Ingeteam Inc Announces New Solution To Upgrade Existing Solar PV Systems Using Ampt String Optimizers

MILWAUKEE and FORT COLLINS, Colo., Sept. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ingeteam, Inc., a market leader specializing in the development of electrical equipment, motors, generators, frequency converters, electrical engineering and generation plants and Ampt LLC, a global leader in power conversion technology, today announced the availability of a new solution to repower large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that require inverter replacement. The solution uses Ampt String Optimizers along with Ingeteam's advanced inverter technology to improve power plant performance and increase asset returns.

Many of the GW of PV projects deployed early in this decade use inverters that were immature and have become unreliable. These inverters cause significant downtime, missed production, lower returns, significant work for the owners and increased consumption of fossil fuel. To make matters worse, some providers of these machines have gone bankrupt or exited the PV market making spares and repair knowledge scarce

With over 42 GW of wind inverters and 8GW of PV inverters deployed worldwide, Ingeteam is a renowned provider of Power and Control Electronics for renewable energy. This experience enables the company to help customers struggling with poorly operating PV plants due to inverter performance and downtime.

"Due to dramatic increases in Power Density and reduction in the cost of modern inverters, Ingeteam inverters coupled with Ampt String Optimizers, can repower systems to improve production and reduce O&M costs to create payback times of 3-5 years for our customers," said Nohra Nasr, Head of PV Sales & Business Development - USA.

Ampt String Optimizers are DC-to-DC converters that put dual maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) on each string of PV modules to improve the system's lifetime performance. Ampt's patented technology recovers approximately 60% of energy losses caused by the electrical imbalances which occur as systems degrade. When used to repower existing PV systems, Ampt optimizers are connected to the existing wires and combiners and include optional wireless communication for remote monitoring and enhanced O&M.

Ingeteam's repowering solution includes a performance and engineering evaluation, installation of Ingeteam 100KW string or 1MW central inverters, Ampt String Optimizers which enable 1000V inverters to operation at full rated power with a 600Vdc max system voltage, and installation services through world-class EPC partners. Third-party financial entities are also available and can provide 5 year financing which can be cash-flow positive through increased production and reduced O&M cost.

Ampt optimizers allow 1000-volt inverters to deliver full rated output power in 600-volt systems. Likewise, 1500-volt inverters achieve full rated output power in 1000-volt systems with Ampt. The result is a lower cost per watt inverter utilizing modern technology and a higher performing PV array. 

"Our cooperation with Ingeteam is a significant advantage for the market by combining industry-leading power conversion and control products," said Levent Gun, CEO of Ampt. "By working together we will better enable our customers to realize more value out of their investments."

To learn more about Ampt, visit their booth # 1127 at Solar Power International – September 11-13, 2017 or http://www.ampt.com. To learn more about Ingeteam, visit their booth # 2826 at Solar Power International or visit http://www.Ingeteam.com/.

About Ingeteam:  Ingeteam is a global company specializing in power and control electronics (inverters, frequency converters, controllers and protections), generators, motors and pumps, electrical engineering and automation projects.  Ingeteam develops its products in wind, PV, hydro and fossil fuel power generation; the metal processing industry; marine; rail traction; power grid, including substations, always seeking to optimize energy consumption and to maximize generating efficiency. The company operates throughout the world, employing 3,800 persons. R&D is the backbone of Ingeteam's business activity, in which 5% of the company's turnover is invested annually.

About Ampt:  Ampt delivers innovative power conversion technology and communications capabilities that improve the way PV systems are designed. With installations and experience serving markets around the world, the company is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado and has sales and support locations in North America, Europe, Japan and South Korea as well as representation in Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Along with our strategic partners in the HDPV Alliance, Ampt is lowering the cost of solar energy, improving project ROI, and broadening the PV solar market.

SOURCE Ampt, LLC