To keep pace with evolving technological trends in utility-scale PV installations, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), grid-forming capabilities, scalability, and enhanced safety features, global solar developers are increasingly shifting from centralized megawatt-scale inverters to modular and scalable solutions. Some are also adopting high-capacity string inverters. 

In response to this shift, Sungrow, a renowned Chinese provider of PV inverters and energy storage systems (ESS), unveiled its latest 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter for utility-scale applications at the recently concluded Global Renewable Energy Summit 2025. The advanced capabilities of this new solution fall under 4 key categories: Scalability, Durability, Protection, and Grid Adaptability. 

Scalability 

The 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter features individual modules with a capacity of 0.8 MW, scalable up to 9.6 MW by connecting 12 units in parallel, offering greater modularity than its predecessor. Unlike traditional centralized inverter designs, each module’s split architecture isolates critical components, such as Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) and capacitors, in the upper inverter section, allowing for quick field replacements. According to Sungrow, this design reduces plant downtime and mitigates generation losses by cutting O&M time to just one hour for a single module swap. 

Additionally, AI-powered diagnostic functions accelerate troubleshooting by providing real-time fault identification, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inspections. 

Durability 

To ensure stable operation without derating, even in extreme conditions such as temperatures up to 52°C, the inverter integrates high-power-density semiconductors, a high-efficiency heat exchanger, and a dual-cycle thermal management system. 

To withstand environmental stressors like dust and heat, the unit features an IP66-rated enclosure, advanced heat dissipation technology, and a self-cleaning air duct system. 

Protection 

Sungrow emphasizes safety with its AI-driven DC-side safety management system, designed to mitigate fire risks caused by common faults like short circuits, arc faults, or terminal overheating. 

Upon detecting an arc fault, the system's dual arc protection mechanism disconnects the faulty circuit via the associated combiner box within 40 ms, effectively reducing fire risk. Additionally, other combiner boxes in the same block shut down synchronously using inverter cluster control technology, preventing fault propagation. 

To address terminal overheating, a high-precision temperature monitoring system continuously scans the inverter, enabling early intervention. 

Grid adaptability 

Grid adaptability is a key function of any utility-scale inverter. The 1+X 2.0 is compatible with both DC- and AC-coupled PV+storage configurations. However, the company notes that its DC-coupled configuration is more efficient and cost-effective compared to its AC counterpart. 

The inverter is equipped with advanced grid-forming technology, helping it meet the rising demand for grid-forming capabilities in utility-scale PV+BESS projects. In the event of a grid fluctuation, it provides inertia-like support in under 5 ms, helping stabilize frequency. It can also adapt to transient overvoltages up to 1.8 times the nominal voltage, maintaining system stability. 

Furthermore, Sungrow highlights that the inverter’s grid-forming ability eliminates the need for diesel generator (DG) sets during construction, as it can form a microgrid within or across multiple inverter blocks. The company shared a case study of a 1 GW project in the Middle East that leveraged this feature to achieve grid connection 30 days ahead of schedule, resulting in $2.9 million in additional revenue and significantly reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). 

Other features 

Among the other features of the 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter are more PV modules per string design, MPLC advanced communication technology, larger block designs, intelligent medium voltage disconnection, and more flexible O&M. 

Lee Zhang, Vice President at Sungrow, commented, “The 1+X 2.0 represents a paradigm shift for the utility-scale solar market.” He added, “From deserts to mountains, it empowers our customers to push boundaries while delivering outstanding returns on investment. We’re proud to drive the energy transition forward with solutions that marry innovation with sustainability.”