We are ready to give the answer at Energy Taiwan 2021 by presenting our most advanced products portfolio, among which three phase on-grid PV inverters PV-22000S-U and PV-30000S-U will be unveiled to the world for the first time.
(Taipei) The results for PV inverter shipments in the first half of 2021 have now been released. Competition is heated up this year with PrimeVOLT, a major inverter marker, snapping at the heels of Delta, another Taiwanese company. Chinese and other imported inverter brands were left in the dust, catapulting PrimeVOLT into 2nd place in a fiercely competitive market.
Reference site – Eon-solar Energy Co., Ltd.
PrimeVOLT is a local PV inverter manufacturer and the company has set a goal of 30% growth each year. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, customer delays and other variables this year, PrimeVOLT still managed to far exceed its goal of a 30% growth in shipment volumes in the first half of the year. While COVID-19, part shortages and rising part prices are set to bring new risks and challenges in the second half of the year, PrimeVOLT is still optimistic that its total shipments for the year will surpass its annual target.
A battle for supremacy is now taking place between string inverters and central inverters in the inverter market. Jimmy Chuang, General Manager of PrimeVOLT, states that while string inverters suffered from higher initial construction costs, central inverters have one fatal weakness: Any failure results in large-scale outages. Repairs are also difficult and may take anywhere from several weeks to two months to complete.
The development of solar power in Taiwan is now moving from roof-mounted systems to ground-based systems. Initially, some ground-based projects used the centralized model, but there has been a gradual shift to string inverters in line with international practice. PrimeVOLT is continuing to communicate with customers about the need to also look at material requirements, construction costs, future failure rates and operation & maintenance in addition to maximizing the power output of their system.
More and more projects are now turning away from central inverters to optimize overall generating performance and return on investment. Large, medium and small projects are now increasingly dominated by the string type. The full range of string inverter products offered by PrimeVOLT helped the company consolidate its position in the small and medium-sized market, making it the undisputed No. 1 in the rooftop market. Significant inroads have also been made in the large project market, giving PrimeVOLT a clear edge.
In the past, large projects may be enough to move a company several places up the market rankings, and vice versa. The increasing number of ground-based projects means that individual projects will have an even greater impact in the future. PrimeVOLT has been cultivating customers of all types over the years. Having accumulated up to 500 customers over the last decade, it does not rely on a single project site to keep up its numbers. The decision by many large ground-based projects to make PrimeVOLT their preferred supplier in recent years is of tremendous significance as well. (Yung-Chuan, Weng)
The Bureau of Energy, MOEA plans to increase PV installation power production to 20GW production by 2025, signaling the importance of solar energy when it comes to energy generation transition. In alignment with the government’s green energy policy, PrimeVOLT, a local inverter manufacturer in Taiwan, introduced a series of inverter product lines applicable to different installation environments ranging from rooftop models, large-scale ground usage models, in addition to models adept for use in harsh salt flats. These products are not only equipped with their unique advantages but also offer localized real-time operation and maintenance services.
PV inverters are divided into two main categories: string inverters and central inverters. PrimeVOLT is a top manufacturer specializing in the production of string inverters, with its own 3~75 kW inverter series featuring excellent performance in terms of corrosion resistance and the ability to operate in harsh environments such as places of high humidity. Aside from being implemented in the Penghu archipelago for over 5 years; PrimeVOLT’s inverters have also been applied in several large-scale salt flats in the central and southern Taiwan, as well as numerous reservoir projects, proving time after time that PrimeVOLT inverters deliver exceptional performance.
For the medium to large scale solar energy sites, PrimeVOLT introduced upgraded 60kW and 75kW Three Phase On-Grid PV Inverters in early 2020. The new inverter sets have inherited the one-piece aluminum die-casting case of previous models, passed IEC salt-fog tests, and solved corrosion & water penetration issues for its welded parts (which was a common problem among conventional inverters). Furthermore, the new inverter sets achieve an IP66 dust & water rating, ensuring optimal heat dissipation and operation in high temperature humidity environments, salt flats, or water body project sites.
Features included in the new inverter sets that are worth mentioning include the string detection and monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity, non-reliance on DC junction box. The new string inverters can directly connect to the machine and feature a built-in DC switch, a DC FUSE, and a lightning protector that can effectively help EPC manufacturers reduce the system construction costs.
The addition of string detection and monitoring can boost solar power plant maintenance and inspection. The advantage of string converters lies in enhanced modular designs, allowing for compact and light weight products. Each solar array row corresponds to one converter, minimizing impact caused by differences in a series connection and shade, etc. After string detection and monitoring functions have been installed, it assists maintenance personnel in system detection and problem determination if the module is affected by partial shade such as dirt, leaves or abnormal power generation issues occur. This reduces maintenance costs, improves efficiency, as well as the precision of power generation predictions and estimations.
The output voltage of PrimeVOLT 60kW three phase on-grid PV inverters is 380V, which can meet the voltage requirements of rooftop types and factory buildings. The 75kW three phase on-grid PV inverters meet the needs of the high-voltage power systems in parallel of medium and large-scale cases with an output voltage of 480V. PrimeVOLT General Manager Ching-Ming Chuang pointed out that 480V voltage complies with American standards, and the products are not only easily replaceable, but also offer high compatibility. For high-voltage power systems in parallel sites, it will help improve the overall efficiency of the project and reduce maintenance risks and costs.
Regarding the replacement 5-year converters, Ching-Ming Chuang commented on the numerous issues that appeared in the past two years, such as a major client hoping to replace special specification units, or a certain vendor being terminating its services in Taiwan leaving clients with no clear solutions. To better meet the needs of the consumers in Taiwan, PrimeVOLT strives to deliver product designs with features that are easy to replace offer downward compatibility.
rimeVOLT is one of the few Taiwanese manufacturers in the market with design, research and development capabilities. It has localized real-time services to meet customer needs and can provide professional consultancy services to work alongside clients in finding the right solution. Ching-Ming Chuang explained that the solar power projects require a service life of up to 20 years, during which PrimeVOLT will assist its clients in assessing the convenience and cost of maintenance. The PrimeVOLT team will also assist customers in communicating with electrical technicians and Taipower over technical matters, in addition to offering flexible designs and production performance. These services are rarely offered by other agent vendors.
“As for the outlook of the future,” Ching-Ming Chuang states, “the overall device capacity of Taiwan’s market has shown a downward trend this year due to policy uncertainties. However, PrimeVOLT will continue to grow at an annual rate of more than 20%.
From face-to-face sales, to product tests and participation in the Energy Taiwan convention, PrimeVOLT has gained prestige and is well received by the industry. To embrace future business opportunities born from Taiwan’s goal of achieving 14GW ground type PV installation by 2025, PrimeVOLT is prepared to make use of the anti-moisture and anti-salt fog protection features of its products to not only meet local needs but also to provide real-time technical support to safeguard the energy transition and ensure power generation quality.
News coverage: DIGITIMES
With its first opening on the 16th of October, the 2019 Energy Taiwan trade show attracts solar energy industry giants from around the globe. For this occasion, PrimeVOLT has introduced numerous flagship new PV Inverters, fully demonstrating the R&D and production capabilities of Taiwan.
Unprecedented turnout at the PrimeVOLT booth
Having been active in the solar energy industry for many years, PrimeVOLT took advantage of this opportunity to introduce 4 new single-phase PV inverters – 3kW, 3.6kW, 5kW, and HV-5kW. Aside from a significant improvement in efficiency, the new models are lighter in weight and more compact, bestowing more than 20% weight and volume reduction compared to previous models.
To satisfy the customer requirements of large-scale, land-based solar power plant in Taiwan, PrimeVOLT launched its 60kW and 75kW high power three-phase flagship PV Inverters, which have become the spotlight of the exhibition and impressed visitors so much. Following the launch of 40kW PV inverter in 2018, the new 60kW and 75kW PV inverters come with four MPPTs and are capable of maximizing power generation in each PV array, so that the entire power generation could be tracked and enhanced effectively.
Additionally, PrimeVOLT has implemented measures to ensure that no power loss occurs during reactive power compensation (PF0.9), preventing a decrease in PV inverter output while static VAR compensators are in operation. This feature guarantees steady income of PV power for each PrimeVOLT’s user.
Exclusive Aluminum die casting technique that withstood on-site testing
Differentiating from traditional PV inverter produced through welding of stainless steel and is therefore prone to erosion and water damage, PrimeVOLT PV inverter is manufactured using its signature aluminum die casting technology. Having acquired both IP65 (dust and water resistance) and IEC salt-spraying certification, the uni-body design ensures optimal efficiency even though the solar power plant is located in high salt spray and high humidity environment.
Offering the fastest and most comprehensive services, PrimeVOLT gains business opportunities
Apart from offering product that is 100% designed and manufactured in Taiwan, the PrimeVOLT team offers professional advice on the optimal capacity and complementary hardware requirements for the initial stages of power plant planning and works with customers in finding the optimal solution. PrimeVOLT’s expertise has earned widespread praise from customers over the years. In addition, PrimeVOLT elaborated local service network satisfies the needs of customers by providing on-site service within 48 hours from notice.
About PrimeVOLT
PrimeVOLT, a subsidiary energy company of Asian Power Devices Inc., is a leading photovoltaic inverter manufacturer in Taiwan. The PrimeVOLT team is a pioneer in the field of renewable energy in Taiwan. The motto – “cultivate locally, think globally”- best captures the spirit of the team which markets the name, PrimeVOLT, as a global brand. PrimeVOLT products have earned the ‘Golden Pin Design Award’ from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and are a first choice in the solar energy industry.
News coverage: Energy Trend
In order to achieve an accumulated capacity goal of 20GW by 2025, Taiwan’s government is actively promoting photovoltaic installation to further development. PrimeVOLT, a subsidiary company of Asian Power Devices Incorporated, has been an avid supporter of such cause. PrimeVOLT took advantage of its local service network as well as qualified products that are entirely made and designed in Taiwan. At the 2019 Energy Taiwan trade show, multiple portfolios of brand new PV inverters were launched, providing all new solutions to solve existing challenges. The show booth was seen having an unprecedented turnout of visitors.
Debut of Lightweight and High Efficiency PV Inverters
Active in the development of the solar energy industry for years, in Energy Taiwan 2019, PrimeVOLT introduced numerous PV inverters to the market, including the four single-phase 3kW, 3.6kW, 5kW, and HV-5kW. Aside from a significant improvement in efficiency, they now pack 20% less bulk and weight compared with previous products.
Meanwhile, PrimeVOLT also launched three-phase PV inverter with larger capacity. Since the launch of 40kW PV inverter in 2018, 60kW and 75kW three-phase flagship products have been introduced to the market. These PV inverters come with four MPPTs and are capable of maximizing power generation in each one of the PV array, resulting in an overall increase of efficiency in power generation.
PrimeVOLT’s new 60kW and 75kW Three-Phase Flagship PV Inverters
Whether single-phase or three-phase PV inverters, PrimeVOLT’s products were all designed with uni-body aluminum die-casting housing which, in contrast with conventional PV inverters with welded modular steel housing that is susceptible to erosion and waterproof damage, is of one-piece seamless design. PrimeVOLT PV inverters not only have sturdy housing but alsoIP65 certification. The fact that all PrimeVOLT’s products were certified by IEC salt-spraying tests which means that they are able to maintain the optimal operating efficiency even in adverse conditions like hot, humid environments, beaches, or areas adjacent to a water body.
In compliance with Taiwan governmental policies, all PrimeVOLT PV inverters have certified by VPC (Voluntary Product Certification) from the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection for the voluntary certification of the products. Additionally, PrimeVOLT has further enlarged PV inverter output capacity to make up for power losses when static VAR compensators are at work.
Normally, in trying to maintain stability of grid, all power generators must simultaneously supply both static and dynamic reactive power. The purpose of supplying static reactive power is to stabilize and maintain voltage during reactive power compensation so that the power system remains operational. However, reactive power compensation reduces power generation and incomes. PrimeVOLT General Manager, Chuang, Ching-Ming states: “To this end, PrimeVOLT has improved the designs of all products so that aside from meeting the requirement for reactive power control, sufficient power generation is achieved. In the case of the 40kW PV inverter, a total power output of 44.5 kVA can be achieved, even during the time of reactive power compensation. Such is guarantee that the actual power output can still be kept as maximum 40kW.”
The advantage of being a local company means the speediest and most complete service that’s available to customers.
For the future, PrimeVOLT will continue to bring new products to the market in alignment with future trends. There is a high likelihood of developing PV inverter with even larger capacity and a strategic positioning of the company in the large-scale, land-based solar power plant market. PrimeVOLT also plans to diversify sales by targeting the demand of PV inverter for various renewable energy sources and developing pertinent solutions.
With its cost-effective and reliable Taiwanese-made products, PrimeVOLT will offer locally oriented service to fulfil the needs of its customers. In the words of Chuang, Ching-Ming, “the PrimeVOLT team is able to advise customers on the optimal capacity and complementary hardware requirements in their initial stages of power plant planning; the team offers the needed expertise and will work with customers to find the optimal solution. The professional approach and customized service have garnered widespread praise in the industry.”
The Taiwan’s government is actively promoting solar energy development. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Green Energy Plan, the accumulated solar power capacity would be scheduled to reach 20GW by 2025. Idle watersides like beaches will be prime grounds for large-scale solar power plant development. Industrial power gobblers will be required to harvest a certain percentage of their power use from renewable energy sources. Power stations employing rooftop panels will also be in demand. In face of enormous market potential, PrimeVOLT’s entire PV inverter series offer excellent protection against humidity and salt-spraying. Being a 100% locally oriented company also allows PrimeVOLT to better serve the needs of local customers and provide immediate technical support to ensure great power output and reliability.
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About PrimeVOLT
PrimeVOLT, a subsidiary energy company of Asian Power Devices Inc., is a leading photovoltaic inverter manufacturer in Taiwan. The PrimeVOLT team is a pioneer in the field of renewable energy in Taiwan. The motto – “cultivate locally, think globally”- best captures the spirit of the team which markets the name, PrimeVOLT, as a global brand. PrimeVOLT products have earned the ‘Golden Pin Design Award’ from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and are a first choice in the solar energy industry.
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