Leading microinverter manufacturer Enphase Energy says regional Australia has experienced a 453 percent year-over-year growth in microinverter based solar installations; ahead of city growth at 440 percent for the same period.
A microinverter is a small box containing electronics located on the back of or situated very close to a solar panel. Unlike a traditional string or central inverter that handles the output of multiple solar panels, a microinverter’s function converts the DC electricity produced by a single solar module.
Some of the advantages of microinverters include increased system availability, panel level monitoring and enabling increased design flexibility.
When it comes to these devices, Enphase microinverters rule the roost. The company has shipped more than 8 million units to date and is a recipient of a number of awards; including the 2014 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Leadership
Enphase says it has seen massive growth in demand for its products in regional and outback Australia. It lists the 10 fastest growing centers as being:
1. Gelorup (WA)
2. Armidale (NSW)
3. Trinity Park (QLD)
4. Devonport (TAS)
5. Woolgoolga (NSW)
6. Townsville (QLD)
7. Squeaking Point (TAS)
8. McLaren Vale (SA)
9. Warrnambool (VIC)
10. Chinchilla (QLD)
“In less than two years since Enphase established a direct presence in Australia, the demand for solar photovoltaic systems has strengthened significantly in regional and rural Australia. Regional Australia has experienced the most significant retail energy price shocks and this has spurred them toward adopting solar power,” said Nathan Dunn, Enphase Asia-Pacific Managing Director.
The company says households, small business and medium sized enterprises have been the main customers for Enphase microinverter based solar power systems, but larger enterprises are also taking an increasing interest due to the performance of the devices, their flexibility and monitoring features.
Enphase’s confidence in its products is such that the company offers a 25-year limited warranty – much longer than the warranty accompanying most string inverters.
In addition to its popular microinverter range, Enphase has its sights on the energy storage market. The Enphase Energy Management System combines the Enphase AC Battery, S Series Microinverter with bi-directional power line communications and smart Envoy-S communications gateway. The suite of products is expected to be available in Australia next year.
National solar provider Energy Matters intends offering energy storage solutions from companies such as Enphase when they become available. Those interested in battery storage system options can register for pre-release announcements from Energy Matters by clicking here.
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