The Fronius Tauro, a solar inverter for large-scale PV systems, has impressed in a life cycle analysis, exceeding environmental costs by a factor of up to 52. The test found that in ten months of use, the Tauro will produce more energy than was consumed to manufacture it.

Fronius’ sustainability experts spent eight months analysing the life cycle of the Fronius Tauro project inverter. Every step was examined, from the procurement of raw materials, through production and use, to disposal at the end of the product life cycle.

Even the smallest aspects were carefully considered in incredible detail, as Fronius International project manager, R&D, David Schönmayr explains: “We evaluated 960 components with 5,050 parts and even etched components in sulphuric acid to be able to determine the weight of the semiconductors and gold elements inside even more precisely.”

The 8,400 results in total were subsequently verified by the highly regarded IZM Fraunhofer institute in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.

“This is scientifically-proven sustainability. We deal solely with facts, because we want to know how we are doing and incorporate these results into future products,” David adds.

The Fronius Tauro is completely and fully repairable. Almost every part can be replaced, which also has a positive impact on service life. If, for example, a power stage set is replaced after ten years, up to 150kg of CO2 is emitted. With our competitors, the entire inverter would have to be replaced, resulting in many times more CO2 being released into the atmosphere. This unique power stage set replacement option provides the ultimate in convenience for Fronius customers while also being good for the environment.