1. High Density and High Efficiency
With the declining costs and increased localization of third-generation wide-bandgap semiconductors, inverters are progressively incorporating Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices. Enhanced by advanced control algorithms, increased computing power, and novel thermal packaging technologies, these changes will significantly boost the power density and efficiency of equipment. Sungrow was at the forefront of commercializing SiC devices in PV inverters. In 2021, the company introduced the 1500V string inverter SG350HX, marking a pioneering move with the adoption of 2000V SiC devices.
2. Development of High-Voltage and High-Power Systems
Over the past decade, inverter single-unit power has undergone a major improvement cycle every 2-3 years, with DC voltage moving toward 2000V. Sungrow deployed the world’s first 2000V DC PV system in China’s Shaanxi province, reducing Balance of System (BOS) costs by over 0.04 yuan (USD cent 0.55) per watt compared to 1500V systems, setting a new industry benchmark for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
3. Grid Forming
As renewable energy penetration increases, grid-forming technologies are becoming essential to ensure a flexible, reliable, and resilient power system. Since 2006, Sungrow has been at the forefront of grid-forming technology research, honing core capabilities such as flexible inertia support, wide-frequency oscillation suppression, enhanced continuous high/low voltage ride-through, microsecond-level voltage construction, adaptive harmonic management, rapid off-grid debugging, seamless switch between on-grid and off-grid modes, and gigawatt-scale project black-start technology. Sungrow has abundant global grid-forming practices, providing customized solutions tailored to diverse grid conditions, ensuring grid safety and stability worldwide.
4. Digitalization and AI Empowerment
Digitalization and AI are revolutionizing the entire lifecycle of PV plants, boosting both reliability and operational efficiency. Sungrow has utilized advanced AI training techniques for inverters to create a sophisticated AI-driven battery management system.
This system constantly tracks and analyzes multiple parameters of battery cell states, such as temperature, current, voltage, and pressure. By doing so, it enables real-time health assessments, offers early alerts for cells showing signs of potential issues, and prevents the onset of thermal runaway, significantly improving the safety and performance of PV installations.
5. Secure and Reliable Systems
Dr. Zhao noted that a 30-year system design lifespan is set to become a new trend and standard for future inverters. He outlined more than a dozen advanced designs and technologies integral to system security and reliability, including modular design, multi-tier active fault alarms, arc detection, and shutdown mechanisms.
In addition, Sungrow invested in two large-scale, real-world energy storage system burn tests, each costing over 10 million yuan (approx. USD 1.4 million), to affirm the safety of its liquid-cooled energy storage system PowerTitan series. These tests safeguard personnel, assets, and operational safety, setting a new safety benchmark for the energy storage industry.
