Transphorm Partners With Tata Power Solar to Introduce India's Most Efficient Solar Inverter

GOLETA, Calif., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Transphorm Inc. announced today that it is partnering with Tata Power Solar, to introduce India's most efficient solar inverter using Transphorm's patented EZ-GaN^TM technology. This collaboration enhances Tata Power Solar's position as a solar solutions and technology leader, by launching inverters based on Transphorm's unique GaN-based power switching platform.

Currently widely used in LEDs, GaN is the next generation in power electronics. The GaN transistor combines low switching and conduction losses, offering reduced energy loss of more than 50 percent compared to conventional silicon-based power conversion designs. Transphorm has established the industry's first and only qualified 600V GaN device platform with its TPH Series portfolio of GaN products, backed by its world-leading GaN power IP portfolio.

Under the partnership, Transphorm will supply GaN transistors, while Tata Power Solar will locally manufacture and market the GaN-powered solar inverters. The first PV Inverter product is scheduled to be released in early 2015.

"We are pleased to partner with Transphorm to develop indigenous world-leading solar conversion," said Mr. Ajay Goel, CEO, Tata Power Solar. "Our intent is to lead in green energy. The inverter technology being developed has broad applications beyond solar conversion and we anticipate these energy efficient applications will find usage across various Tata companies."

"By designing our solar inverter product family with Transphorm's industry-leading and qualified EZ-GaN^TM platform, Tata Power Solar will provide the Indian energy sector with a compact and higher efficiency PV Inverter as well as a roadmap of higher performance and smaller form factor solar PV power," said Dr. Arul Shanmugasundram, EVP Projects and CTO for Tata Power Solar. "This world-leading product family will accelerate India's adoption of solar energy, enabling the goal of using renewables to power 20 percent of India's energy needs by 2020."

"Tata's partnership with Transphorm is a testament to continued validation of Transphorm's undisputed leadership in addressing global power conversion needs," said Dr. Umesh Mishra, Chairman, Transphorm Inc. "We look forward to working with TATA to bring energy savings directly to enterprises and consumers."

Transphorm's efficient, compact and easy-to-embed solutions simplify the design and manufacturing of a wide variety of electrical systems and devices, including power supplies and adapters, PV Inverters for solar panels, motor drives and power conversion for electric vehicles. Transphorm's access to automotive class quality, high volume foundry manufacturing through its business partnership with Fujitsu enables it to meet growing demand from global customers adopting energy-saving GaN power conversion products. For customers looking for a low-risk roadmap to the next generation of power conversion technology, EZ-GaN^TM provides a cost-effective, customizable and easy-to-use solution ready for commercial scale. For more information about Transphorm, visit www.transphormusa.com.               

About Transphorm
Transphorm is redefining electric power conversion, providing cost-competitive and easy-to-embed power conversion modules that reduce costly energy loss by more than 50 percent, and simplify the design and manufacturing of motor drives, power supplies and inverters for solar panels and electric vehicles. From material technology and device fabrication to circuit design and module assembly, Transphorm designs and delivers its power conversion devices and modules to meet the needs of global customers. By creating an ecosystem of electrical systems manufacturers powered by Transphorm, the company accelerates the adoption of application-specific power modules and paves the way for the next generation of electrical systems designed for optimal efficiency.

About Tata Power Solar
Tata Power Solar (TPS), with 25 years of deep domain expertise, is one of the pioneering solar manufacturers in the world and India's largest specialised EPC player. TPS, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, was founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Tata Power and British Petroleum Solar (BP Solar). Headquartered in Bangalore, Tata Power Solar operates three world-class manufacturing units in Bangalore, with a production capacity of 200 MW of modules and 180 MW of cells. It has completed more than 160 MW of ground-mount utility scale and 40 MW of rooftop and distributed generation projects across the country as of FY14. It also offers a diverse line of solar products for both urban and rural markets – these include water heaters, home lighting, street lighting, power packs, and water pumps among others. Tata Power Solar has a strong national presence with 8 regional offices, 40 authorized service centres plus a network of more than 1000 channel partners nationwide. Tata Power Solar is committed to enabling solar everywhere and aims to provide energy access to millions of people across the country via its integrated solar solutions. For more information, visit: www.tatapowersolar.com

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SOURCE Transphorm Inc.