SolarEdge posts 82% revenue growth, announces acquisition of Gamatronic
GAAP gross margin improved 4% year-on-year, while shipments grew by 345 MW in the most recent quarter. Through the acquisition of the U.S.-based UPS provider, the Israeli inverter supplier makes its first move outside of the pure-play solar sector.
SMA confirms guidance for 2018
In the first quarter, SMA saw its sales increase slightly, while EBITDA improved compared to the same period of the previous year. Net profit, however, was significantly below the level of the first quarter of 2017.
Mersen acquires Idealec, reports 50% growth for solar business
Through the transaction, the French industrial equipment manufacturer aims to strengthen its R&D capabilities, as well as its position in the power electronics market. In the first quarter, its solar-related business grew by around 50%.
Sungrow plans 3 GW inverter fab in India
Sungrow, the world’s second largest inverter supplier, according to GTM research, has announced plans to establish production facilities in India. The Chinese inverter company is aiming to strengthen its global delivery capability by setting up central and string inverter facilities in the state of Karnataka. The fab would be its first outside of China.
GCL-Poly creates JV to build new 20 GW mono ingot fab in China
The Chinese solar energy firm announces details of joint venture with the Qujing Municipal Government in China to build a 20 GW monocrystalline ingot facility in Qujing.
ABB taps Tigo for MLPE solution across its residential inverter range
The Swiss power electronics giant has announced that its UNO-DM-PLUS string inverters are now operationally compatible with Tigo’s DC optimization technology, which also offers module-level monitoring and rapid shutdown capability.
Global inverter shipments to grow just 2% in 2018
Global solar PV inverter shipment are expected to increase just 2% this year, to just over 100 GWac, GTM Research’s Scott Moskowitz tells pv magazine. He further reveals that Huawei knocked SMA off the top revenue spot in 2017, for the first time.
Record inverter shipments in 2017, three-phase string inverters overtake central for first time
According to the latest GTM Research statistics, global inverter shipments increased 23% in 2017, and revenues 11%, thus representing another record year. A market first, three-phase string inverter shipments overtook those of central inverters.
TÜV Rheinland exposes inverter, battery hacking vulnerabilities
Testing from TÜV Rheinland has revealed that PV inverters and battery storage systems are vulnerable to hacking. By changing system parameters, a hacker could potentially cause a battery system to corrode, “making it like a ‘bomb’.”
SMA reports record shipments, lower revenue
The German inverter maker sold 8.5 GW of solar PV inverters last year. Revenue, however, dropped by €50 million, while net profit remained flat at €30 million.
