Why Are Smart Modules Increasing In Popularity?

SolarBridge

SolarBridge and SolarEdge both point to product differentiation as incentive for manufacturers to start producing smart modules.

“The right partnership with an MLPE provider can offer a module manufacturer expanded profit margins, better brand visibility [and] access to leading installers who want to be able to offer innovative technologies,” says Craig Lawrence of SolarBridge.

“Although add-on units are just as simple to install, smart modules also offer installers an opportunity to further reduce the part count at a project site,” says Michael Rogerson, North American marketing manager for SolarEdge.

Essentially, Smart Modules are shifting the integration of technology into the PV manufacturing process, resulting in lower labor costs for installing inverter components.

With that, however, installers and PV manufacturers may run into issues with inventory management because they would now need a smart module and regular module for different applications, says Michael Ludgate, VP of business development at APS America.

Lawrence of SolarBridge addresses another concern regarding the emerging smart module market, one that installers and consumers need to be well aware of: Companies creating “smart” modules that “really aren’t that smart.”

“As MLPEs continue their growth, it will be tempting for power electronics companies to offer an “integrated” product,” he says.

After all, integration is more than just a matter of combining two products behind or on a module.

“The best product integrations are the result of hard work, joint testing of the product in the lab and in the field and qualification of the combined product under UL standards,” Lawrence says. “Only then will you get an integrated product that is safe, reliable and of course, smart.”

http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2014/05/smart-modules-increasing-popularity/