characterizing this year’s inverter market, as companies seek to diversify and integrate storage systems and other technologies.

As the module level rapid shutdown requirements for rooftop solar come into play for 2019, multiple inverter manufacturers are moving forward with solutions.

The Chinese inverter maker says its products can handle the extreme temperature fluctuations at the site in the Southwestern Wyoming.

The HIT S-Series smart module is being launched via a collaboration between Panasonic and SolarEdge. The pair is aiming to boost the installation speed and total electricity output of solar modules. The initial unit noted is a 330W solar module.

The IQ8 will allow off grid solar power without the need for energy storage by instantly recognizing local load demands and meeting them with available solar-generated electricity.

The deal gives SunPower $25 million in cash and 7.5 million shares in Enphase. Enphase also gains access to SunPower microinverter IP, and rights to SunPower’s Equinox AC modules line.

The inverter and power optimizer maker showed 67% year-over-year revenue growth and shipped 985 MW of inverters but missed earnings projections by 2%.