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NEWSREVIEW Microinverters slow to acceptance


USE OF disruptive technologies in the PV inverter industry grew strongly in 2010 with shipments of microinverters and power optimizers growing by well over 500%; however, they still accounted for less than 1% PV inverter revenues, according to IMS Research’s latest report on this emerging market. Although most shipments have so far been limited to only a few suppliers such as Enphase and SolarEdge which have seen success in the microinverter and DC-DC power optimizer markets respectively, there are now more than 20 suppliers now known to be active, and many more in ‘stealth mode’ and the market is forecast to more than double on average every year to 2015.


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According to IMS Research the market for microinverters and power optimizers is forecast to be worth over $1.3 billion in 2015. Then, prices for these disruptive technologies are predicted to be considerably lower than they are today, with the benefits of volume production achieved through OEM agreements.


residential installations. Uptake of microinverters in particular has been very slow outside of North America with installers in Europe still more confident in using string inverters“, commented Tom Haddon, PV Market Analyst at IMS Research and co-author of the report.


However in 2015, it is forecast that microinverter average prices will still be close to 50% higher than those of conventional inverters limiting their penetration to only 6% of the market.


IMS Research’s 2011 PV Microinverter & Power Optimizer report predicts that the growing supplier base and decreasing prices of the two disruptive technologies will drive growth. “Disruptive technologies such as microinverters and power optimizers claim to offer many benefits including greater yield, easier installation and improved safety and monitoring; but currently their higher prices and relative immaturity in the marketplace has restricted uptake, especially in non-


The new report from IMS Research found that, although the market is still incredibly young, several factors are likely to either enhance adoption of the technology or hinder it. A number of microinverter and power optimizer suppliers are known to be in active partnership discussions with module suppliers, to provide module- integrated solutions. It is predicted that 45% of microinverters and 40% of power optimizers will be shipped in combination with a module in 2015. “By partnering with module suppliers, microinverter and power optimizer suppliers gain access to a huge customer base and an established sales channel, present a better price proposition to customers, and also offer product differentiation to module suppliers.” added Haddon.


UK’s largest city centre solar PV system in Leeds


THREE leading Yorkshire companies are launching the largest city centre solar PV system in the UK at Clarence Dock Multi- Storey Car Park in Leeds. Town Centre Securities PLC, Rex Procter & Partners and GMI Renewable Energy Group have combined to install the solar photovoltaic system on the roof of Clarence Dock Car Park, adjacent to the Royal Armouries.


The system supplies around 15 per cent of the car park’s electricity and, at the same time, returns over 10 per cent on the investment cost. It will also save 55,000 kg in CO2 emissions a year. The solar PV system was chosen for a number of its attributes, including non-penetrating mounts, greater installed system size, easy mobility and simple maintenance. The project used the existing waterproof car park surface, which was painted white to reflect the sun’s energy.


Ben Ziff, Managing Director of Town Centre Car Parks (TCCP) commented: “The addition of the solar system on our car park links in perfectly with our


approach of striving for new innovative ways to improve our business within a sustainable environment. Renewable energy schemes are very much part of our business model at TCS and TCCP.”


Mr Ziff added: “We have recently set up two new businesses, TCS Renewable Energy and TCS Solar Limited, and these will be used to identify assets where TCS PLC wants to invest in renewable energy on existing real estate and car park assets already owned by the firm”.


The renewable energy system at Clarence Dock will generate around 2,450,000 Kwh of electricity over the 25-year feed- in-tariff period, making them an excellent investment both financially and environmentally. A total income of £1.25m will be generated from the feed in tariff and save around £250,000 in electricity purchase costs, based on current energy prices.


Jarrod Best, Managing Director of Leeds based GMI Construction and GMI


Renewable Energy, explained: “The system at Clarence Dock is a fantastic example of how solar pv systems can bring benefits to organisations on many fronts. Backed by years of construction experience and specialist knowledge of the renewable energy market, GMI works closely with clients to give them peace of mind. They are not just purchasing a product; they are making a longer term investment and providing a tangible solution that substantiates their green credentials.”


Stuart Kirk, Director of Building Services at Leeds, Bradford and London based Rex Procter & Partners, said: “This solar array is a prime example of how we have linked our knowledge of building services technical solutions with the financial opportunities available within the UK Government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment. We are proud to have project managed this scheme, working with a client who is focused on carbon reduction and a contractor dedicated to delivering the best possible solution”.


www.solar-pv-uk.com Issue IV 2011


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