Should you choose a central or string inverter for energy storage?

As markets and technologies for inverters grow, so does the importance of choosing between central and string inverters for energy storage projects. Typically, central inverters have been the standard for commercial and utility-scale energy storage applications.

Why are inverters important for energy storage projects?

Inverters also serve as the brains of an energy storage project, managing, optimizing and driving project performance and financial returns. The difference between central and string inverters, while simple, has profound implications for long-term project design, performance and safety.

What new inverters are coming to North America?

The lineup of new products released to the North American market includes the second-generation modular inverter for utility-scale PV projects; the next-generation PowerTitan 3.0, an AC Block BESS for large-scale energy storage applications; and the PowerStack 255CS BESS for commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage.

What does an inverter do?

An inverter turns the direct current (DC) output of a battery or solar panel into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses or to feed directly into the electrical grid. Inverters also serve as the brains of an energy storage project, managing, optimizing and driving project performance and financial returns.

Can a solar inverter create a microgrid?

Grid-forming capability. Inverters for solar PV are unidirectional, but string inverters designed for energy storage are bi-directional and some (such as those from LS Energy Solutions) have grid forming ability. This opens up the opportunity to create a microgrid.

Why do we need a battery inverter?

As the energy storage market becomes more competitive, so do demands for innovative, cost-effective inverter technologies. One response is to turn to off-the-shelf components, such as placing batteries in smaller enclosures along with associated air-conditioning and fire-protection systems.