Australia is used to droughts and one relating to solar power is causing headaches for consumers and solar companies throughout the country – a shortage of grid connect inverters.
A grid connect inverter is a crucial component of a solar power system. It converts DC solar panel voltage into mains type AC power; suitable for use in home and commercial applications and for exporting electricity to the mains grid.
Product lead-times in the inverter market have increased dramatically; affecting not only Australia, but also the European Union.
The inverter drought in Australia has its roots in several situations – some caused locally, others overseas.
The German government recently announced a significant reduction in the feed-in tariff for solar power in accordance with the German Renewable Energies Act (EEG). While the reduction was always going to occur, it was decided that it would come into effect much earlier – July 2010.
This generated a rush on solar panels and inverters, so that systems could be installed prior to the July deadline in order to take advantage of the higher feed in tariff rate.
Additionally, the world bouncing back from the global financial crisis and the rise in popularity of solar power as a result of consumer awareness and the growing number of subsidies and rebates available has seen demand for components increase considerably.
Inverter manufacturer SMA also recently announced issues with sourcing electronic components and semiconductors.
According to SMA’s Chief Sales Officer Marko Werner; “more and more promised deliveries are not being received and, consequently, our electronics manufacturing is falling short of necessary quantities.” SMA doesn’t expect sufficient supply of electronic components to become available until the second half of this year; so it’s been a pitched battle between local solar companies to acquire the levels of inverters they need to complete installations.
While SMA is one of the most popular inverter brands in Australia for grid connect solar power applications, the company’s situation is providing opportunities for other companies to establish a foothold in the country.
Xantrex Technology Inc. is one such manufacturer to benefit. The company is a subsidiary of Schneider Electric and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany and Spain, and a joint venture in China.
Already very popular in North America and Europe, Xantrex inverters are starting to appear increasingly in Australian installations, particularly the Xantrex GT 2.8 – an inverter developed by the company specifically for the Australian market.
While SMA’s situation is allowing for other quality brands such as Xantrex to become accepted by consumers in Australia, unfortunately components without a solid track record and of questionable quality are also appearing on the local market.
Consumers should carefully research any lesser known inverter brand they are offered as part of a home solar power system before signing contracts. While some of these inverters are certified for use in grid connect systems in Australia; they may not perform to the same level as the better known brands, or have undergone extensive trials in Australian conditions.
Some companies have also been known to install inverter brands that are yet to be certified in Australia, telling customers they’ll be able to switch the inverter on “soon” once certification is granted; therefore leaving those customers with a system they cannot use until that time.
Our professional solar installers in Melbourne will assess and determine your energy needs. We customise a solar panel system in Melbourne to fit the roof size of your property, ensuring you receive the most suitable solar panel system for your Melbourne home, meeting to property’s energy requirements.
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