Siemens, a supplier of transmission, distribution and smart grid solutions, launched Sinacon PV a new generation of photovoltaic (PV) central inverters with an output up to 5,000 kVA. The inverter is part of the Siemens’ new electrical Balance of Plant (eBoP) solution for PV power project installations. Sinacon PV inverters will be locally produced and manufactured at Siemens’ Kalwa plant near Mumbai for the domestic market as well as for export.

Harald Griem, Executive Vice-President and Head of Energy Management, Siemens Ltd, said, “Siemens is committed to partner with the government in its endeavor to increase the use of clean energy sources. The National Solar Mission of the government aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy. Siemens aspires to contribute to this with local value-addition in line with Make in India.”

Siemens in addition to the inverter manufacturing also intends to setup a local assembly of medium voltage inverter stations. The new Siemens inverters and medium voltage inverter stations target large scale, ground mounted solar PV power plants, comprising of comprehensive eBoP solutions. The eBoP solution enables solar power to be intelligently integrated into the grid.

The Sinacon PV inverter is equipped with 3 level IGBT modules, has an outdoor design for harsh environments with fluid cooling and can operate up to 60°C ambient temperature.

According to Mercom’s India Q3 2017 India Solar Quarterly Market Update, as of September 2017, ABB was the top inverter supplier in India with ~5.1 GW of solar inverters supplied. SMA Solar, is the second largest supplier of solar inverters to India with over 3.3 GW. Other top inverter suppliers to India include TMEIC, Hitachi, Schneider Electric, and Huawei.

Image credit: By Rufus46 (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons