Although the COVID variant-related timing wasn’t optimal, Intersolar North America 2022 went on with strict vaccine, testing and masking requirements. The turnout was more sparse than pre-pandemic shows, but many big-name exhibitors as well as new entrants to the industry still showed off new products in the exhibit hall. The centerpiece of the show was the lively and raucous Solar Games competition, where classic rock played as teams worked to out-install each other.
A recurring theme from both the power electronic and energy storage manufacturers in Long Beach was the goal to be a one-stop-shop. Companies are now offering multiple products required for the solar + storage system instead of focusing on just one — whether that’s inverter manufacturers adding battery options or battery manufacturers adding energy management devices and smart circuits. It’s all about component compatibility and building brand trust for a full solar system these days.
Here’s a roundup of notable new products from the show in the inverter and storage space, as well as some other unique offerings. Come back tomorrow for editor Billy Ludt’s recap of the racking and mounting space, plus other interesting finds.
FranklinWH’s home power system
The WH stands for Whole Home, which makes sense for this new company working to provide a customizable home backup system for customers. FranklinWH presented a set of products that include an energy management device (aGate, on top) and LFP AC battery (aPower, on bottom) at Intersolar. The energy management device includes three smart circuits for battery backup.
SolarView’s augmented reality app
SolarView aims to help installers and developers show in real time what a solar installation will look like to a potential customer. The augmented reality app can show clients what batteries and inverters would look like on their home’s wall, and much more. In this demo, a carport was installed on the conference hallway, complete with cars underneath.
Got a solar VR proposal demo from @Solarview_Inc and wow was this cool. We put a carport in the hallway! pic.twitter.com/iphVMZUxmW
— Kelsey Misbrener (@SolarKelseyM) January 13, 2022
GE’s white-labeled inverter
GE decided to enter the residential solar sector through a new partnership with inverter and battery manufacturer GoodWe. GoodWe has created two inverters for GE, both of which can be paired with batteries. Although both are a unique “champagne” color, one is a DC-coupled “hybrid” inverter and one an AC-coupled inverter.
Discover Battery’s rack-ready battery
Discover Battery has focused on selling its AES lithium battery for five years, but is now introducing a new model with significant enhancements. The new Element battery is less than half the weight of the AES as well as more compact. The company’s upgraded battery management system, the Lynk II, serves as the central communication point between the batteries and inverters.
NEP’s high-power microinverters
Northern Electric Power (NEP) is trying to compete with Enphase in the microinverter space by creating a product that’s bigger and tougher to better withstand the elements. The company’s EQ800 dual-module microinverter is also compatible with higher-power panels and can harvest up to 400 WAC per panel.
hyCLEANER’s solar cleaning machine
A German company has made a solar cleaning machine that can support wide rooftop arrays that aerial lift cleaners can’t reach. The auto-driving machine is operated by a worker with controls, but is equipped with edge-detection technology that automatically stops it from potentially disastrous falls over carports and rooftops.
German company hyCLEANER has a modular, auto-driving solar cleaning machine with edge detection technology to avoid accidents on carports or rooftop arrays. This machine can clean solar projects that aerial-lift cleaning machines can’t. pic.twitter.com/bY65hqdoMW
— Kelsey Misbrener (@SolarKelseyM) January 13, 2022
CPS America’s utility inverter skid
CPS America unveiled its 4.17-MW utility inverter skid at Intersolar. One cluster of this product includes three inverters and one AC combiner. Reps say this inverter can crank out higher power at actual plant operating temperatures than its competitors.
Be sure to follow Kelsey and Billy on Twitter for more updates from the show floor!
“A recurring theme from both the power electronic and energy storage manufacturers in Long Beach was the goal to be a one-stop-shop. Companies are now offering multiple products required for the solar + storage system instead of focusing on just one — whether that’s inverter manufacturers adding battery options or battery manufacturers adding energy management devices and smart circuits. It’s all about component compatibility and building brand trust for a full solar system these days.”
BINGO! The industry has arrived at the comprehensive system for home or business energy generation, storage and (control). One can buy a system that can be programmed to meet their needs and not “rely” on doing their daily “chores” around some electric utility TOU rate spiking period(s), squeeze every electron out of every photon you harvest every day for your benefit, not the utility’s benefit.