Solar Inverter Shortage in Europe Means Fewer European Solar Power Installations

Europe has seen a very heartening growth in the use of solar energy. This is great news for Europe’s photovoltaic industry. However, solar arrays need to be able to convert the direct current electricity (DC) it produces into the alternating current (AC) used in the power grid that supplies electricity to homes and businesses. That conversion process relies on a device called a solar inverter, a device that is currently in short supply. Fewer inverters mean fewer installations – a situation that is causing concern among European solar power advocates.

The concern among solar technology professionals is great enough to warrant a photovoltaic inverter conference to be held in Germany on April 27. One issue that is likely to be addressed are the aggressive European manufacturing regulations.

Regulations notwithstanding, industry observers feel that the inverter shortage will be of short duration. Manufacturers of inverter components are actively developing more efficient products. Inverter manufacturers are also planning on stepping up their production over the coming months. Even the reduction of feed-in tariffs in some EU countries will help overcome the inverter shortage. In fact, renewable energy price supports planned for mid-summer may even turn what is now an inverter shortage into an inverter surplus.

More on inverters:

SMA America Introduces Central Inverter Ideal for Utility Scale Projects
Advanced Energy 500KW Solaron Inverter Appropriate for Outdoor Utility and Commercial Installations
SMA America Sunny Boy 3000HF-US Residential Inverter Saves Space by Fitting Between Wall Studs
Bonfiglioli Utility Scale Inverters that are Connected in System Blocks & are Maintenance Friendly

Source: cleantechnica