The solar industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with string inverters playing a pivotal role in this evolution. In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with John Drummond, the Senior Applications Engineer at CPS America, to explore the advancements in string inverter technology and how they are shaping the future of the solar industry.
Drummond shares his extensive experience, tracing his career journey from the early days of renewable energy to his current role at CPS America. He delves into the critical changes that have enabled the rise of string inverters, such as the shift to ungrounded (transformerless) inverters and advancements in IGBT module technology that allows for faster more efficient switching. These innovations have led to string inverters becoming lighter, more efficient, and capable of providing a host of grid services to support the stability of the electrical grid.
The discussion explores how string inverters have evolved to become sophisticated "computers" that can dynamically inject reactive power, maintain voltage and frequency stability, and even ride through grid disturbances – features that are now required by national standards. Drummond also highlights CPS America's commitment to customer service and their collaborative approach to product development, ensuring their solutions meet the ever-evolving needs of the industry.
Furthermore, Drummond provides insights into the growing importance of utility-scale string inverter solutions, such as CPS America's flagship 275 kW inverter and their innovative 800V Breaker Box. These advancements are driving down costs and improving the efficiency of large-scale solar projects, paving the way for even greater deployment of renewable energy.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the transformative journey of solar inverter technology and the pivotal role it plays in the energy transition. Prepare to be enlightened and inspired as Drummond shares his deep expertise and CPS America's vision for the future of the solar industry.
Key Takeaways
1. Evolution of String Inverters: The episode highlights the significant advancements in string inverter technology, driven by changes in regulations (ungrounded PV systems) and improvements in component technology (IGBT modules).
2. Grid Services and Smart Inverter Functions: String inverters have evolved to become sophisticated "computers" that can provide vital grid services, such as voltage and frequency regulation, reactive power injection, and grid disturbance ride-through.
3. Flexible and Scalable Solutions: CPS America has designed its string inverter products to be highly flexible, allowing for both distributed and centralized architectures to cater to diverse applications, from small community solar to large-scale utility projects.
4. Utility-Scale Innovations: The discussion covers CPS America's development of high-power, high-voltage string inverter solutions, such as the 275 kW inverter and the 800V breaker box.
5. Customer-Centric Approach: CPS America's strong focus on customer service, transparency, and collaborative product development is highlighted as a key differentiator.
6. Industry Transformation: The episode provides a broader perspective on the remarkable transformation of the solar industry, from the early days of limited adoption to the current era of rapid growth and technological advancements in inverter technology.
Introduction to John Drummond and CPS America - 0:00 - 5:48
The Rise of String Inverters - 5:48 - 8:48
The Emergence of Smart Inverter Functions - 8:48 - 21:55
Advancing Utility-Scale String Inverter Solutions - 21:55 - 28:05
Flexibility and Scalability of CPS Products - 28:05 - 35:09
CPS America's Customer-Centric Culture - 35:09 - 37:59
The Role of Energy Storage and Batteries 37:09 - 44:51
Working with CPS - 44:51 - 49:10
Conclusion 49:10 - 53:32
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
