FIMER has launched two new platforms for the utility-scale PV sector, a high-power multi-MPPT string inverter and a modular conversion solution, both of which are designed to cater for both decentralised and centralised applications covering 100% of utility applications.

With the share of utility-scale applications increasing from over 55% in 2020 to almost 70% in 2022, string solutions have become a popular technology for the utility market as users look for reliable, flexible and high-power density solutions.

Thanks to its modular conversion, it offers a higher yield, minimal long-term risk and lower O&M efforts to achieve the lowest LCOE compared to a central solution.

The first of the new solutions, the FIMER PVS-350, is the most powerful and power-dense multi-MPPT string inverter in the solar industry, optimised for decentralised PV system architectures with a maximum efficiency of ɳMAX > 99% to ensure the highest energy yield.

It also has the smallest footprint when compared to other similar products, and significantly reduces the risk of downtime that can occur with central inverters.

For centralised system architectures – which currently account for almost 40% of the market – FIMER is also launching PVS-260/PVS-300, a fully modular solution engineered with a single-MPPT string platform.

The single-MPPT system can easily replace central inverters in more traditional designs, significantly improving performance and lowering BoP costs, optimising the LCOE – achieving a 2.3% reduction on the LCOE of a modular conversion architecture compared to a central solution. It also has higher system availability, above 99.9% compared to 99.5% maximum from central solutions.

Additionally, the PVS-260/PVS-300 has a large capacity combined with a super-compact design single MPPT power block, to enable system designers to keep a ‘centralised’ system architecture if preferred. All power electronics are also concentrated nearby to the other critical AC power assets to simplify control and routine maintenance.

“With the utility sector predicted to grow significantly over the next few years, we wanted to offer a solution that maximises ROI on both conventional system architectures and all other emerging system arrangements including storage, while maintaining the essential values of modularity,” FIMER managing director of the utility line Maren Schmidt says.

“These unique-to-the-market solutions are truly ground-breaking platforms for the utility segment, as they are able to meet the needs of utility-scale customers now, as well as easily adapt to and integrate with technologies in the future.”

FIMER chairman Filippo Carzaniga adds that it’s a rapidly growing market: “As a result, FIMER recently announced plans to create a dedicated Research & Development Centre in Italy for utility. As part of this commitment to R&D, we have exciting launches planned later this year, which will bring more innovation to the market.”